If a baby dies not long after its birth is that a result of kamma of a past life? and if so, what's to say that my life is not controlled by kamma of past lives?

I understand that everything has a dependent arising but what about the impermanence of life? If someone is handicapped from birth mentally or physically isn't that limiting factor permanent?

Thank you for the reply. I recently have been moving away from the ideas of spirits, demons, and gods (Christianity) and when I discovered Buddhism it clicked with me and I began to feel at peace. I was just surprised that the Theravada practice confirmed spiritual realms, I always thought that was ...

I heard somewhere that types of Buddhism confirm the existence of "spiritual realms" do any of you have info on this? I have a hard time believing the Buddha would teach such things.

Thanks Ben very insightful

can someone explain in more detail the concept of emptiness? I read that it meant recognizing the world is empty of inherent existence and that with this realization one can see that their attachments to things are empty.

I understand the second noble truth that craving and desire are the source of suffering, but what about essential things like food and water? sometimes I can get really hungry and crave food. Is it wrong to crave things like food or water? and if it is, in what way should I handle them?

My mistake. Thank you for your response I will look into both aspects of Buddhism with care.

Hey all! I've been reading the book "How to see yourself as you really are" by his holiness the Dalai Lama and other books on Buddhism. I am new but very interested in the buddhist philosophy and would be very grateful if you all would assist me in my journey.