REINCARNATION is and interesting topic to be found on RHP -- thanks for this "Spirituality" Forum. As a Christian-Buddhist Gelong Monk, Tibetan Vajrayana Lama, and recognized Western Emanation of Sakya Pandita [1182-1251], it would obviously get my attention. Wading through the first page of threads, I can see it will take me some time and patience to get to the various HEART, SPEECH and MIND of the matter. I'll be back [GOTTA PLAY SOME CHESS!]. Reincarnation is a very VITAL TOPIC in some philosophical systems and religions, very much a disparraged NON-TOPIC in most of the world's religions, and a controversial one to be sure. From my heart and Buddhist point-of-view I subscribe to it totally. From the viewpoint of many of my Christian Brothers and Sisters, it is at best a head scratching non-topic. From my Tibetan teachers and friends, Native American friends and teachers -- especially the Pacific Northwest Coast Salish, and from my Rosicrucian brothers (Fraters) and sisters (Sorors) -- the beleifs about Reincarnation are mostly an ingrained every day matter. From a Buddhist point of view, we have all been one anothers Fathers, Mothers, Husbands, WIves, Children, etc. as Human Beings, and as Gods, Demi-Gods or Titans, Animals, Hungary Ghosts [Disincarnate Spirits] and Hell Beings --- MANY TIMES OVER!
If one, as a human being, thinks of the notion that WE PICK OUR PARENTS, IT's NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND, that our parents pick us -- IF YOU REALLY THINK ABOUT IT, you are at the Heart of the Matter -- REINCARNATION -- and you might find that it solves many questions -- scientific, spiritual, metaphysical, philosophical and psychological questions. At any rate -- THIS IS A DEEP TOPIC.
TIME TO PLAY SOME CHESS, as the reincarnation of Woody Pushnupath Barrett [1732-1812], Chess Champion of Concord, Massachusetts, who died of old age during the War of 1812, of natural causes, whatever they may be.
Thanks for reading ... I look forward to some continuing discussions.
Kindest regards,
Sapan Rinpoche, RHP PATZER
aka, Venerable Lama Ngawang Kunga Thupten Gyaltsen [1938-?]
ADMIN of the Club Colorado USA [RHP ID#221]
Spiritual Director of the Kunga Tenphel Ling Dharm Center
and the Phuntsok Choephel Ling Monastery Project
Lyons, Colorado, USA, North America