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Buddhists/The enlightenment of a newborn

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Expert: Bodhicitta - 11/26/2007


Question
I have heard that some form of Buddhism holds that an infant is born in some state of enlightenment, but that this wisdom is lost as the baby learns language. Is this true of any form of Buddhism, or all forms, or none? If it is true of any form, where could I get more info? --Thanks!

Answer
Hi Dave
It sounds completely at odds with Buddhist thought to me.
It sounds like a throw back to the CHristian idea of
being like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven!
Children continue with the Karma and mind stream of the
previous life - so they are as confused as the rest of us
if not more confused - by entering this life!
Bodhicitta

Buddhists

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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...

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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.

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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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