what do you guys think happens after death?

[RetroChaos]

You know when you fall asleep and you don't even dream? No? Well it's like that. Just nothing. You're not sentient anymore, that's the whole reason to die. Gone. Poof. There's no "afterlife" - you've just ended it. You're not even in limbo. You just do not exist anymore. Once you've made peace with that fact, it's comforting. Heaven and hell (and all analogues to them) are just a fairy tale made to give people comfort and solace to what happens to people when those who die aren't around anymore.

 

[DontplayGod]

You know when you fall asleep and you don't even dream? No? Well it's like that. Just nothing. You're not sentient anymore, that's the whole reason to die. Gone. Poof. There's no "afterlife" - you've just ended it. You're not even in limbo. You just do not exist anymore. Once you've made peace with that fact, it's comforting. Heaven and hell (and all analogues to them) are just a fairy tale made to give people comfort and solace to what happens to people when those who die aren't around anymore.

I genuinely do not understand how people find comfort in an afterlife. I was raised in a religious household, the thought that I would have to exist forever made me legit pass out like 3 times as a kid. Absolute nothingness seems ideal, existing is exhausting, even if in the most perfect world.

 

[SuicidallyCurious]

I genuinely do not understand how people find comfort in an afterlife. I was raised in a religious household, the thought that I would have to exist forever made me legit pass out like 3 times as a kid. Absolute nothingness seems ideal, existing is exhausting, even if in the most perfect world.

The concept of heaven really seems strange to me.

The best part of life was coping with it and observing all kinds of strange / unexplained / new phenomenon. What makes life interesting is the unknown and unknowable.

If I think of life the most boring moments would be what heaven describes , hanging around with the family eating etc. and just relaxing. So boring

 

[DontplayGod]

The concept of heaven really seems strange to me.

The best part of life was coping with it and observing all kinds of strange / unexplained / new phenomenon. What makes life interesting is the unknown and unknowable.

If I think of life the most boring moments would be what heaven describes , hanging around with the family eating etc. and just relaxing. So boring

Absolutely agree, and even if heaven were a place with a ton of new and interesting things it would still get boring after a while. You will live forever, you will eventually do everything there is to do in a trillion years and you will live day after day with no end which seems terrifying, even if there was something new to do every single day of this infinite life. These things would just be a distraction or a way to cope with the reality of a life for eternity.

 

[SuicidallyCurious]

Absolutely agree, and even if heaven were a place with a ton of new and interesting things it would still get boring after a while. You will live forever, you will eventually do everything there is to do in a trillion years and you will live day after day with no end which seems terrifying, even if there was something new to do every single day of this infinite life. These things would just be a distraction or a way to cope with the reality of a life for eternity.

I believe what you wrote here except I feel like you already described what we have on earth (for some).

For your average first worlder you max out the hedonic treadmill. You don't have to be rich just well enough. You max it out and when you hit that point nothing seems to work anymore. It all becomes pointless. I've not even gone into illegal drug use and I'm already here .

 

[dropintheocean]

Mind stream?

There is no such concept in Buddhism. Existence itself is fundamentally empty of such phenomenon. All is impermanence. The realization of this, is the liberation from the illusion of a self. You're suggesting a kind of panpsychism, or panentheism but these features are not essential to understanding or practicing Buddhism.

Nirvana is said to be identical with anatta (lit. non-self) and sunyata (emptiness). It is a state of ultimate freedom: freedom from sorrow, but also freedom from happiness. Nirvana is sometimes translated as "To be free from entangled roots," or "To escape from the woven web." In ancient Sanskrit, the three syllables (nir+var+na) have multiple meanings, as a noun it most commonly means "extinction" or "vanishing from sight". There's a verbal root "va", which means "to blow." With the prefic "nir" which changes the meaning to "down" or "out", it becomes the verbal root "nirva", "to cease to blow, to be blown out or extinguished" (like when a candle is blown out). It refers both to the act and the effect of blowing at something to put it out, but also the process and outcome of burning out, becoming extinguished. The particle Nir is a form of negation, meaning "without".

It represents transcendence from suffering, karma, and samsara, and is sought through the extinction of desire and individual consciousness.

Nirvana is also used synonymously with moksha (Sanskrit), also vimoksha, or vimutti (Pali), "release, deliverance from suffering". In the Pali-canon two kinds of vimutti are discerned:

• freedom of mind; it is the qualified freedom from suffering, attained through the practice of concentration meditation (samādhi). Vetter translates this as "release of the heart" which means conquering desire thereby attaining a desire-less state of living.
• freedom through understanding (prajña); it is the final release from suffering and the end of rebirth, attained through the practice of insight meditation (vipassanā).

