The face of the fish
22 min
Why reincarnation is a powerful tool for true mindfulness. Attempts to modernise Buddhism have been too successful, turning it into a philosophy that one can embody regardless of religious affiliation. This, at the very least, has turned outsider understandings of Buddhism into unfortunate stereotypes and has lead to negative effects for those who engage with its modern version. For example, critics speak of a 'McMindfullness' that encourages selfish behaviour under the guise of meditation. So what can be done to claim back the real healing power of the religion? Avram Alpert, a Princeton lecturer, argues that to truly understand Buddhism, embracing the often overlooked idea of reincarnation can lead to being more present in the current moment and revitalise our understanding of an interconnected world.