The Difference Between 'rebirth & Reincarnation

[Guest Zenda]

Kia Ora all,

The Hindu 'reincarnation' and the Buddhist 'rebirth' are not the same thing...

This link explains the differences in simple layman's terms...

http://www.geocities.com/dharmawood/reincarn_v_rebirth.htm

Metta Jendar

[Guest TFB]

Thanks for posting that, I wasn't quite sure of the difference myself.

[Guest Gabi-lotr]

Post again something pls.This site no longer have the infos. I can do too but i too tired atm and....i am the lazyest................ dude? ( ) ever. Confusion again cool. Maybe just my tiredness....

[Guest Zenda]

Kia Ora Gabi-Lotr,

Quote:

Buddhists generally do not believe in reincarnation since that presupposes the existence of a “soul” (ataman) or some other form of an “eternal self.” The Buddha taught there is no “self” (anatman) that is eternal. This is a fundamental difference between Hinduism, the primary religion of India, and Buddhism. Buddhists may, however, believe in rebirth. The difference between the two may seem confusing since rebirth at first glance appears to imply the existence a soul but the difference is profound.

Buddhists use fire as an example to illustrate the concept of rebirth. If you transfer the flame from a lighted candle to an unlit candle, the new flame is contingent on the old flame for its existence but they are not the same flame. There is continuity between the two but they are distinct. Reincarnation would mean that the old flame is exactly the same as the new flame. Rebirth recognizes there is a contiguous relationship of one life to the other but each is otherwise distinct.

End of quote...

I hope this helps you to understand the difference...

Metta Zenda