Expert: John Willemsens aka Advayavadananda - 2/19/2009

Question
How does Buddhism view the need for re-birth and having hells, different realms of existence, etc.? In other words, what's the purpose of even needing to have hells or suffering in the universe at all? Why not just have Nirvana and no one need to suffer or become enlightened in the first place?

Answer
Hello Russ,

There are many forms of Buddhism and for instance we Advayavadins do not believe in rebirth, and, let alone, hells, etc.

But it is not a question of Buddhism 'needing' suffering, as you also say. What the Buddha taught is that (1) there 'is' suffering; that (2) the reason is grasping at and clinging to things and concepts which we believe to be permanent, but are not; and that we therefore (3) can do something about it; and (4) he shows us what and how, i.e. by following the 8fold path.

Have a look at our website at
http://www.euronet.nl/~advaya/index.htm

Kind regards,
Advayavadananda.