I've been doing some thinking about my spirituality and after reading have came to the conclusion that buddhism may be the proper path for me. This is a good thing but I have one minor problem. From what I understand buddhist do not believe in the transmigrational soul. When we die it isn't an individual soul that is reborn but the karma of that person. This is a problem that I have believing because though my experience with the spirit world I have to believe that the individual soul exists. I'm not sure why I'm posting this but I'm just having trouble excepting this fact, that's all. Has anyone else had this problem?
There are many different flavors of Buddhism. None will fit perfectly. Simply take refuge in the 3 jewels, the rest will come.
Joe, The question you should be asking is that if there is no transmigration of the soul, then what gets reincarnated? If one is reincarnated and one remembers some of their past lives, then what is it that they are remembering? If you committed sins in a past life, have committed sins in this life, then why should you not continue sinning? Because right now you choose not to. You are developing awareness and consciousness, compassion and love. That compassion will hopefully go on to the next incarnation. But as you are now? Are you mistaking your identity for what you perceive the soul to be?
Like tie dye said, there are many forms of Buddhism and none of them will completely fit you. Improvise between them and see what works for you. Do not think that you have to be limited by doctrine Buddhism. Read all the texts, pick out what fits you, and apply it to your life! Peace and Love, Raven.
Thanks guys, I understand that I should be questioning things and that Buddhism itself is always changing. Again, thank you.
Hi - I don't this will help, but, basically buddism doesn't worry about the existance or non existance of souls. The only moment is now, whether you have a soul or not. and the fact that we are alive, experiencing now is what buddism wants you to get. on the subject of an individual soul there is one koan about 'what is your face before your parents were born?' or something like that. You can look it up on line. It comes up every once in a while.
I cannot say it better. There is no failsafe path to enlightenment; only you can open that door. And by whatever means you achieve it, is the right way.
Buddhism generally posits a subtstrata called 'alaya' which contains the essence of karma and propensity to manifest. It is not something, just as a soul also would not be something. In Buddhism if you can consider things from many angles you will find that if there is a soul its existance is not denied, just how that soul is expressed, so as such the soul may be the only supreme reality if it is identical with the dharmata. One must see if the dharmata fits ones pevious definiton of a soul. My guess is that it may. Shame the people assume things outright as if we all define things similarly. My soul is the Trikaya of the Buddha.
Don't worry about it too much. Buddhism is a way of life and a path, and the Buddha himself cautioned against following even his own teachings dogmatically. Just let go of your desires and live in love and peace. There's no such thing as a "Buddhist" anyway.