Nirvana is associated with a meditative attainment, the 'Cessation of Perception/Ideation and Feeling' (sannavedayitanirodha), also known as the 'Attainment of Cessation' (nirodhasamapatti). However in Buddhism there are two types of nirvana, one in life, and one final nirvana upon death; The first nirvana that marks one who has attained complete release from desire and suffering but still has a body, and a second nirvana representing the fading away without remainder, a cessation of everything, giving it up, and relinquishing, or letting it go, without clinging to it. This is the final nirvana, or parinirvana at the moment of death, when there is no fuel left. The main distinction here is between the one who has extinguished the fires of passion/aversion/ignorance in life, and the final "blowing out" of all consciousness at the moment of death (which happens regardless of whether or not one has attained the first kind of nirvana).

Anatta means no abiding self or soul in any being, nor a permanent essence in any thing. This interpretation asserts that reality is of dependent origination, and that subjective perception is ultimately a delusion, a mirage (marici). In Buddhist thought, this illusion must be overcome, through the realization of anatta, which is nirvana.

Sunyata is literally emptiness or nothingness, where all subject-object discrimination and dualities disappear, there is no conventional reality, and only the ultimate reality of emptiness. This refers to the notion that all things are empty of intrinsic existence (svabhava). Perceiving events in the mind and the senses without anything lying behind them. This is called emptiness because it's empty of the presuppositions we usually add to experience to make sense of it. All objects are empty of essence, or intrinsic nature, themselves being only conceptual existents or constructs. Nature is fundamentally empty of such distinctions. Such objects cannot be said to ultimately exist in any way. This is true down to the atomic level.

The Prajñāpāramitā sutras also use various metaphors to explain the ultimate nature of things as emptiness, stating that things are like "illusions" (māyā) and "dreams" (svapna). This sutra describes how all conditioned things are like a bubble, a shadow, like dew, or a flash of lightning. Though we perceive a world of concrete and discrete objects, these objects are "empty" of the identity imputed by their designated labels. In that sense, they are deceptive and like an illusion:

Form is emptiness, emptiness is form
Emptiness is not separate from form, form is not separate from emptiness
Whatever is form is emptiness, whatever is emptiness is form.

This is not too different from concepts found in the Tao Te Ching, or the Upanishads.

Since all things have the nature of lacking true existence or own being (niḥsvabhāva), all things are mere conceptual constructs (prajñaptimatra) because they are just impermanent collections of causes and conditions. Things seem to arise as objects, remain for a time and then subsequently perish, but they are fundamentally empty of any real essence. The realization of emptiness is a key understanding which allows one to reach liberation because it is nothing but the elimination of ignorance/passion/aversion. This emptiness is the absence of duality between perceiving subject and any perceived object.

The present moment is a combination of prior states of the universe, and the laws of nature. Bound by causality in such a way that any state is determined by its prior state. Karma then is not actually a system of retribution or morals, but rather a intricate network of causality. Since all things in the universe are in a state of constant flux, or entropy, rebirth can be said to be taking place constantly, every moment there is a constant change of states from one to the next. This doesn't have to encompass anything metaphysical or supernatural.

Nature itself exists in an all encompassing web of being, it exists in a state of impermanence. Moment to moment your cells, molecules, atoms, are always moving, always in a state of flux, of constant death and rebirth and renewal... and no where among this is there found any real "you", any real essence; we speak of a rock as a rock, and a chair as a chair, but these things are fundamentally empty of any essence, there is no real "chair", no chairy essence, just collections of matter, molecules, atoms, that exist in a state of entropy. In all this there is a continuity of nature, and this is fundamentally empty of any self, any essence.

This ultimately means there is no mind stream, no metaphysical soul. You can speak poetically of the continuity of nature possessing "soul", as an all encompassing being, but this concept like any other is fundamentally empty of any real essence.

That first part you say is incorrect. Mind is very solid concept of buddhism and the whole point of a buddhist practise. And yes, the mind is empty, empty of solid self. Like all existence is. But its not that nothing exists.

No, Im not saying anything that would make my view panentheism. Its clear. Im speaking about buddhism. Please read more carefully and read more about Buddhism.

Yes, all those texts you share are basic buddhist view. And not contradicted with what I have said. Same things.

Mindstream concept is pretty basic in buddhism with different terms used. Sometimes used just mind. Even Buddha (who started buddhism in its current form)talked about reincarnation and how we have had many lives before this one and will many after. So many teachings of this in buddhist texts.

And if you think about it ofcourse something in us has to continue if there is reincarnation. If there wouldnt be something to reincarnate there wouldnt be reincarnation. Buddhist and hindus believe there is. Hindus usually say the soul continues. But since buddhist are big on emptiness of all phenomona and no-self so they often dont want to use the term soul. Why? Because it might give an impression that theres an solid, permanent, unchanging soul somewhere to be find. And there isnt. So they usually use the term mind.

