HOW SIMILARITIES IN TERMINOLOGY CONCEAL FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE
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nothing is left would be contrary to science. For it would mean that energy is not constant in volume.
- This is the only way by which the dilemma could be solved.
§3. Rebirth of Whom ?
The most difficult question is Rebirth of Whom.
Does the same dead person take a new birth ?
Did the Buddha believe in this thesis? The answer is “Most improbable.”
The answer depends upon the elements of existence of the dead man meeting together and forming a new body then the possibility of the Rebirth of the same Sentient being is possible.
If a new body is formed after a mixture or the different elements of the different men who are dead then there is rebirth but not the rebirth of the same sentient being.
This point has been well explained by sister Khema to King Pasenadi.
Once the Exalted One was staying near Savatthi at Jeta Grove in Anathapindika’s Aram.
Now on that occasion the sister Khema, after going her rounds among the Kosalana, took up her quarters at Toranavatthu, between Shravasti and Saketa.
Now the Rajah Pasenadi of Kosala was journeying from Saketa to Shravasti, and midway between Saketa and Shravasti he put up for one night at Toranavatthu.
The Rajah Pasenadi of Kosala called a certain man and said : “Come thou, good fellow ! Find out some recluse or brahmin such that I can wait upon him today.”
“Even so, your majesty,” said that man in reply to the Rajah Pasenadi of Kosala, and after wandering through all Toranavatthu he saw not any one, either recluse or brahmin, on whom the Rajah Pasenadi might wait.
Then that man saw the sister Khema, who
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