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Expert: - 12/30/2009


Question
Buddhism does not admit the existence of soul or self. If that's so, then what about NDE (Near Death Experiences). How come these people report living their body and seeing themselves lying in bed or on the operating table?
What is that thing that leaves the body if not a soul or a self?

Answer
Dear Liviu,

Thank you for the opportunity to answer your question.

I am not sure where you get that Buddhism denies the existence of a soul or self. In terms of people having near death experiences, there are two possible explanations:

1. It is true, but unable to be proven
2. It is a dream state, and also unable to be proven.

So, in term of the thing that leaves the body, this is just the thing that leaves, whether you call it a self, a soul, a spirit, a mind or a consciousness, it is still the thing that leaves.

Sincerely

Phra Anandapanyo

Buddhists

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Anandapanyo Bhikkhu

Expertise

I can answer questions about Buddhist practice, Buddhist understanding and how to apply Buddhism to daily life. I can help analyze Buddhist sayings and teachings. In addition, I can help with questions Buddhism stories, fables and Vinaya(rules). I have meditated for over 10 years and can help you start with meditation. In addition, I can help provide insight into what to do when you feel that you have hit a wall with your meditation. My main area of expertise is how to think in accordance with Sammaditthi (the right view - and number 1 in the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path. If I cannot answer your question, I have many able teachers with over 20 years experience to help me, so chances are I will be able to find an answer for you.

Experience

I have been practicing Buddhism for over 13 years. I started studying under various famous Thai Theravada masters. Finally, I met and studied under Phra Acariya Thoon Khippapanyo who has recently passed away on Nov 11, 2008 and is widely accepted as a great Arahant (fully enlightened) teacher of our time. In addition, I have personally read and studied much of the Buddhist scriptures and popular literature available. I have recently undertaken the ordination vows and have become a Buddhist monk in the theravada forest monk tradition. I reside at a temple with many dedicated practitioners and great teachers. I have been practicing training my mind to be aligned with right view (sammaditthi) for over 10 years. I have also been meditating for over 10 years. In my time spent with Acariya Thoon, I learned many things and was able to incorporate them into my life. In addition to practicing Buddhism within temples and my home, I used to own two restaurants and managed commercial real estate. I had to deal with many different and problems. I learned how to use Buddhism to fix my problems, both externally (my environment) and internally (within me).

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Wat San Fran Dhammaram Temple KPY - a non-profit religious organization

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Electrical Engineering Degree from the University of California Santa Barbara MBA from San Francisco State

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