The whole point of buddhist practise is to liberate ones mind from all samsaric mindstates like anger, agression, pride, attachment, aversion etc. By seeing through these with the help of vipassana practise. And ultimately recognizing ones mind's natural state awareness/rigpa as ones true identity. According to buddhism, that is the only "thing" (not a thing) that is permanent, not born, not dying, unchanging. This awareness has 3 basic qualities; clarity, positivity (same say aliveness or love) and groundedness. This you can know yourself through meditation practise. Everything else, all phenomena changes and are bound to change. Thats impermaness.

So yes, impermaness and emptiness are core doctrines in buddhism. And so is reincarnation, that mind or mindstream (without any solid-unchanging- self) continuing after death.

The thing is though that you can varify yourself the fact of impermanence and emptiness of phenomena through meditation practise. No need to believe anything. And what comes to reincarnation. You dont have to believe it even if you are a buddhist. You can leave it open as a probable possibility. But its a solid view in buddhism and hinduism.

All those texts you linked are correct according to buddhism. They just speak about the basics. But the conclusion you suggest is not correct according to buddhism;

""This ultimately means there is no mind stream, no metaphysical soul. You can speak poetically of the continuity of nature possessing "soul", as an all encompassing being, but this concept like any other is fundamentally empty of any real essence.""

I feel that you dont understand the point. Yes, you are right there is no permanent self or soul that continues after death. Since there is no such thing at the moment either when you are alive in this very moment. Thats the whole meaning of emptiness doctrine. But there is a mind that changes now, the basis of buddhist practise. And there can be a mind after death that continues (without a solid self or solid permanent soul, and without that solid essence like you suggest). Buddhist dont see the mind being only produced by brain.

I have a decades of background in buddhist doctrine and practise. I suggest everyone interested read about this more. Have to do other things now. Thanks for the chat and Im wishing you well! :)

 

[AnnyMyr]

We will not disappear after death. But will we be punished for s? I think yes.

 

[Red Scare]

That first part you say is incorrect. Mind is very solid concept of buddhism and the whole point of a buddhist practise. And yes, the mind is empty, empty of solid self. Like all existence is. But its not that nothing exists.

I did not say that nothing exists. That is simply not what I said at all. If you think that is what I have said, then go back and read it again. It is you I think who does not understand.

No, Im not saying anything that would make my view panentheism. Its clear. Im speaking about buddhism. Please read more carefully and read more about Buddhism.

Do you know what the word panentheism means? Or panpsychism? You're claiming there is some kind of mind stream. I have never encountered that term ever, in all my years reading about Buddhism. It certainly seems like panpsychism to me.

I mean, if the mind is fundamentally empty of any essence or self, then what is it according to you? And please reference Buddhist writings to illustrate your point.

Yes, all those texts you share are basic buddhist view. And not contradicted with what I have said. Same things.

Then where do you disagree?

Mindstream concept is pretty basic in buddhism with different terms used. Sometimes used just mind.

Maybe you could illustrate your point with some reference in a Buddhist text that references this idea of mind stream.

Even Buddha (who started buddhism in its current form)talked about reincarnation and how we have had many lives before this one and will many after. So many teachings of this in buddhist texts.

If there is no permanent self, and all phenomena are fundamentally empty of any permanent essence, then what is it that reincarnates?

The whole of nature is dying and being renewed and re-birthed from moment to moment. The cells that make up the body are constantly dying and being reborn, and when the body dies, the matter that made up the body is still transforming, and being reborn every second. It turns into worm food, and rots in the ground. And there is still no permanent identifiable self that exists in all of that.

And if you think about it ofcourse something in us has to continue if there is reincarnation.

Not necessarily. Exactly what is this something that continues, and is reincarnated?

If there is no self, no individual soul, then what reincarnates? And how does that happen, when science has not discovered any metaphysical or immaterial soul that transmigrates to another body?

If there wouldnt be something to reincarnate there wouldnt be reincarnation.

Rebirth doesn't have to mean anything metaphysical or supernatural, I have given you an interpretation of rebirth that doesn't rely on any supernatural suppositions, and is still consistent with Buddhist teachings.

Buddhist and hindus believe there is. Hindus usually say the soul continues.

The Hindu view is not unlike the view of the pneuma and the nous in Gnosticism. There is even a kind of demiurgos. I don't necessarily think there is anything in this view, or in Gnosticism (or any religion for that matter) that is inconsistent with a wholly naturalistic view of the universe. But that is an entire different discussion to be had, and we are discussing Buddhism here. So I use The technical terms associated with Buddhism to make my point.

But since buddhist are big on emptiness of all phenomona and no-self so they often dont want to use the term soul. Why? Because it might give an impression that theres an solid, permanent, unchanging soul somewhere to be find. And there isnt. So they usually use the term mind.

But mind itself is fundamentally empty, and doesn't have any permanence, so what do you mean? Exactly what do you mean by "mind", and how is that different from pansychism or panentheism? If you don't know what those words mean, please look them up.

