Rebirth | Rosemary & Steve Knowledgebase

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

3

9

Can you talk about wise attachments more? Also how to balance attachments to teachers and people.

Ref: 2001.07.x.03.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

8

4

A Zen master once said, "In the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind, there are few." Question: How can we avoid, break open routines in every day life in meditation?

Ref: 2001.07.x.08.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

5

4

Statement (this is Ananda here): One of the aims of our practice is the development of more and more unbroken Mindfulness throughout the day. Question: Is it possible to extend Mindfulness to the times of sleeping and dreaming? If yes, do you have any advice on how to practice Mindfulness in that way?

Ref: 2001.07.x.05.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2001

Steve

8

2

We're taught to reflect on the various ways we are fortunate, and the precious opportunity we have with our life. Could you expand more on the second part of this Reflection, the precious opportunity we have with our life? I would like more clarity on this.

Ref: 2001.07.x.08.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2005

Steve

8

If someone is dead for a long time, say 5 years, does it still make sense doing Compassion/Lovingkindness Meditation and wish them well in a possible other existence?

Ref: 2005.09.x.08.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2003

Steve

4

3

Lately I feel as though rebirth could be true. However, this view must be based on speculation, right? And if it is based on speculation, then doesn't it go against the teaching given by the Buddha in the Kalama Sutta?

Ref: 2003.07.x.04.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2003

Rosemary

6

If we die the Kamma decides in which realm we are reborn (I am going to rephrase that) When we die the Kamma decides in which realm we are reborn or how long we stay there. Does this mean if we are born in the god realms, we use up all our positive Kamma or are there qualities like the Paramis and Wisdom we keep in mind?

Ref: 2003.07.x.06.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2003

Steve

4

11

Could you explain rebirth and why the state of mind at the moment of death is so important?

Ref: 2003.07.x.04.11

Written answer

Rebirth

Special Retreat Germany June 2020

Steve

7

4

How to prepare ourselves to the death of our parents? Sadness will be but is there a way to prepare to deal with it?

Ref: 2020.06.x.07.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Steve

16

8

Can you please maybe tell a little bit more about what it was that made you believe in the process of rebirth. Was it an understanding that came after a certain experience or teaching or did it come gradually to you?

Ref: 2014.09.x.16.08

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Steve

12

15

What is reincarnation? What kind of our body-mind process is reincarnated? Do I have to believe in reincarnation to be a Buddhist?

Ref: 2014.09.x.12.15

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2014

Steve

14

We are encouraged to have Compassion for the living beings that might be killed due to our walking meditation and to do a Lovingkind wish for them. Concerning the potential of small animals, insects again, if I don't think they have the potential to walk the path, how can I wish for their Dukkha to end? Seems to me as if there is no realistic chance for them to end there Dukkha if they do not have the potential to make choices. What do you think?

Ref: 2014.09.x.14.14

Audio answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2004

Steve

4

1

Can I be a Buddhist and not believe in rebirth?

Ref: 2004.04.x.04.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2007

Rosemary

2

6

Can you clarify the relationship between Kamma and reincarnation, especially from animal to human, and vice versa?

Ref: 2007.01.x.02.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Steve

5

16

How long does it take between death and rebirth?

Ref: 2010.09.x.05.16

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2010

Steve

5

14

I understood there is no proof of God, and Buddhism does not speak of a God. Buddhism speaks about Kamma and rebirth, is there proof of this?

Ref: 2010.09.x.05.14

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2017

Steve

16

4

If you are in bad Kamma in one life, there are billions of options to be reborn in the next one, for example as a blood sucking tick, -imagination, I created that- with little hope of working on good Kamma for the next life, but at least not having enough brain to realize it "I guess". Were as Jim, who did something horrible to somebody and has to live with the guilt, who decides, is it coincidence or a creator besides the law of cause and effect, who decides?

Ref: 2017.07.x.16.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2015

Steve

12

4

Is the “four assurances teaching” for enlightened people, for us is it a motivation to get become enlightened, because we then have this these four assurances?

Ref: 2015.07.x.12.04

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2006

Steve

4

11

Is it possible that the Buddhist tradition of reincarnation has just been borrowed from the Hindu background that it was growing up in? It is one of the few ideas that doesn't sit comfortably with the verifiable experiential teachings for this life. Should we study the reincarnation via the Scriptures, or are just not bother?

