Buddhism, Reincarnation & DNA.

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Reincarnation is THE central plank of Buddhism. Period.

In the Theravāda school of Buddhism I grew up in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) reincarnation was quite literally the end-all and be-all of what it was all about.

Reincarnation, however, never sat well with me. I saw many 'holes' in it. When I was 18 I found that there was no way, at all, at all, that I could believe in reincarnation. So, I renounced being a Buddhist -- and ALL RELIGIONS. 

I basically do NOT believe in LIFE AFTER DEATH.

Just do not. I do NOT believe in souls, heaven, hell, purgatory, reincarnation, God, gods, etc.

Trust me, not believing in life after death is SO, SO LIBERATING. Dying doesn't bother you. 😇

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Over the years I have developed quite a few rejoinders to contest the Buddhist notion of reincarnation.

Then this week, I had a new revelation.

I have been listening to a book dealing with DNA -- & identical twins.

Got me thinking.

We could use DNA to validate or DISCREDIT reincarnation.

Buddha was NOT God. Not even a god. He was NOT omnipotent. He did NOT talk about DNA.

In a way that is very convenient to Buddhists.

Buddhism also does NOT specify WHEN reincarnation occurs -- i.e., is it at CONCEPTION or on first breath? Pretty fundamental issue. But, Buddhism is quiet on that.

The 'Dalai Lama' is said to be the LATEST in a long line of reincarnate 'leaders'. He is the 14th. On his passing, they will pick a 15th. He & his successor are supposed to be from the same line of 'incarnations'.

We should, for a start, check that with DNA.

We must have DNA from the 14th. Let's check that against the 15th. That would be a starting point.

THINK. Think about it. Thinking is GOOD.

😇