The whole point of buddhist practise is to liberate ones mind from all samsaric mindstates like anger, agression, pride, attachment, aversion etc. By seeing through these with the help of vipassana practise.

The goal is not just liberation from emotions like anger and pride, etc. but liberation from the illusion of any sense of self, full stop. Because the self is fundamentally empty of any permanent essence.

And ultimately recognizing ones mind's natural state awareness/rigpa as ones true identity.

Yes, and what does this awareness denote?

That the illusory self if fundamentally insubstantial, empty of any permanent qualities. Ones true identity, is not anything at all. It is no-self.

According to buddhism, that is the only "thing" (not a thing) that is permanent, not born, not dying, unchanging.

Again, this is not inconsistent with a wholly naturalistic view of things.

There is an objective reality that is almost entirely unknowable to us.

Through meditation and contemplation, comes the awareness that there is no real self, no real subjective reality, and that what exists is empty of any real self.

This awareness has 3 basic qualities; clarity, positivity (same say aliveness or love) and groundedness. This you can know yourself through meditation practise. Everything else, all phenomena changes and are bound to change. Thats impermaness.

I don't see any contradiction here with what I have written above.

The awareness that develops is that there is no self, and that all phenomena are fundamentally empty. That we are in fact not our selves, but what we "are" is in fact not-self.

So yes, impermaness and emptiness are core doctrines in buddhism. And so is reincarnation, that mind or mindstream (without any solid-unchanging- self) continuing after death.

Again, I am not sure what you mean by mind, or mind stream.

There in fact no self that dies. There is nothing to reincarnate.

The thing is though that you can varify yourself the fact of impermanence and emptiness of phenomena through meditation practise. No need to believe anything.

Good, I am glad we agree.

And what comes to reincarnation. You dont have to believe it even if you are a buddhist. You can leave it open as a probable possibility. But its a solid view in buddhism and hinduism.

I have given you my view on rebirth. It doesn't involve a transmigration of the soul. According to our scientific knowledge, no such soul exists. And Buddhists teachings say there is no soul, no self, and all that exists is impermanence.

All those texts you linked are correct according to buddhism. They just speak about the basics. But the conclusion you suggest is not correct according to buddhism;

There is no authoritative Buddhism, no pope of Buddhism. This stuff is open to interpretation and I think I have done a good job of defending my interpretation with reference to buddhists texts.

I feel that you dont understand the point.

I could say the same. I have explained to you my views on everything from nirvana, to impermanence, to reincarnation.

Yes, you are right there is no permanent self or soul that continues after death. Since there is no such thing at the moment either when you are alive in this very moment. Thats the whole meaning of emptiness doctrine. But there is a mind that changes now, the basis of buddhist practise. And there can be a mind after death that continues (without a solid self or solid permanent soul, and without that solid essence like you suggest). Buddhist dont see the mind being only produced by brain.

I don't see any identifiable quality that could be called mind, that exists after death. An objective reality however does exist, and within that sits nature, which continues to renew itself through a series of deaths and rebirths. This reality is itself empty of any identifiable sense of self, or any qualities at all apart from existence and impermanence.

I have a decades of background in buddhist doctrine and practise. I suggest everyone interested read about this more. Have to do other things now. Thanks for the chat and Im wishing you well! :)

I myself have spent decades reading about Buddhism. I practiced meditation, and the experiences I have had have shaped my views on the matter. I have also studied comparative religion, theology and also the natural sciences, physics, and biology. I think I have a grounded and well rounded view of the matter.

 

[Eternal Oblivion]

"Will I live again? Of course, I live NOW!"

Don't know who said that but I found it interesting.

 

[Symbiote]

We all go visit the big Sky Daddy where he'll either grant us eternal bliss or eternal torment.

Eternal bliss is where everyone loves you no matter what you look like, though you can change your appearance to whomever. There's no poverty and no such thing as money because everything is given. This is your reward for living a harsh life in Earth's boot camp.

Eternal torment is filled with all the mild inconveniences of life. The floors are made of broken legos, Christmas music is played 24/7, your environment looks like post-war Ukraine, and all your suicide attempts to escape it fail and televised.

 

[dropintheocean]

I did not say that nothing exists. That is simply not what I said at all. If you think that is what I have said, then go back and read it again. It is you I think who does not understand.

Do you know what the word panentheism means? Or panpsychism? You're claiming there is some kind of mind stream. I have never encountered that term ever, in all my years reading about Buddhism. It certainly seems like panpsychism to me.

I mean, if the mind is fundamentally empty of any essence or self, then what is it according to you? And please reference Buddhist writings to illustrate your point.

Then where do you disagree?

Maybe you could illustrate your point with some reference in a Buddhist text that references this idea of mind stream.

If there is no permanent self, and all phenomena are fundamentally empty of any permanent essence, then what is it that reincarnates?

