man would be a mere puppet. Except for the freedom of choice - which makes man more than a machine. as was said in other posts, we must take a longer look than just this time of life on earth. eternity, before and after this life, is one continuous woven fabric of atoms, cells, people, nations, planets. yes, the creator has designs planned that extend beyond the collective human grave. these plans we do not know. there are some, given eternity, who would never care. but the ones who would be desirous at last, who feel the tug of his calling into the tapestry, do come into place of acknowledgement of his sovereignty before they die. for some it takes hardship, to others it comes more readily. he allows us great freedom of choice to do in this life what we can and will, but is a GOOD dad who will not let very important matters be neglected. why he cares is a mystery. he could make puppets out of stone and dash the rest of us, rightfully so. as time goes on, it is more difficult for nations to recognize a benevolent authority figure - they are rare among humans, after all.

i find it very difficult to believe in the 'recycling' of lives. if a person had killed a baby, then came back as a baby who was killed, what would have been accomplished in the second time that could possibly improve his lot for the next life, or what could the baby of the 2nd life possibly have done to harden his next lot?; would the baby choose to be killed? if so, then why is it 'justice' for him to later be killed as a babe himself? i hope i voiced these questions accurately...

• Re: Re: Re: Tthe Buddhist concept of LIFE and - mahasattva - November 23, 2000 - 03:13 UTC
  • Re: Re: Re: Re: Tthe Buddhist concept of LIFE and - gwynj - November 23, 2000 - 17:15 UTC