Motivation Without Reincarnation?

[AnonOfIbid]

The doctrine of reincarnation seems to me to have strong motivational effects for those seeking awakening. I've heard many teachers say belief in this doctrine is not required for attainment. QUESTION: are their any alternative/replacement doctrines and/or instructions to fill motivational void left for those who struggle with or outright reject reincarnation?

[retrofuturist]

Greetings AnonOfIbid,

The Buddha didn't teach "reincarnation". Often what the Buddha taught was quite subtle, and many people call what he taught 'rebirth'... but what is that exactly? Well, as the pages upon pages of discussion in this topic go to show, even that's not entirely certain.

The Great Rebirth Debate
http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=41" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But anyway, on to your main question...

Are their any alternative/replacement doctrines and/or instructions to fill motivational void left for those who struggle with or outright reject reincarnation?

Yes. For example, there is this...

MN 60: Apannaka Sutta
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Metta,
Retro.

[AnonOfIbid]

The Buddha didn't teach "reincarnation".

He didn't dismiss it though either. Are you saying every instance of his use of it was just him putting it terms his audience could understand?

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

He didn't dismiss it though either.

He dismissed all soul theories. See...

DN 1: Brahmajala Sutta
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .bodh.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Are you saying every instance of his use of it was just him putting it terms his audience could understand?

He didn't use the word "reincarnation", or any equivalent thereof.

See:
Which word is the Pali word for rebirth?
http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5309" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Pali Term for Rebirth
http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=2263" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Metta,
Retro.

[Goofaholix]

QUESTION: are their any alternative/replacement doctrines and/or instructions to fill motivational void left for those who struggle with or outright reject reincarnation?

To answer your question for me the motivation to practise comes from the "rightness" of it, it seems like the right thing to do, it makes sense, it works.

Rebirth or the lack thereof has never affected my motivation, speculation on the subject has only served to confuse or demotivate.

[ground]

The doctrine of reincarnation seems to me to have strong motivational effects for those seeking awakening. I've heard many teachers say belief in this doctrine is not required for attainment. QUESTION: are their any alternative/replacement doctrines and/or instructions to fill motivational void left for those who struggle with or outright reject reincarnation?

The best alternative "doctrine" certainly is: Practice earnestly and observe the change and don't care about what you cannot yourself directly witness. That is the only approach that causes certainty.

Having said this some would not start to approach this approach if there would not be the doctrine of re-birth (please not "reincarnation"). Some would perhaps prefer to commit suicide being deluded into believing that this would solve their problems.


Kind regards

[AnonOfIbid]

The best alternative "doctrine" certainly is: Practice earnestly and observe the change and don't care about what you cannot yourself directly witness. That is the only approach that causes certainty.

Having said this some would not start to approach this approach if there would not be the doctrine of re-birth (please not "reincarnation"). Some would perhaps prefer to commit suicide being deluded into believing that this would solve their problems.


Kind regards

[AnonOfIbid]

Now that's what I call helpful/useful/relevant. My bad. Should've searched for the topic first.

Are you saying every instance of his use of it was just him putting it terms his audience could understand?

He didn't use the word "reincarnation", or any equivalent thereof.

See:
Which word is the Pali word for rebirth?
http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5309" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Pali Term for Rebirth
http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=2263" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Metta,
Retro.

For the record: believe it or not, I've never, nor do I currently feel any ill-will toward you (i'm sick of writing "metta" at the end of everything--but i presume it's a given among, dare I say, Buddhists? he-he).