Expert: Justin Choo - 6/29/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Justin,
Thanks for taking the time to read my question. I was wondering if following the five precepts to the best of one's ability, and living a life of kindness and compassion increases the chances of a human rebirth that will enable further development along the path to eventual enlightenment and nirvana?

ANSWER: Hi Leila,

Your question leads to a very affirmative answer.  Yes!

The lesser unwholesome actions we commit, the greater the chance for us to improve our moral character; and paves the way for our onward journey to ultimate release.

Thanks for asking me.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Justin,
Your response gave me hope and put my mind at somewhat more ease. Much heartfelt thanks for that. However, I've read that obtaining a human rebirth is almost impossible, therefore...even if I follow the precepts and cultivate compassion, kindness and mindfulness, is it possible that a rebirth in a different realm is more likely? thereby moving one away from the path for a long time?

Thanks for your time,
Leila

Answer
Hi Leila,

The subject of rebirth calls for also a study on Kamma.  It is the storehouse of our kamma from our past lives plus the present one that determines our next rebirth.  As such it is not an easy question to answer where one will be reborn.  We can only hope that whatever good we have contributed and whatever spiritual advancement that we have achieved would lead us to have a good and appropriate rebirth.  

Some teachers would say that if you did "this," you would be reborn "there."  And if you did "that," you be reborn "somewhere else."  My opinion is that this is too simple an assumption.  I wouldn't be too worried over where I would be reborn.  I would concentrate on my present life; and to live accordance with the Dhamma, the Buddha's teachings, which are about contentment, compassion, harmlessness, mindfulness, and peace within oneself.  It is said that when one lives in accordance with the Dhamma, the Dhamma will protect the person.

Hope this helps.
    
Take care.

Justin Choo