Ref: 2006.01.x.04.11

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2008

Steve

4

3

Part of the death reflection wish on the board says: "May they use their precious opportunity to develop the mind." Does this refer to the moment of death? If so, how do we use the moment of death to develop our mind, particularly if death comes very suddenly or we are in a coma and unaware of anything?

Ref: 2008.01.x.04.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Steve

18

8

If rebirth is true, I would like to be reborn with more energy. How can I do that?

Ref: 2010.01.x.18.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Steve

12

6

Regarding the situation of many Afghan village women. I have read in the news about women who are widowed, forced to leave their country due to war, and have to find a way to earn a livelihood to support themselves and their families as refugees in Pakistan. Many of these women can't find jobs and resort to begging or prostitution. How can they "do the right thing?" Is prostitution wrong livelihood? How can we reflect on this skillfully?

Ref: 2010.01.x.12.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2010

Rosemary

17

4

In previous or future lives, could you be an animal or do you always stay human?

Ref: 2010.01.x.17.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Rosemary

7

3

When reflecting on death, in the back of my mind I feel reassurance that I will be reborn. Is this wrong thought, wanting to be reborn?

Ref: 2003.01.x.07.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2003

Steve

4

16

What does death mean to you? Do you believe in reincarnation?

Ref: 2003.01.x.04.16

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Steve

8

6

Could you please share the little Buddhist story about what can happen when we can't let go of our job at the end of the day?

Ref: 2011.07.x.08.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Steve

3

10

I am able to have compassion for people who are no longer alive, but I have difficulties giving them a loving kind wish. Do you have any suggestions?

Ref: 2011.07.x.03.10

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2011

Steve

3

2

The Buddha taught rebirth. Did he also teach why we can’t remember our past lives?

Ref: 2011.07.x.03.02

Audio answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Steve

4

5

Could you speak a little about the process of death according to Theravadin Buddhism. Why is it important what we think before we die? More questions: Why is giving one's organs after death not permitted. What happens, for example, to people who die doing extreme sports at the moment of highest excitement or concentration?

Ref: 2010.07.x.04.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Steve

3

10

According to the scriptures, who or what is deciding on Kammic deeds? For example, what human deeds lead towards rebirth as an animal in a nice home with caretakers, or what human deeds lead to be rebirth as an animal on the streets riddled with disease and suffering?

Ref: 2010.07.x.03.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2010

Steve

3

9

When we die and have to let go of everything in an instant, what will help us to let go? What tools and techniques are helpful in our daily life to help us prepare for letting go at death?

Ref: 2010.07.x.03.09

Written answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2003

Steve

4

3

My friend, who has just died, became terrified of death. She had always been a gentle caring person. I pointed this out but it didn't seem to help. What could I have done to help ease her fears?

Ref: 2003.04.x.04.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Rosemary

15

6

Why is it so important to have a strong and wise mind at the moment of death? Is it more important than any other moment?

Ref: 2019.07.x.15.06

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Rosemary

13

7

What did the Buddha say about rebirth/reincarnation?

Ref: 2019.07.x.13.07

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2019

Steve

12

16

Is there a special way for dedicating merits to the recently deceased?

Ref: 2019.07.x.12.16

Audio answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2006

Steve

4

1

If intention is Kamma, what about killing with a good intention. I read a story about a Bodhisattva who killed someone in order to save many others. How do we know what is good intention?

Ref: 2006.09.x.04.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2006

Steve

4

6

In what respect are the last thoughts before death important for rebirth?

Ref: 2006.09.x.04.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2005

Steve

3

10

What is the difference between reincarnation and rebirth?

Ref: 2005.07.x.03.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2005

Rosemary

7

10

Can we be reborn into each others' worlds? Can humans be reborn as animals, and what are the views on mentally and physically handicapped people? Is there something in their Kamma that gave them this handicap?

Ref: 2005.07.x.07.10

Written answer

Berlin QA September 2008

Steve

7

3

Could you say something about self-doubt in the practice, about not believing that you have the potential to open to difficulties.

