Expert: Bodhicitta - 8/21/2006

Question
Dear Bodhicitta ,
Being a Buddhist and my love to practise Dhamma is considered the most precious thing in my  life and i hope i can achieve Nibanna in this life time .
I have two questions as below :
Question 1 )  If i fail to achieve Nibanna in this life time  and take rebirth as a human or Deva in my next life , will i continue to become a Buddhist with the same intense love to practise Dhamma in my next life ?

QUESTION 2) If my love for being a Buddhist and my love for practising Dhamma in this life time does not serve as guarantee that the same interests will go on in my next life ,what should i do in this very life time so that will at least guarantee me to continue to become a Buddhist with the same intensity in Dhamma practice in my next life ( assuming i fail to achieve Nibanna in this life time )

I asked you the above two questions is because i just want to make sure i will continue to become a Buddhist and my love for the Dhamma will never change from one life time to another until i achive Nibanna

Thank you very much .  

Answer
Dear Poh Kian Bin

Its is said that taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and not committing deads of heavy Karma is said to be a cause for continued rebirth in the higher realms and continued contact with the Dharma in future lives.

There are various commentaries and teachings on Karma. Nibbana is guarenteed once you reach Stream entry level. It is also said elsewhere that rebirth as a human is as rare as a turtle in a vast ocean surfacing into a small hoop which is floating on the ocean - so practice the dharma now!Do not delay.

In the Mahayana vehicles Nibbana is only one step in a much vaster journey which results in Buddha hood. It is said that this journey takes on incalcuable kalpa which is a very large period of time and takes countless lifetimes.
great beings on this path are said to sometimes pray to be born in the lower realms so that they can help beings who suffer.

Keep practising!
Bodhicitta