You are here:

Buddhists/Reincarnation

Advertisement

Expert: Bodhicitta - 5/25/2008


Question
Hello--
I have a question about reincarnation.  I do not mean to be disrespectful in any way.   If I were to die tomorrow in May, 2008, and subsequently be reincarnated, would it necessarily be the case that I would be reborn in the future (say, June of 2008, or sometime in 2009, etc.)  I ask,  because I dearly love the 19th century, and if at all possible, would like to be reborn sometime in the 1840s or 50s.  Is this possible?  Thank you,
    --Chuck

Answer
Dear Chuck
I think many things are possible. There are a universe of possibilities.
We have a very narrow idea of what might be possible in terms of worlds,
time and beings.

The aim of Buddhism is of course to escape uncontrolled rebirth.For this
you should practise meditation, then you could die skillfully.
Bodhicitta

Buddhists

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Bodhicitta

Expertise

JUST TO AVOID ANY CONFUSION: I ONLY ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATING TO PEOPLE'S PERSONAL PRACTICE OF BUDDHISM AND MEDITATION. I DO NOT ANSWER ACADEMIC QUESTIONS OR HOMEWORK QUESTIONS. THERE ARE MANY OTHER RESOURCES FOR THESE THINGS. HOPEFULLY YOU STILL HAVE AN INTERESTING QUESTION OR PERSPECTIVE TO SHARE. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR QUESTION...

Experience

25 years of studying, practise and training.
I have taught and practised Buddhism, and Meditation for many years. I am always happy to give a helping hand to other seekers of truth.

Education/Credentials
I am a life long Buddhist. I have followed a number of schools of Buddhism including Zen, Tibetan Buddhist and Theravada. I also have a post-graduate degree in Buddhism and am a Psychologist. I have taught and practised Buddhism, and Meditation for many years. I am always happy to give a helping hand to other seekers of truth.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.