Yes, I am reminded of the differences between, let's say, Joseph Goldstein, who non-dogmatically insists (hopefully that's not too strong a word, but it was the impression that I got from him) that one must conclude in the reality of rebirth; whereas someone like Gil Fronsdal can't quite be pinned down, but I have seen an essay by him (again, I hope I'm not misinterpreting things) that suggests that the concept of rebirth was invented by later Buddhists, which would support the secular endeavor.
The best description of the doctrinal differences between the Buddhist schools that I've ever heard expressed clearly and with great humor was by Hyon Gak Sunim.
Thanks for these names! I will have to look into them.
Rebirth is a tricky one for me because it just seems too fantastical, but then many things about our world and our selves remain inexplicable, if not outright fantastical themselves.
Rebirth also might not be a true continuation of our individual consciousness, but a repackaging of sorts.
I try to square these ideas with the physical world we inhabit, where our consciousness is very much affected by the environment and the state of our bodies and minds. It seems hard to believe in a soul (or anything ineffable that is a part of us lasting beyond death) in the traditional sense, when we are so malleable and our experiences so subjective. A tweak to my brain chemistry can drastically alter my behavior etc.
So if I still want to think about rebirth, I feel I must conclude that whatever can survive death must be quite a bit more abstract than the consciousness I am familiar with.
sammalloy|4 years ago
The best description of the doctrinal differences between the Buddhist schools that I've ever heard expressed clearly and with great humor was by Hyon Gak Sunim.
courtf|4 years ago
Rebirth is a tricky one for me because it just seems too fantastical, but then many things about our world and our selves remain inexplicable, if not outright fantastical themselves.
Rebirth also might not be a true continuation of our individual consciousness, but a repackaging of sorts.
I try to square these ideas with the physical world we inhabit, where our consciousness is very much affected by the environment and the state of our bodies and minds. It seems hard to believe in a soul (or anything ineffable that is a part of us lasting beyond death) in the traditional sense, when we are so malleable and our experiences so subjective. A tweak to my brain chemistry can drastically alter my behavior etc.
So if I still want to think about rebirth, I feel I must conclude that whatever can survive death must be quite a bit more abstract than the consciousness I am familiar with.