Cadbury
Absolutely. The article didn't specify just which Buddha this boy and his followers claim he's a reincarnation of, but to clarify Stumason and I
were referring to the Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama.
This is what it says about Gautama Siddhartha in the Tibetan book of living and dying.
When we say Buddha, we naturally think of the Indian prince Gautama Siddhartha who reached enlightenment. Buddha, however, has a much deeper meaning.
It means a person, any person, who has completely awakened from ignorance and opened to his or her vast potential of wisdom. A buddha is one who has
brought a final end to suffering and frustration, and discovered a lasting and deathless happiness and peace.
But for many of us in this skeptical age, this state may seem like a fantasy or a dream, or an achievement far beyond our reach. It is important to
remember always that Buddha was a human being, like you or me. He never claimed divinity, he merely knew he had the buddha nature, the seed of
enlightenment, and that everyone else did too.
The buddha nature is simply the birthright of every sentient being, and I always say, “Our buddha nature is as good as any buddha’s buddha
nature.” This is the good news that the Buddha brought us from his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, and which many people find so inspiring. His message
that enlightenment is within the reach of all holds out tremendous hope. Through practice, we too can all become awakened. If this were not true,
countless individuals down to the present day would not have become enlightened.
FlyersFan
Kindred - thanks for the explaination. I'm trying to wrap my head around it. That may take a while.
You're welcome. As for trying to get your head around it, you're not the only one.  Anyone who wants to learn more about Buddhism or
spirituality should read the Tibetan book of living and dying. A must read if your interested in spirituality.
[edit on 22-11-2008 by kindred]
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reply to post by kindred
I have read the book. I agreed with you the first time. That's why I said "absolutely" after you pointed out that "Buddha is not one
individual, it simply means someone who has achieved spiritual enlightenment. There's been many Buddha's." What I meant was that Stumason and I
were talking specifically about Gautama Buddha. I don't think anybody doubts that there have been many Buddha's or indeed that any man or woman has
the potential inherent to become one, but the source article this thread is based on repeats claims that the Nepalese "Buddha boy" is a
reincarnation of a previous Buddha. That's different. As the article doesn't clarify which Buddha, it was assumed they meant the founder.
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perhaps the person is Another incarnation, of Buddah
rather than a Re-Incarnation, of a Buddah...
as reincarnation infers a linear succession,
which goes against the viewpoint that in the spiritual realm
there is a synchronicity and no-distance delineated as time-space between souls/entities....
ergo re-incarnation in its understood form cannot be the explaination of another presence of another Buddah, from a series of enlightened ones...
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Sorry if I misunderstood you Cadbury. Well whether this boy really is the recarnation of Buddha or not, there will always be people who will try and
exploit him. There's also the possibility that he's a fraudster. Who knows! The local Buddhist's don't think too highly of him.
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