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Buddhists/Holy Spirit in Buddhism
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Question
QUESTION: Please I interested in knowing about the concept of spirit in Buddhism
ANSWER: Hi Chidi,
Beings exist in many forms. In this physical world we can see the different living beings of all shapes and sizes. The Buddha revealed that there were beings in other dimensions. Ghosts and spirits are living beings in their own rights. The concept of rebirth in Buddhism takes into account the possibility of any being to be reborn as a ghost or spirit. "Spirits" are of different kinds. There are good spirits and evil spirits. For lack of a better term, good spirits can be termed as good angels, or in Buddhist term "devas." Buddhists believe that these devas can help them in some ways in worldly affairs. These devas have very long lifespan, but in the end they too have to die. As for evil spirits, you know better than me!
As Buddhists, we are advised to lead a harmless and peaceful life. In so doing, our wholesome and noble lifestyle will help us live a less troublesome life.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Justin Choo
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for your answer. Please is there anything like Holy Spirit in Buddhism just as we have it in Christianity
Hi Chidi,
Welcome back.
"Holy Spirit" in Christianity is a Christian concept. It is a futile exercise trying to relate Christian concepts with Buddhism. Likewise it is also not possible to bring Buddhist concepts into Christianity.
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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