Buddha knows : Rebir th & Incarnation

Buddha knows - An interview with Abbot Dhammajayo on Buddhism 

by Monica Øien

“Our birth is not directed by anyone, 

but it is the matter of karma or retribution for our past deeds”

Monica :          Thank you. Ok, what does it mean for a Buddhist to give birth to a child?

Luang Por :     Buddhism regards a birth not only as a natural process. We consider that everyone is reborn because of the cycle of life and death. As long as the driving force remains, 

                        one continues to be reborn in order to learn the truth of life that would lead to the final stage, or the end of birth. The more often we are born,
the more suffering we encounter. Birth is the origin of many other kinds of suffering  such as aging, sickness, death, separation from loved objects, facing unpleasant

things and torment from unfulfilled desire. Consequently, a human birth is not  only natural, but also has the purpose of seeking to cease birth itself. This Buddhist view
is neither pessimistic nor optimistic, but rather realistic. The reality is that suffering coexists with birth. Our birth is not directed by anyone, but it is the matter of karma
or retribution for our past deeds. Physically, birth starts from a father and a mother who have a sexual relationship, or in Dhamma terms, physical intercourse where the refined body is given an opportunity to incarnate.

Monica :          Can you tell me if the Buddhists have any birth rituals, and why you do or
do not  have them?

Luang Por :     Traditional Buddhists have no rites associated directly or indirectly to birth
because we are taught not to force the newborn child to become a new Buddhist.

However, everyone is subject to learning the ‘knowhow’ in order to achieve  one’s goal of ending rebirth. Some families believe that inviting monks for food

offerings on a family member’s birthday will make the day auspicious,
and will earn them merit. Sometimes they may request the monks to name their child.

Ultimately, the principle is that the parents have to raise their children with care.
They are also obliged to educate their children on how to be a good person in

                        society and achieve the goal of ending rebirth.

Monica :          Is it an issue what the child was in his former life? Does it any matter to the  parents
if they come from terrible background in a former life?

Luang Por :     Actually, it’s hard for parents to know about the past lives of their child.
They  never know where the child was from. What they do know is that they have

to care for their child with love and warmth, as well as teaching the child  according
to the Dhamma. However, if they find out later on that their child

was from an unwholesome realm such as the realm of animals,
they should  simply accept the truth. Although they might feel unfortunate,
it is a good opportunity for them to guide their child for improvement in the present
and the  future.

Monica :          Do Buddhist parents expect their children to come from a good past life?

Luang Por :     Buddhist parents are similar to all other parents. They expect their child to have
come from a good realm.

Monica :          What does the Buddhist scripture teach parents about how they should raise
or  have children?

Luang Por :     The Lord Buddha taught that parents should feed them not only with food,
but  they should also teach their child to abstain from misdeeds such as killing,
stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, consumption of alcohol and narcotics,
and involvement in any other unwholesome allurements. These are the first steps.
For the next step, they have to teach their child to do only good deeds including practicing generosity, observing precepts, and meditating. Thirdly, parents should support their child’s education to the highest level. The fourth step is that parents should advise their child on how to choose a promising spouse. Significantly,
due to their long experience in married life, the parents should help their sons and daughters to find a consort who is relevant to them in four aspects: faith, precepts, attitude, and belief, so they can live together harmoniously. Lastly, provide the children with property in a timely manner so as to be invested in the future.
The parents should also suggest how to earn, spend and save money.

Monica :          In my travels I have seen different birth traditions around the world,
in different  religions. I just wonder, are there any spiritual differences in having
a boy or a  girl for Buddhist parents?

Luang Por :     What do you mean by “spiritual differences”?

Monica :          Spiritual, well…I don’t know if that’s the proper word. But I was thinking about  whether they have different responsibilities, or if one sex is more important than

the other, because a lot of other religions think that. I just wondered if it’s  something that’s considered in Buddhism as well.

Luang Por :     In Buddhism, we do not worry about the child’s gender since it has nothing to do  
                       with the parents’ spiritual progress and prosperity. Indeed, it depends on whether 
                        the parents follow the teachings of the Lord Buddha. Parents will be happy

if their children show gratitude towards them as a result of their teaching, 
and if  their children are capable, well-behaved, and successful in their career

and education. The Lord Buddha also taught that children should make merit and dedicate to their parents who have already passed away.

if their children show gratitude towards them as aresult of their teaching,
and if their children arecapable, well-behaved, and successful in their careerand education. The Lord Buddha also taught thatchildren should make merit and 

dedicate to theirparents who have already passed away.