..续本文上一页 westerners believe in karma, they are still quite limited in their concepts of the existence of previous and future lives and how to face death. He therefore composed this book hoping that it could help to improve their view on living and dying. What happened through this book is quite evident to everyone. Guided by this book, many westerners indeed gained a new understanding about living and dying.

　　For that reason, we must take heed of such vital issues as living and dying. If future lives don”t exist, it is fine to let things drift in this lifetime, and it is fine to waste time. Conversely, if they do exist, then not accumulating merits in this life is obviously quite foolish. That would be like someone who sleeps all day, commits evil actions, and has no plan for the future because he thinks that tomorrow doesn”t exist or will not come; this is completely idiotic.

　　3. The recognition of past and future lives is not unique to Buddhism

　　In fact, the existence of previous and future lives is not unique to Buddhism. By looking at history, even in places where Buddhism was not present, we can see this concept was there and continued to be there, without fail. For example, around the time of the spring and autumn periods of the western Han Dynasty, before Buddhism had spread in China, there were many records about classic cases of past and future lives. In Chronicle of Zuo, there is a case about Ji Peng Sheng, who after he died became a wild boar in order to take revenge. Likewise, in Book of Han, it mentions how Ruyi, Emperor of Zhao, was killed by Empress Lu, and after his death he reincarnated as a dog to hunt her. Furthermore, in Book of Jin, there is a story about how the mother of Song Shizong became a turtle.

　　Since these kinds of cases can even be found in official historical records, when we hear about the existence of past and future lives we should not simply assume that Buddhists are superstitious. In contrast, we should take an objective and fair position to analyze this principle carefully.

　　Present Confusions about This Principle

　　In fact, the Buddhist view of life and death is quite profound. Dr. von Neumann said, in a philosophical section on quantum theory, that: “Humans possess consciousness that is non-material; it can affect and change a material thing.” After this theory was announced, it stunned the scientific world and sparked widespread interest. Before that, people assumed that “physical matter is the only or fundamental reality.” They thought that all things were composed of materials and had not discovered the truth expounded by Buddhism: “Everything is the imputation of mind.” This resonates with the true nature of reality.

　　Besides our physical body, we actually possess a subtle consciousness which arises and ceases continuously, and can generate an incredible power. Even contemporary scientists are not able to touch upon this power for now, because their research in this area remains unfruitful. At present, scientific research is predominantly on material objects, which also largely depends on advanced equipment. Although scientists have made substantial contributions to humankind in the material aspect, the subject of consciousness remains a blind spot. In fact, if they spent some time researching Buddhist texts such as the Vijñāptimātratāsiddhi, Abhidharmakosha, Abhidharma, Flower Adornment Sutra, and Lotus Sutra, the mystery of mind or consciousness could easily be unraveled.

　　When I was studying psychology at school, I was always plagued by many questions, some of which were truly perplexing. Sometimes when I went to ask my teachers about these questions, and we had a debate, it displeased my teachers and caused them to think that I was deliberately trying to make things complicated. (I…

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