The whole of nature is dying and being renewed and re-birthed from moment to moment. The cells that make up the body are constantly dying and being reborn, and when the body dies, the matter that made up the body is still transforming, and being reborn every second. It turns into worm food, and rots in the ground. And there is still no permanent identifiable self that exists in all of that.

Not necessarily. Exactly what is this something that continues, and is reincarnated?

If there is no self, no individual soul, then what reincarnates? And how does that happen, when science has not discovered any metaphysical or immaterial soul that transmigrates to another body?

Rebirth doesn't have to mean anything metaphysical or supernatural, I have given you an interpretation of rebirth that doesn't rely on any supernatural suppositions, and is still consistent with Buddhist teachings.

The Hindu view is not unlike the view of the pneuma and the nous in Gnosticism. There is even a kind of demiurgos. I don't necessarily think there is anything in this view, or in Gnosticism (or any religion for that matter) that is inconsistent with a wholly naturalistic view of the universe. But that is an entire different discussion to be had, and we are discussing Buddhism here. So I use The technical terms associated with Buddhism to make my point.

But mind itself is fundamentally empty, and doesn't have any permanence, so what do you mean? Exactly what do you mean by "mind", and how is that different from pansychism or panentheism? If you don't know what those words mean, please look them up.

The goal is not just liberation from emotions like anger and pride, etc. but liberation from the illusion of any sense of self, full stop. Because the self is fundamentally empty of any permanent essence.

Yes, and what does this awareness denote?

That the illusory self if fundamentally insubstantial, empty of any permanent qualities. Ones true identity, is not anything at all. It is no-self.

Again, this is not inconsistent with a wholly naturalistic view of things.

There is an objective reality that is almost entirely unknowable to us.

Through meditation and contemplation, comes the awareness that there is no real self, no real subjective reality, and that what exists is empty of any real self.

I don't see any contradiction here with what I have written above.

The awareness that develops is that there is no self, and that all phenomena are fundamentally empty. That we are in fact not our selves, but what we "are" is in fact not-self.

Again, I am not sure what you mean by mind, or mind stream.

There in fact no self that dies. There is nothing to reincarnate.

Good, I am glad we agree.

I have given you my view on rebirth. It doesn't involve a transmigration of the soul. According to our scientific knowledge, no such soul exists. And Buddhists teachings say there is no soul, no self, and all that exists is impermanence.

There is no authoritative Buddhism, no pope of Buddhism. This stuff is open to interpretation and I think I have done a good job of defending my interpretation with reference to buddhists texts.

I could say the same. I have explained to you my views on everything from nirvana, to impermanence, to reincarnation.

I don't see any identifiable quality that could be called mind, that exists after death. An objective reality however does exist, and within that sits nature, which continues to renew itself through a series of deaths and rebirths. This reality is itself empty of any identifiable sense of self, or any qualities at all apart from existence and impermanence.

I myself have spent decades reading about Buddhism. I practiced meditation, and the experiences I have had have shaped my views on the matter. I have also studied comparative religion, theology and also the natural sciences, physics, and biology. I think I have a grounded and well rounded view of the matter.

Hi, im sorry not having time for discussing this as thorougly. You should go visit some buddhist forums or read more books about this. Theres even great talks in youtube from buddhist teachers. You can search "what reincarnates in buddhism" etc. writings about buddhust view on reincarnation.

Im sure we agree in many ways. I think we see eye to eye in most part about emptiness, impermanence.

Theres a high probability that we already have misunderstood each other and will even more. Thats why I feel this is not fruitful.

You dont have to accept the view of reincarnation. But it is a solid view in buddhist vehicles. It certainly exists as a view. Most forms of buddhism accept it. But you dont have to. Thats my point. Please read more about it if it interests you.

Our view differs in some things like this what you said;

"Ones true identity, is not anything at all. It is no-self."

-> No thats not completely what buddhism says. Buddhism says that theres no self. But theres form that changes + impermanence. But that theres also "something" that doesent change and is permanent; this one thing is called Awareness/Buddhanature/Rigpa/ground of being (so many names to describe this). That is our true identity and that is the same in all sentient beings. No self is not = not anything at all. Unless you want to call Awareness that (since its not a thing).

So in addition to Awareness (our true identity that doesent change) there is this human body and there is mind. According to buddhism this mind is not only produced by our brain but is much comprehensive. Its in relation to our body and brain but can exist without it. This mind holds subtle energies, emotions etc. and is not physical. This mind carries ones karmas and samskaras in this life and across lifes according to buddhism. So its seen a nonphysical aspect of us. This mind continues from life to life according to buddhism. That is what reincarnates with Awareness. But this mind is still empty of self and of course is bound to change. This mind holds the samsaric mindstates and selves we are liberating through vipassana practise and a buddhist path out from suffering and samsara. And out from cyclical existence. Ultimately attaining nirvana.

