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Expert: Bodhicitta - 10/10/2007


Question
I'm having trouble understanding how the ideas of anatman and reincarnation are not contradictory. As I understand it, there is no such thing as a soul that survives death because there is no such thing as self. There is only a composite of various attributes that make up what most people think of as themselves. If this is the case, then there is no such thing as reincarnation or rebirth really, because how can someone be reborn if that person never really existed? Also, why should we care about the karma of this life if there isn't really a next life? (because we do not exist and thus cannot really be reborn)

Answer
Hi heather
There are various academic discussions on this question.
But I think Buddhism comes back to your experience. To explore
this question you need to train yourself in Buddhist meditation and find the answer out yourself!

Of course if you really 100% believe there is only this
life then why bother? But my guess is if your looking at
these questions you have at the very least an open mind.

Good luck
Bodhicitta

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Bodhicitta

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JUST TO AVOID ANY CONFUSION: I ONLY ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATING TO PEOPLE'S PERSONAL PRACTICE OF BUDDHISM AND MEDITATION. I DO NOT ANSWER ACADEMIC QUESTIONS OR HOMEWORK QUESTIONS. THERE ARE MANY OTHER RESOURCES FOR THESE THINGS. HOPEFULLY YOU STILL HAVE AN INTERESTING QUESTION OR PERSPECTIVE TO SHARE. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR QUESTION...

Experience

25 years of studying, practise and training.
I have taught and practised Buddhism, and Meditation for many years. I am always happy to give a helping hand to other seekers of truth.

Education/Credentials
I am a life long Buddhist. I have followed a number of schools of Buddhism including Zen, Tibetan Buddhist and Theravada. I also have a post-graduate degree in Buddhism and am a Psychologist. I have taught and practised Buddhism, and Meditation for many years. I am always happy to give a helping hand to other seekers of truth.

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