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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuri Gyanmandir
Buddhism
177
while the last conscious act dies away (and this is called "passing away”) another conscious act arises in a new life, and this is called "rebirth” or conception. But it is to be understood that the latter conscious act did not come into the present life from the previous life. We must also understand that it is only to causes contained in the old existence that its present appearance is due."
It is desirable to see the exact process of the transference of the Kamma from one existence to another. There is no Self which passes from one birth to another nor any consciousness. What then is that which binds one life to the other? Paul Dahlke explains the idea in the clearest way. He says“To be sure, there is no l-doer, but there is a deed. For its effectuation no true I is necessary; it clings to the apparent I, which ever and again rebuilds itself anew out of the will to live. Every deed incontestably brings its consequences along with it, as the body casts a shadow, as the stone thrown into the water gives rises to its ripples." ? He further makes the idea more elaborate-"..reward follows good deeds: punishment evil deeds. The existence accordingly will correspond in its make up to the deeds of this existence. Even if there is no I present, yet the tiniest particle of my action is not lost.” 3 But it is difficult to conceive that if there is no I as the doer, how can its consequence fall upon me
I Davids Rhys : Buddhism, p. 144. 2 Dahlke Paul : Buddhist Essays, p. 26.
3 Ibid. p. 27. A 12
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