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Buddhists/The first precept and rebirth

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Expert: Bodhicitta - 11/25/2007


Question
Hi, I have 2 questions, the first is What is the importance of the First Precept for Buddhists?  The second is How does the belief in rebirth affect the life of a Buddhist? (more specifically a Tibetan Buddhist)

Answer
Hi Khaleel
By the first precept you are referring to the first of the
five precepts - not killing?
It is generally held that if Buddhists kill a human
then this is a very negative Karmic act - and they cease
to be on the Buddhist path. Killing other beings
can also be negative but not to the same degree - and will
not destroy the precepts completely. It also
of course depends strongly on the intention.

As for your second  question. Without some belief in rebirth
or at least a real openness to the possibilty of
their being continuity at death it is not according to
many Buddhist commentaries possible to be Buddhist.
It probably makes no sense to follow any spiritual path
at all - you may as well enjoy yourself and live for today.
Wouldnt you agree?
Bodhicitta

Buddhists

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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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