Ref: 2008.09.x.07.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

Steve

3

2

Recently I met a person who wouldn't be alive anymore without a liver transplant 9 years ago. It made me aware of my indecisive attitude towards transplants. On one hand it could be an act of Compassion and Generosity, on the other hand some Buddhist traditions say that touching a body right after becoming brain-dead could have a negative effect on a possible rebirth. "If in doubt, don't," right?

Ref: 2004.09.x.03.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

Steve

5

3

What is reborn? Is it the ego, the mind, the consciousness or the personality?

Ref: 2004.09.x.05.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

Steve

8

The Tibetan book of death and life has a detailed description of what happens when one dies. Do you know if this is true and based on the scriptures? Does Theravada have a similar book or description of the process of dying?

Ref: 2004.09.x.08.08

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2004

Steve

4

2

Please, do explain why it is beneficial for the meditation practice not to have any alcohol?

Ref: 2004.09.x.04.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany July 2018

Steve

17

7

What is said about committing suicide, when we with the biggest wish for any Dukkha in the world committed?

Ref: 2018.07.x.17.07

Audio answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2005

Steve

4

3

Did the Buddha ever give precise teachings about dying and the after-death states similar to the Tibetan teachings?

Ref: 2005.04.x.04.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Australia April 2005

Steve

4

1

With observation, I have found it quite easy to see that the comfort of a person's material circumstances does not result in peace and wealth in the mind. I have met wealthy people who have poverty in the mind. But how is it then that the Buddha said that such poverty in the mind will result in poor circumstances upon rebirth. Shouldn't there be few poor people with wealth in the mind as a result and few rich people with poverty in the mind. In my experience this is not the case. Have such people changed dramatically in youth for either better or worse?

Ref: 2005.04.x.04.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

5

14

Is there anything to find in the scriptures about what happens between the moment of death and rebirth. In Tibetan Buddhism they speak about Bardos. Is there a belief in Theravadin Buddhism on that subject and what could be an appropriate way to think about this?

Ref: 2007.09.x.05.14

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

4

6

If everybody is the owner of their Kamma, is it my own fault when I am born in Bangladesh, for example, and have to suffer hunger and thirst?

Ref: 2007.09.x.04.06

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2007

Steve

8

14

Why do we have to forget our past lives? Isn't that a quite unfair part of this game?

Ref: 2007.09.x.08.14

Written answer

Special Retreat Germany September 2003

Steve

3

4

When we die, and if rebirth is true, what part of us is actually reborn?

Ref: 2003.09.x.03.04

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand July 2009

Rosemary

6

3

Does Buddhism teach anything about the moment after death?

Ref: 2009.07.x.06.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Steve

7

2

Is rebirth thought to occur immediately at the moment of death?

Ref: 2000.01.x.07.02

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Rosemary

3

1

Could you please repeat the Reflection to do before walking meditation, and maybe talk a little about Rebirth in relation to this?

Ref: 2000.01.x.03.01

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Steve

7

1

How do the two ideas of not self and rebirth go together? If there is not a self, what is reborn?

Ref: 2000.01.x.07.01

Written answer

Rebirth

Special Retreat Thailand 1999-2000

Steve

7

5

Why is it important to have a peaceful mind in our moment of death when you consider reincarnation is theory or belief, not a proven fact?

Ref: 2000.01.x.07.05

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2005

Steve

5

10

What is the concept of rebirth in Theravadin Buddhism?

Ref: 2005.01.x.05.10

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2002

Rosemary

7

5

Do you have any ideas where all the souls come from? The rebirth souls. There are 6 billion people on this planet, 100 years ago there was only 1 billion or less. I'm not sure about this number.

Ref: 2002.01.x.07.05

Written answer

Rebirth

Special Retreat Thailand January 2004

Steve

5

3

Last night, after the evening meditation I felt deep compassion and enormous sorrow. This morning when I recall all these various people, I feel powerless and angry. I hope that some deeper understanding of the Compassion and Equanimity Reflection would support my being able to stay with the compassion and let go of the helplessness and anger. Would you be willing to speak again about the compassion and equanimity reflection? And maybe about ten more times after that? I really want to understand this valuable reflection.

Ref: 2004.01.x.05.03

Written answer

Special Retreat Thailand January 2004

Steve

3

9

How can you wish Compassion/Lovingkindness to someone who died already? Do you mean it for their next life?

Ref: 2004.01.x.03.09

Written answer