Expert: Justin Choo - 5/12/2011

Question
Hello Justin!
I hope you are doing fine.  I have a recurring question on my mind and in fact it's very simple:  What is death and what happens to us when we die? Is it ever possible for a human mind to know the truth or will it be forever shrouded in mystery for us?

Thanks for taking time to answer my question.
Regards,
Farshad

Answer
Hi Farshad,

In the Budhist perspective, we need to explain what is this life in us.  In layman's language, we have this physical body which is subject to decay and death.  No one can escape this universal truth.  We don't need any more proof for this.  The other component to this life is consciousness or life-energy.  This life-energy or consciousness uses this physical body as a medium to "exist".  When this physical body dies, the consciousness leaves it, and takes existence in another medium.  In higher levels of existence, this consciousness can even exist without a medium.  This is the cycle of birth and death, which we call rebirth.  

To use two simple examples.  The computer is like the physical body.  The electrical power is like the life-energy.  The second example is the electric bulb which is like the physical body and the electric power is the life-energy.  When the bulb is blown, you replace it with another bulb.

<<"Is it ever possible for a human mind to know the truth or will it be forever shrouded in mystery for us?">>
Buddhist believe that the Buddha's explanation is logical and acceptable.  It is unversal irrespective of who you are or what you want to believe.  When a person has cultivated his mind to a very level of concentration, it is believed that this person can "see" the process of rebirth.

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo