6 of 21

Write now Article Tools

There are a number of interpretations of reincarnation within Buddhism. I will look at a minority opinion: Zen.

Some Zen schools totally deny reincarnation all together. For them, the focus of life is 'living in the moment'. In fact, they would suggest the only reality is 'now'. If this is the case (no history or future), how could there be any reincarnation?

Other Zen schools understand reincarnation as a way of explaining the newness of every moment. For example, are you the same person you were when you were a child? Physically you are, quite literally, a different person. The same could be said concerning your intellectual and emotional development. The 'you' that you now know is so very different from the 'you' that you experienced as a child.

These Zen schools take this line of reasoning further, arguing that you are not who you were last year, last week, yesterday or even a few minutes ago. In fact, in each passing moment you are a different you. So if you are always changing, who exactly are you?

They suggest that this process of discontinuity of who-ness can be understood as reincarnation. In fact, they argue that you are forever new, perpetually reincarnated in each moment. The you of the past no longer exists.

This continual capacity to change, grow and shed your old 'self' provides the basis for the potential of liberation from self all together. The letting-go of your self-oriented existence, to experience the holistic reality of life, isn't a lost hope or distant dream, it is an ever-present reality.

Learn more about this author, fifteenth of the sixth seventy.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about What is reincarnation??
We want to hear your view. Write now!