Why Would Anyone Be Reborn As a Poor Person? – Modern Koans
Some religions and philosophies state that souls take births, presumably to work out past life issues. But I wonder what exactly the soul is trying to learn when it is reborn as an extremely poor person. I mean one who has no family, lives in streets, no food, is drawn to alcoholism and other self-destructive behavior. Are these souls of people who had done really bad things in previous births?
Response: We can discuss shared experience. We can share logical deductions and inferences. We can even discuss hypothetical or fictional ideas. In each context we do so with a great deal of unspoken assumptions.
For instance, if we talked about breaking up with our first sweetheart, we would assume a shared experience. If we were trying to predict how our boss might respond to a proposal, we would be relying on experience and logic. We would try to use deduction or inference to project past behavior on the future.
In the hypothetical realm, we’re also relying on shared experience to make predictions about a made up scenario. The better prediction is one that jibes with experience. Ultimately, the best answer will be the one that either makes the correct prediction or with some modification can be aligned with what actually happens.
In the fictional realm, there is a connection to experience, but it’s a little looser. A good fictional idea is one that allows us to temporarily suspend disbelief. The idea has to jibe just enough with experience that we can follow it. But, there are elements that are clearly made up. By made up, I mean they don’t have any link to our experience. Often times, these fictions can never be verified or refuted. But we’re willing to accept them for the sake of the story.
When we discuss reincarnation, I am at a complete loss for shared experience. I do not remember past lives. I’m still mystified by the idea. When I read one of the books by the Dalai Lama, where he discussed his experience with reincarnation, I was relieved to hear that his experience was the same. He has no recollection of any past lives. He even recently spoke publicly about the possibility that there will be no reincarnation of a Dalai Lama.
In my opinion, reincarnation most closely resembles fiction, or maybe a hypothetical. In this regard, it has clear benefits. It’s part of a good story that teaches us the value of acting morally and responsibly. It also demonstrates the consequences of doing the opposite.
My opinion is digging any deeper into the story of reincarnation is counterproductive and probably causes more suffering than it prevents.
What’s your take on reincarnation? Is it true? Is it a useful moral story? Is it cultural baggage that warps the core message of the Vedic traditions?
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Modern Koans is an ongoing series that recognizes that good questions are often more important then their answers.
The riddles of God are more satisfying than the solutions of man. ― G.K. Chesterton
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