Karma and Rebirth in Theravada Buddhism - Part 3 of 8

[mujaku]

In early Buddhism, consciousness (vijñâna, viññâna) is regarded as the transmigrant which survies man’s death (vide: SN.II.82, AN.V.300, MN.I.296, Dhp. 41). The Self, on this note, is not the transmigrant as it is immutable. Only in Nirvana does the mutability of consciousness appear to cease, resting in its own natural infinity and luminosity (AN.I.10).

[beansalinger]

hello

[destructicon500]

The "hedge your bets" argument for religion is pretty flawed. Why not just convert to all religions then?

[janespright]

So the buddhists teach the concept of rebirth and ask you to have faith in it...and that it's like a bet...cause you really cant prove or disprove it.But buddhism is defined as not working with faith,but certitudes.And then they give the example of the immoral human who is here to have fun because he has only one life...I`m sorry to say but our society evolved much since the Buddha and now,if you want to have fun with a girl without her consentment,it is rape and you do time in jail.

[janespright]

People know this,but they break the law not because they don't believe in rebirth or don't believe in heaven and hell.

So the argument is rather dumb my good sir.

Truth be told, rebirth is as good of a concept as heaven and hell.

And if you follow that line of thought,you don't need religion to be a good or bad person (not to mention here that what is "good" for you might be "bad" for another person,so what karma will that be good or bad,or what is good in this century might be wrong in th nxt)

[janespright]

So if you don't really need religion,why bother with it?

Peace and love towards all kind humans

[hairysuit]

@janespright

People break the law because they think they will get away with it. But they wont get away from the results of their bad karma. Be it an unfavourable rebirth, or unpleasant results in this life, such as guilt or unwholesome feelings.

As for religion. No we dont NEED it, but it is useful. The buddha likened his teaching to a raft. You use it to get over a river, or you drown. Most people cant swim well, spiritually speaking. But when you reach the far side, you ditch the raft!

[SriSatchitananda]

You're a good teacher despite my corrections.