Like I said Im happy you are interested in this topic. You can search more about it from buddhist literature "what reincarnates" etc. Especially from Mahayana texts and teachers.

Take care!

 

[motel rooms]

We will not disappear after death. But will we be punished for s? I think yes.

Then be a good religious slave & don't kill yourself.

 

[Red Scare]

You dont have to accept the view of reincarnation. But it is a solid view in buddhist vehicles. It certainly exists as a view. Most forms of buddhism accept it. But you dont have to. Thats my point. Please read more about it if it interests you.

I gave you my thoughts on rebirth.

I personally think that stuff is more allegorical than literal.

-> No thats not completely what buddhism says. Buddhism says that theres no self. But theres form that changes + impermanence. But that theres also "something" that doesent change and is permanent; this one thing is called Awareness/Buddhanature/Rigpa/ground of being (so many names to describe this). That is our true identity and that is the same in all sentient beings. No self is not = not anything at all. Unless you want to call Awareness that (since its not a thing).

Nature is "form that changes", but nature itself doesn't change. It's very nature is change, and that is the only constant about it. This "one thing", is synonymous with objective reality. And in it is found no abiding sense of self.

I did not say that it was "nothing at all", but rather it is everything.

This awareness is called emptiness because it's empty of the presuppositions we usually add to experience to make sense of it. Though we perceive a world of concrete and discrete objects, these objects are "empty" of the identity imputed by their designated labels.

For Nāgārjuna the phenomenal world is limited truth and does not really exist in the highest reality (objective reality).

In the Prajñāpāramitā sutras the knowledge of emptiness is said to be the fundamental virtue of the bodhisattva, who is said to stand on emptiness by not standing on any other phenomena. Bodhisattvas who practice this perfection of wisdom are said to have several qualities such as not relying on any nimitta, or mental impressions.

So in addition to Awareness (our true identity that doesent change) there is this human body and there is mind. According to buddhism this mind is not only produced by our brain but is much comprehensive. Its in relation to our body and brain but can exist without it.

The mind is fundamentally empty of any permanent essence. It is also dependent upon a physical brain, there's no evidence of any kind of "mind" that can exist without a brain.

Unless you mean something else by "mind". And how is this "mind" qualitatively different than a "soul", or from panpsychism or panentheism?

This mind holds subtle energies, emotions etc. and is not physical. This mind carries ones karmas and samskaras in this life and across lifes according to buddhism.

There as never been any scientific evidence that anything non-physical can exist. What is this mind, what is it made of, how does it exist? Which Buddhist texts spell this out? As far as I know, there is no "according to buddhism", no authoritative Buddhism, no pope of Buddhism. So which texts, which sects, teach this mind that isn't a mind?

So its seen a nonphysical aspect of us. This mind continues from life to life according to buddhism. That is what reincarnates with Awareness. But this mind is still empty of self and of course is bound to change. This mind holds the samsaric mindstates and selves we are liberating through vipassana practise and a buddhist path out from suffering and samsara. And out from cyclical existence. Ultimately attaining nirvana.

There is no non-physical aspect of us, because there is no us, no you, no me. No selves to liberate. Nirvana is realization of no-self, of the fundamentally empty nature of the mind, and liberation from suffering and samsara. This idea of a mind that somehow exists apart from a brain makes no sense from a scientific view. I don't think Buddhism is mutually exclusive with a scientific or naturalistic view.

So again I ask you, what is this "mind" and how does it reincarnate from life to life?

Like I said Im happy you are interested in this topic. You can search more about it from buddhist literature "what reincarnates" etc. Especially from Mahayana texts and teachers.

Take care!

I have read several Buddhists texts/writings, I have watched several videos and talks on Buddhism. I have been on Buddhists forums, and on r/Buddhism.

I feel I have a pretty good grasp on Buddhism, and Buddhists terminology. I could sit here and quote texts all day to support my view. I don't have these deep lingering questions that I need answered through a further study of the texts, or by asking other Buddhists. I was asking you.

 

[Enigmatic Sailor]

It's like before birth. This short life is sandwiched between two eternities. Only place left to run is forward.

 

[dropintheocean]

I gave you my thoughts on rebirth.

I personally think that stuff is more allegorical than literal.

Nature is "form that changes", but nature itself doesn't change. It's very nature is change, and that is the only constant about it. This "one thing", is synonymous with objective reality. And in it is found no abiding sense of self.

I did not say that it was "nothing at all", but rather it is everything.

This awareness is called emptiness because it's empty of the presuppositions we usually add to experience to make sense of it. Though we perceive a world of concrete and discrete objects, these objects are "empty" of the identity imputed by their designated labels.

For Nāgārjuna the phenomenal world is limited truth and does not really exist in the highest reality (objective reality).

