Tu Viện Quảng Đức105 Lynch Rd, Fawkner, Vic 3060. Australia. Tel: 9357 3544. quangduc@quangduc.com* Viện Chủ: HT Tâm Phương, Trụ Trì: TT Nguyên Tạng   

Chapter 8 - The Cycle of Births and Deaths

21/01/201621:08(Xem: 3390)
Chapter 8 - The Cycle of Births and Deaths

BUDDHIST DOCTRINE

---&&---

 

DHARMA TALKED

THICH HUYEN VI

 

 

Chapter VIII

THE CYCLE OF BIRTHS-AND-DEATHS

 

 

“SAMSARA” THE CYCLE OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS (1)

 

            The question of life after death has been debated right from the beginning of philosophical speculation.  So many papers and documents have been written and so many philosophical have tried to discuss this problem endlessly.  In short, there are two theories which deserve our attention:

-          One theory holds that when human beings and animals die, they are lost.  There is no existence at all afterwards.  “Dust as they are, to dust they return”.

-          Another theory maintains just the opposite that the souls of human beings after death live forever.  Either they go to heaven to enjoy the happiness there, or they are condemned to hell to undergo punishment.

The two theories mentioned above are not correct.  Why?  After death people are not quite lost.  Nothing in this world is lost, not even small things like particles of dust or small feathers.  Less so the body of a man.  The other view what they should lives forever either in heaven or in hell is also wrong.  We know that a thing never constantly remains at one place.  On the contrary, it always changed; On the other hand, although there is constant change, there cannot be total annihilation, for man has to reap the fruits according to what he sows.

Therefore, the two theories, Uccheda-dristi, the view that death ends life for good, in contrast with the view that (personality) is permanent, are not acceptable to Buddhist.  According to the Buddhist doctrine, a being after death is not quite lost, nor does it love forever, but it is caught up in the cycle of births and deaths, in Samsara.

 

I. DEFINITION

 

            The term “Cycle of births and deaths” is equivalent to Samsara, a Sanskrit word.  In Chinese, it is called Lun-hui.  Lun means the Cycled, Hui means its movements.  The picture of the cycle turning is a sight very clear to all.  Lord Buddha used this image to illustrate the idea of moving in several cycles of life and death with 6 modes of existence. (2)  Sometimes beings are born in this world, sometimes they live in another world, always moving in the cycle of births and deaths which never stops.

            If we believe in the law of cause and effect we cannot refuse to accept the fact that Samsara exists, as described, because it continuously proves the theory of cause and effect.  Sometimes the cycles is hidden from our view, sometimes it appears, sometimes it goes up and down, is lost and then becomes manifest again.  This proves beyond any doubt the law of the cycle of births and deaths.

 

Gửi ý kiến của bạn
Tắt
Telex
VNI
Tên của bạn
Email của bạn
09/08/2019(Xem: 11252)
‘Dukkha and The Cessation of Dukkha’ are the heart of the Buddha’s teaching which are expounded in the Dhammacakka-ppavattana-suttaṃ(Setting in Motion the Wheel of Truth).[2] ‘Idaṁ dukkhaṁ ariyasaccaṁ’ pariññeyyan-ti ‘this is the noble truth of suffering’ refers (i.e. suffering itself) ought to be fully known.[3]
17/06/2019(Xem: 19250)
The Catering Unit of Minh Quang Retreat in Sydney, Australia has offered good services in a very solemn and deliciated manner and its very first meal reminded me of the nice smell of the Bowl of Rice of Fragrance in the old times.
24/04/2019(Xem: 10642)
Chanting - The Heart Sutra in English - Su Co Giac Anh
13/04/2019(Xem: 5459)
Every Step Is Peace and Joy_Most Ven. Thich Thong Phuong_Veb. Hue Can_7-08-2018
13/04/2019(Xem: 4798)
8 Lectures on Dharma_Most Ven Thich Thanh Tu_Ven Hue Can_7-08-2018
08/04/2019(Xem: 5621)
Being a so-called Westerner in this life, I'm often asked the question, "What are the main reasons you have chosen to practise Buddhism?". In answering this type of question, I normally give varying answers of varying lengths depending on who is asking and for what reason they are asking the question.
03/03/2019(Xem: 11373)
oin us in Melbourne for our annual AGM and Sangha get-together. Please click the button below to access more information, to download the flyer and to register for the ASA IN MELB 2019
29/01/2019(Xem: 11950)
HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR 2019 Year of the Pig Welcome to our LUNAR NEW YEAR EVE: Monday: 4/2/2019:From 6pm to mid-night), the program includes: Vegie Food Stalls , Prayers for everyone’s Ancestors , Repantance Ceremony, Cultural performances, Lion Dance & Firecrackers; Prayers for World Peace & Family Well-Being. All welcome, come & go at your own pleasure! Buddha Blessings & Our Best Wishes to you & your family
04/12/2018(Xem: 17163)
Within a tree, there is a flower Within a rock, there is a flame Dedication for Most Venerable Thich Nhu Dien on the ceremonial event of his 70th birthday, and 40 year-milestone for Vien Giac Temple to be established in Germany Bhikhhu Thích Nguyên Tạng Translated into English by: Dr Tâm Tịnh, Hoa Chí & Hoa Nghiêm “Within a tree, there’s a flower, within a rock, there’s a flame” is the dharma taught by Zen Master Dao, recalled by Most Venerable Thich Nhu Dien during his dharmic teachings to which I had good fortune to attend in his dharma-propagating journey to the United States of America in 2006 when I acted as an assistant to him.
13/07/2018(Xem: 11249)
Smartphone Overuse, Youth Suicide and Buddhism as a Healing Source, Youth suicide is disturbingly rising. Ashley Welch, in her article “What’s behind the rise in youth suicides?” (2017), gave some insights into the trend. The author mentioned potential causes for this trauma and notably pointed to “the correlation between the rising popularity of smartphones and increased rates of suicide and depression among young people” (para. 17). Although Welch did not offer a clear reason for the correlation, this point raises an awareness of an irony. We, as readers, may wonder, “How can such a wonderful entertaining device cause that terrible thing?” In this paper, I will discuss the roots of this pain, and then suggest Buddhism as a healing source.
facebook youtube google-plus linkedin twitter blog
Nguyện đem công đức này, trang nghiêm Phật Tịnh Độ, trên đền bốn ơn nặng, dưới cứu khổ ba đường,
nếu có người thấy nghe, đều phát lòng Bồ Đề, hết một báo thân này, sinh qua cõi Cực Lạc.

May the Merit and virtue,accrued from this work, adorn the Buddhas pureland,
Repay the four great kindnesses above, andrelieve the suffering of those on the three paths below,
may those who see or hear of these efforts generates Bodhi Mind, spend their lives devoted to the Buddha Dharma,
the Land of Ultimate Bliss.

Quang Duc Buddhist Welfare Association of Victoria
Tu Viện Quảng Đức | Quang Duc Monastery
Most Venerable Thich Tam Phuong | Senior Venerable Thich Nguyen Tang
Address: Quang Duc Monastery, 105 Lynch Road, Fawkner, Vic.3060 Australia
Tel: 61.03.9357 3544 ; Fax: 61.03.9357 3600
Website: http://www.quangduc.com
http://www.tuvienquangduc.com.au (old)
Xin gửi Xin gửi bài mới và ý kiến đóng góp đến Ban Biên Tập qua địa chỉ:
quangduc@quangduc.com