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Buddhists/why?
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Question
Why weren't we born in Nirvana in the first place and had to endure this suffering of existence?
I don't think that Buddhism has an answer on this.
Nobody can answer the why question, not even an Arahant, I believe.
Hi Liviu,
Welcome back.
I shall answer first, then I shall make additional comments.
The answer is in the 4 Noble Truths. The second Noble Truth to be exact. It is because of our attachments and desires that we are here. By the way, Nirvana is not a physical place where you can be born there. So there is no answer to your question.
Liviu, it is good that you have an inquisitive mind. However at times you need to stand back and contemplate on a wider perspective. "Intelligent and clever" humans tend to demand answers to everything. Well and good. But the problem comes when they are not satisfied with the answers provided. Sometimes when we are faced with the "why" question, ask yourself, "why not?"
Take care.
Justin Choo
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Answers by Expert:
Justin Choo
Expertise
When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.
Experience
I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple.
My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @
http://www.ksridhammananda.com
Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.
Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/
Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)
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