In the Prajñāpāramitā sutras the knowledge of emptiness is said to be the fundamental virtue of the bodhisattva, who is said to stand on emptiness by not standing on any other phenomena. Bodhisattvas who practice this perfection of wisdom are said to have several qualities such as not relying on any nimitta, or mental impressions.

The mind is fundamentally empty of any permanent essence. It is also dependent upon a physical brain, there's no evidence of any kind of "mind" that can exist without a brain.

Unless you mean something else by "mind". And how is this "mind" qualitatively different than a "soul", or from panpsychism or panentheism?

There as never been any scientific evidence that anything non-physical can exist. What is this mind, what is it made of, how does it exist? Which Buddhist texts spell this out? As far as I know, there is no "according to buddhism", no authoritative Buddhism, no pope of Buddhism. So which texts, which sects, teach this mind that isn't a mind?

There is no non-physical aspect of us, because there is no us, no you, no me. No selves to liberate. Nirvana is realization of no-self, of the fundamentally empty nature of the mind, and liberation from suffering and samsara. This idea of a mind that somehow exists apart from a brain makes no sense from a scientific view. I don't think Buddhism is mutually exclusive with a scientific or naturalistic view.

So again I ask you, what is this "mind" and how does it reincarnate from life to life?

I have read several Buddhists texts/writings, I have watched several videos and talks on Buddhism. I have been on Buddhists forums, and on r/Buddhism.

I feel I have a pretty good grasp on Buddhism, and Buddhists terminology. I could sit here and quote texts all day to support my view. I don't have these deep lingering questions that I need answered through a further study of the texts, or by asking other Buddhists. I was asking yo

I have shared some views buddhism holds in its doctrines and views with you. In all philosophies and world views theres always debates about different subjects, in buddhism too.

So personally Im not interested debating with you. If you dont want to accept certain buddhist views or concepts or doctrines thats totally fine.

I just shared theres lots of texts, sutras, teachings on emptiness, no self, impermanence, karma and reincarnation.

You can look them up yourself if the topic interests you. Im not here to teach or to debate.

Im wishing you well and peace!

 

[Spiritual survivor]

Fucking ridiculous. So child molesters, and wife beaters, who "believe in Jesus" in their final moments will be saved. And someone who never harmed anyone and lived a good life, but who didn't believe in Jesus will go to hell.

And of course this is all becuause Adam and Eve are the wrong fruit from the wrong tree.

LOL. We evolved from other animals, there was no garden of eden, no Adam and Eve, which means no original sin, and nothing for Jesus to atone and save us from himself for. Unless you believe evolution is somehow a lie from satan. Lmao.

Also, there is real evidence that a Jesus existed historically. At the most, even biblical New Testament scholars are forced to say the Jesus of the Bible is not a real person, but an amalgam or mythicized story of someone, who may or may not have existed, or several people, who may or may not existed. But one thing is sure, no miracle man who raised from the dead ever existed, that part is pure myth.

According to God all sin is equal. Some sin causes more damage to the self and others but he doesn't compare one sin to another. There is no hell, hell in the Bible is not some eternal fire torturous place that we are often made to believe. Hell means something different than what many pple think. I forget what my minister said. It's about purifying or cleansing or something like that. If a person does not believe that Jesus Christ came to save and redeem us for Adam and Eve's mistake that person will not be punished but they will not get the eternal life in paradise. So if u are not saved, when u die u just die and that's all there is. The Bible is the written word of God that was given to us through the men who wrote it down. I understand it is difficult to believe because God is a spirit and not physically visible to us. We see God through the manifestation of his creation, u can get more close with God by speaking in tongues. That wakes up your Holy Spirit so u can listen to his guidance more. When Adam and Eve lost the spirit, God said they would think of themselves as God and this is really the source of all the misery in our world. When man decided he is God is when we became selfish and could not love others the way we could with Holy Spirit active inside of us. People make the mistake that if u are just a good person u will have favor with God but the truth is u do not get favor with God through behaving well or by good works. We get favor with God through our believing in Jesus, and by obedience to God's word on how he wished for us to worship and love him. All people are sinners even the ones u think are just perfectly behaved from the outside, this is why u must become born again with the spirit in u to be saved. Speaking in tongues is how u turn on the Spirit. The more u speak in tongues the more God will open your eyes spiritually. So u will start to notice your own bad behaviors that u didn't notice before for example. The reason most people never get to know God is because they are never taught correctly and God gave us free will. He wants us to seek him. Another reason there is also a lot of evil in the world is because Lucifer controls the physical world here. The Devil is just as real as God is.

 

[jimmy7754]

I am going to die and fly with Jesus forever and ever.

 

[NoPersonality]

Hopefully eternal sleep.

 

[Hurt]

Nothing. Same as before birth. Everything stops.

 

[anxious_depressive]

I hope that after death there will be nothingness.
Or I will be able to meet with relatives and loved ones.

