Suresh,
Well, what you ask is a common enough question in Hindu and Buddhist circles.
I wonder what YOU think about it.
In Ch'an and Zen sanghas where I was a part, the question was often put by
newcomers to the teacher, or shif-fu, or roshi. I've practiced formally for 35
years in these circles, and the question does sometimes come up, usually
brought by newcomers or visitors.
Invariably, my teachers recommended that we pay more attention to THIS life,
because it is the only life in which we can currently Practice.
The teachers took their job to be helping us to practice, not to be discussing
philosophy, nor even empirically scientific reality, with us. Time is short!
You will remember that there were famously 14 Questions that the Buddha refused
to answer. Yours is among them, in various forms.
These were questions that the Buddha claimed "...do not conduce toward
Awakening."
I personally do not know what to make of reincarnation, or past lives, and have
not really given it a thought. This, despite the fact that I am a Philosopher
by academic training. My interest in Practical Buddhism long ago overtook my
desire to work logically on philosophical issues.
However, IF the matter of past lives should present itself in experience, I
will pay attention to it at that time. Who wouldn't?
How about you?: What intimations of past lives have you had?
Regards,
--Joe
> "Suresh" <varamtha@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks Bill and Joe.
>
> I have understood. Now another question is , Buddha had mentioned about
> remembering his past lives. Having enlightened and practiced zen for 40 years
> will you be able to remember your past lives? If not why?
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