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　　Dr. Tucker suggests that quantum theory may offer a mechanism to explain reincarnation. That is, if consciousness can be verified as existing independently from the physical entity, it would be possible to conceive of it continuing to be carried over from one body to another. He argues that since the act of observation collapses wave equations, consciousness may not be merely a byproduct of the physical brain but rather a separate entity in the universe that impinges on the physical. He provides the analogy of a television set and the image transmission; the television is required to decode the signal to images on the TV screen, but it does not create the signal. In a similar way the brain may be required for consciousness to express itself, but may not be the source of consciousness.

　　This is an issue that we all need to think over. The mechanistic materialism and the atheism posit that consciousness arises merely out of a physical body. If this were the case, it could not be validated by logical reasoning. Actually, the main determining factor that leads us to be a human in this life and another being in next life is none other than our own mind.

　　In Commentary on Explanation of Valid Cognition- Chapter of Establishing that Buddha Has Truly Valid Cognition, Master Dharmakirti expounded that consciousness has the characteristic of continuing unceasingly. This stream of consciousness will keep on going until it is interrupted by specific conditions, such as attaining the stage of Arahat. Therefore, consciousness is an entity independent of the physical body, a notion echoed in Dr. Tucker”s analogy.

　　Such a proposition is highly logical and deserves our thorough examination. In fact, the idea that “consciousness is the byproduct of the brain” has long been challenged. If it were absolutely true, how could we explain that a headless being can survive and live on normally

　　 Mike the Headless Chicken was a chicken in the United States in the 1940”s that lived for 18 months after his head had been mostly cut off. His owner fed him with a mixture of milk and water with an eyedropper by way of his esophagus. The headless rooster grew from a mere 2.5 lbs. to nearly 8 lbs. before it died. Thought by many to be a hoax, the rooster”s owner took him to the University of Utah in Salt Lake City to establish the facts of the story and later toured the countryfor many appearances before paying audiences.

　　As to the stance toward reincarnation and the continuation of consciousness, some scientists these days still get caught in a common slip: They tend to turn a deaf ear to reasoning and would rather hold onto their own ideas which are probably full of loopholes. This kind attitude is irrational. Now in Han area, organizations or investigators collecting reincarnation data are still comparatively rare. Should some work gets going, I bet many cases will surface. At Northwest University, you have the famous Buddhist Research Institute; why not direct some serious effort to this area

　　 The result could be very significant to the future of the human race.

　　Incidentally, among you audience here, a few inpiduals may well be able to recall past lives if being interviewed. A few months ago, a summer camp attended by more than 200 college students, including some from here, was held at the Larung Buddhist Institute. Several campers who firmly believe in past and future life have shared their incredible experiences in this aspect, you may remember their stories if you were there.

　　I recall having made the comment then: “College students are usually quite rational, and I see no reason for them to make up such elaborate past life stories. For non-Buddhis…

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