It scares me very much that hell or something similar to it can exist.

 

[Enigmatic Sailor]

I am going to die and fly with Jesus forever and ever.

Jimmy boy! Jesus saves. If life is not what you want it to be, ask God to grant you a new life in his holy name. Amen.

 

[Red Scare]

If you dont want to accept certain buddhist views or concepts or doctrines thats totally fine.

i e got no problem with the concept of rebirth, but transmigration of the soul into another body is not a dogmatic concept in Buddhism;

I just shared theres lots of texts, sutras, teachings on emptiness, no self, impermanence, karma and reincarnation.

I didn't see you reference a single text, or Sutra. I gave you my views on these things, and references to the texts and even quoted relevant passages.

You can look them up yourself if the topic interests you. Im not here to teach or to debate.

No need, I have already read about this topic extensively.

Im wishing you well and peace!

Tis is just disingenuous and dismissive. At least if you are going to be rude, you can be upfront about it. Tell me to fuck off, tell me I am wrong, but this is just so smarmy and fake.

According to God all sin is equal. Some sin causes more damage to the self and others but he doesn't compare one sin to another. There is no hell, hell in the Bible is not some eternal fire torturous place that we are often made to believe. Hell means something different than what many pple think. I forget what my minister said. It's about purifying or cleansing or something like that. If a person does not believe that Jesus Christ came to save and redeem us for Adam and Eve's mistake that person will not be punished but they will not get the eternal life in paradise. So if u are not saved, when u die u just die and that's all there is. The Bible is the written word of God that was given to us through the men who wrote it down. I understand it is difficult to believe because God is a spirit and not physically visible to us. We see God through the manifestation of his creation, u can get more close with God by speaking in tongues. That wakes up your Holy Spirit so u can listen to his guidance more. When Adam and Eve lost the spirit, God said they would think of themselves as God and this is really the source of all the misery in our world. When man decided he is God is when we became selfish and could not love others the way we could with Holy Spirit active inside of us. People make the mistake that if u are just a good person u will have favor with God but the truth is u do not get favor with God through behaving well or by good works. We get favor with God through our believing in Jesus, and by obedience to God's word on how he wished for us to worship and love him. All people are sinners even the ones u think are just perfectly behaved from the outside, this is why u must become born again with the spirit in u to be saved. Speaking in tongues is how u turn on the Spirit. The more u speak in tongues the more God will open your eyes spiritually. So u will start to notice your own bad behaviors that u didn't notice before for example. The reason most people never get to know God is because they are never taught correctly and God gave us free will. He wants us to seek him. Another reason there is also a lot of evil in the world is because Lucifer controls the physical world here. The Devil is just as real as God is.

You do realize we evolived form other animals? There was no garden of eden, and no original sin. There was nothing for Jesus to die and atone for, to save us from himself.

Imagine being an adult and believing in the devil.

 

[dropintheocean]

i e got no problem with the concept of rebirth, but transmigration of the soul into another body is not a dogmatic concept in Buddhism;

I didn't see you reference a single text, or Sutra. I gave you my views on these things, and references to the texts and even quoted relevant passages.

No need, I have already read about this topic extensively.

Tis is just disingenuous and dismissive. At least if you are going to be rude, you can be upfront about it. Tell me to fuck off, tell me I am wrong, but this is just so smarmy and fake.

Im sorry you cannot think that Im genuinely wishing you well. But I am. You should check out buddhist loving kindness, metta and tonglen practise. They are great ones to soften ones heart. They have helped me in the midst of intense suffering. Otherwise I mainly practise vipassana and dzogchen. My sangha friend just printed a shirt that says go find yourself. So I prefer to say that to you, but Im not sure if you find it funny. ;) Lets make this lighter my friend! Life is hard enough.

 

[DPJ187]

In my view we experience the same as we do before we are born. It's not being asleep because the brain is dead, we have no perceptions at all. There is always a chance of being wrong though as nobody knows, maybe that moment before our brains turn off is what heaven is, our brains neurons firing all together creating the world we want, imagine living in a dream where you know it's a dream but you can control everything instictively. A neverending moment of time that we live in forever, never knowing sadness or pain, only love acceptance and understanding. I cry as I write this as I say we dont know but I have hope, hope that I am wrong.

 

[CandyCane]

I believe there is something more.

Before my Dad passed, he told me "You know, I'm curious to find out what comes next." He saw his own father after he died and my dad is NOT a believer in that sort of thing. My grandmother swore she saw my late Grandfather in her back yard two days before she had an aneurysm and died.

I've experienced enough myself to believe we go on. I just want to see my family again and be free of this agony and torment. And be reunited with the people I am forced to leave behind in the blink of an eye. I believe love is forever. It just is.

I guess everyone just has to wait and see "what's next."

There's a lot of stories in hospice of nearly dead patients talking to deceased relatives. It's interesting.