Another 'Rebirth' 'Reincarnation' Q

[Madhuri]

Hey guys, for the purposes of a debate I am currently having, I would like to ask the following question:

Are there Buddhists who believe in reincarnation (as opposed to rebirth) and what would be an estimated percentage of the amount who do vs don't? Is reincarnation fairly widespread in Buddhism or is it rare or non existent?

[koan]

not here.

[Odion]

Maybe folk Buddhism?
It also depends on how one views reincarnation and rebirth as differing. I know a lot of Buddhists misunderstand Hinduism's theology to the basics. Some of the stuff I've been told Hindus believe from Buddhists has been.. interesting.

The reincarnation v rebirth issue is something I've only seen by Westerners and a few non-Westerners who were educated in Western society or are talking in a Western context.

[indian_buddhist]

Originally Posted by Madhuri

Hey guys, for the purposes of a debate I am currently having, I would like to ask the following question:

Are there Buddhists who believe in reincarnation (as opposed to rebirth) and what would be an estimated percentage of the amount who do vs don't? Is reincarnation fairly widespread in Buddhism or is it rare or non existent?

0%: - Buddhists dont believe in Soul and there is no concept of a transmigrating entiry.......Soul or anything.

Most Buddhist believe in Rebirth (which is not the same as Hindu Reincarnation)......However a tiny proportion of Buddhists recently have begun to question Rebirth and a few of them also dont believe in Rebirth maintaining there is really just 1 life.

[indian_buddhist]

Originally Posted by Madhuri

Hey guys, for the purposes of a debate I am currently having, I would like to ask the following question:

Are there Buddhists who believe in reincarnation (as opposed to rebirth) and what would be an estimated percentage of the amount who do vs don't? Is reincarnation fairly widespread in Buddhism or is it rare or non existent?

All 3 schools of major Buddhism(Mahayana, theravada and the dalai lama one) reject Reincarnation and only uphold Rebirth (which is No soul).

In fact, both Anatta(No-Soul) and Anicca(Impermanence) logically mean that there can be No permanent entity left at any given time during lifetime or after death. everything is continuilly changing.

[Onkara]

Originally Posted by indian_buddhist

0%: - Buddhists dont believe in Soul and there is no concept of a transmigrating entiry.......Soul or anything.

Most Buddhist believe in Rebirth (which is not the same as Hindu Reincarnation)......However a tiny proportion of Buddhists recently have begun to question Rebirth and a few of them also dont believe in Rebirth maintaining there is really just 1 life.

Interesting My current understanding is that Rebirth is an " always on " phenomena. So we do not stop being reborn unless/until one recognises that life has served it spiritual purpose and there will be no rebirth. This recognition is enlightenment/nibbana.

[indian_buddhist]

Originally Posted by Onkara

Interesting My current understanding is that Rebirth is an " always on " phenomena. So we do not stop being reborn unless/until one recognises that life has served it spiritual purpose and there will be no rebirth. This recognition is enlightenment/nibbana.

yes that is true, rebirth is a "always on" phenomena......every second you are being reborn and you are not the same person as you were 1 second before.........

What you talking of -Stopping of Rebirth is Nibbana...or more accurately PariNibbana.......the Buddha has explicitly mentioned to stop speculating about what is Parinibbana and it should be only experienced by the Arhants.......Although keeping a goal towards attaining Parinibbana is justified even encouraged.

[Madhuri]

Thanks guys. That's what I thought, but there are still many people who think Buddhists believe in reincarnation. I used to think that too.

[St Giordano Bruno]

Would it be fair to say if a Buddhist believes in reincarnation it would be more based on his or her personal philosophy and nothing to do with his or her Buddhist beliefs just as know of some Christian that do and that has no connection with his or her religious beliefs?

[Engyo]

Originally Posted by Madhuri

Thanks guys. That's what I thought, but there are still many people who think Buddhists believe in reincarnation. I used to think that too.

Most of that comes from not differentiating (or not understanding the differences) between reincarnation and rebirth.