Neither Annihilation nor Eternity Saito: it seems that many people view life and death based on this doctrine of annihilation, or what we might call “annihilationism.” At the same time, the concept of an immortal soul is also prevalent in many forms. This is the doctrine of eternity, the idea that there is an unchanging “soul” distinct from the body and that continues on forever. Both concepts however are rejected by Buddhism. Ikeda: Yes. There is no such thing as a spiritlike entity that flutters through the air. All that really exists is the oneness of body and mind. When we die, our life, in a vast state of nonsubstantiality, becomes one with the universe. Both the doctrine of annihilation and the doctrine of eternity are flawed. Each is a biased view that accounts for only one side of the truth. The Energy of Karma Continues after Death Saito: We still haven’t answered the question of what it is that continues after death. Specifically, Buddhism explains the concept selflessness, denying the existence of a soul after death. It teaches that there is no “self” that lives as an eternally unchanging entity. At the same time, it teaches that life continues after death, and in a qualified sense recognizes the concept of transmigration. We need to consider whether these two views are contradictory. Ikeda: What continues after death? Shakyamuni’s conclusion is that Karma continues. Our circumstances in this present life are the effect of our past actions (karma), and our actions in the present determine the circumstances of our lives in the future. In other words, the influence of our actions carries on from on existence to the next transcending life and death. Saito: Karma, as indicated by the concept of the three categories of action – thoughts, words and deeds – means both physical and spiritual activity. What we have done, what we have said, what we have thought – the consequences of all these actions continue into the future unabated. When you think about it, this is an extremely strict perspective on causality. Ikeda: That’s right. Essentially, it is the energy of karma that continues beyond birth and death. THE WISDOM OF THE LOTUS SUTRA – A DISCUSSION – VOLUME IV – EXAMINING CHAPTER 16
Posted on: Mon, 19 Aug 2013 20:18:50 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015