The Buddhists Ruin Another Fine Theory

Dear Abbot:

Isn't belief in an after life mere wish-fulfillment?

Bright


Dear Bright:

I think your theory that people want to believe in an afterlife because it is some kind of comfort comes a cropper on Buddhism.

Buddhism believes:

1. Existence is suffering
2. Reincarnation is a horror
3. The goal is nirvana--literally, "cessation."

Come to think of it, an eternity spent burning in hell doesn't sound too good either, does it?

By contrast, why would the notion of, say, going to sleep and never waking up, trouble anybody?

Abbot