chee1a1@jetson.uh.edu (Bandula Jayatilaka) (02/18/91)
After reading the other responses regarding the Nichiren sect, Lotus Sutra, and rebirth/englightenment etc. I thought of writing this to clarify a point. As I think, the statements such as buddha's are born again and again etc. are resulting from use of words. I am not calling this as a misuse of word because everyone can have their choice of words and writing style. But when studying buddhist teachings one essential thing is to find the true meaning of the words according to the teachings and basics of the teachings. Otherwise, each of the postings as well as each of the sects could be different religions (which they are not by their basic essense) I would like to quote a statement made by thathagatha samma sambuddha according to the Theravada tradition. "This sasana will not be empty of enlightened people (arahanths) as long as there are people who are developing the enlightenment factors properly". This implies the physical parinirvana of the thathaga does not mean an anihiliation. Buddhist nirvana does not mean aniliation. But it does not mean that a person attained parinirvana goes through the samsara subjecting to dukkha again and again. On the other hand, it cannot be taken as eternal existence because with the view of an eternal existence arises"Bhava thanha". But our dilemma here is trying to explain these concepts which cannot be understood properly without realisation. I see more clearly now why the buddha's answer to the questions:" Does the thathagatha exist after parinirvana?" and "Does the thathagatha exist not after parinirvana?" are both "NO". May all beings be free from anger and other ailments ,and be well and happy! May suffering be suffering free, fear struck be fearless, sorrowful be sorrowless. May all be happy. Bandula Jayatilaka