In
the ultimate sense, reincarnation is impossible. There is no past or future, and
the idea of birth into a body has no meaning either once or many times. Reincarnation
cannot, then, be true in any real sense. Our only question should be, "Is
the concept helpful?" And that depends, of course, on what it is used for.
If it is used to strengthen the recognition of the eternal nature of life, it
is helpful indeed. Is any other question about it really useful in lighting up
the way? Like many other beliefs, it can be bitterly misused. At least, such
misuse offers preoccupation and perhaps pride in the past. At worst, it induces
inertia in the present. In between, many kinds of folly are possible.
Reincarnation
would not, under any circumstances, be the problem to be dealt with now. … A teacher of God should be as helpful to those who believe in it
as to those who do not.
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