Rebirth

The possibility that we have lived before and may be born again, whether as a human or in some other form of existence, continues to be a source of fascination across cultures and across millennia. Although Buddhism is one of the religious traditions best known for asserting rebirth, the history and scope of Buddhist approaches to this belief have not received comprehensive treatment—until now.

This first-ever guide to rebirth in Buddhism covers the historical context for the Buddha’s teachings on the topic; explains what Buddhists believe is actually reborn; and considers the wide range of Buddhist views about what happens after death. The author also addresses interpretations of rebirth in modern Buddhist contexts as well as the implications of recent scientific attempts to document evidence of reincarnation. It is, in short, the first truly complete overview of rebirth across major Buddhist traditions, written by a leading scholar and teacher of Buddhism.