I agree that it is likely a translation issue.....but it is not just with the word "coincidence"....issue should also be taken with the word "sheer" as its use in "sheer coincidence" usually means "happening without any causal connection." The translator has presented an interpretation which in my mind is pointing at "happening without any causal connection" which is likely in error but I don't think it is just a matter of "coincidence" having two meanings....it seems to me that the translator has presented an interpretation which is at odds with the great bulk of the teachings and in a very important way.Sam Vara wrote: ↑Fri Mar 16, 2018 3:49 pmMy guess is that this is a translation issue. "Coincidence" literally means "happening together", as well as the more common understanding of "happening without any causal connection".
Unfortunately, this is not one that Ven. Sajato has translated on SC, so we can't check the word out, and my Pali isn't good enough to go through the whole thing.
I really would like it if someone could find a reliable source addressing this unusual presentation of this sutta....or maybe I'm completely wrong and if so I would be glad to find out.
I could see that if the buddha was teaching someone who did not believe in kamma but instead believed in rebirth by chance then the buddha could be simply teaching them that even by their beliefs a human rebirth is rare and to be cherished....I guess.....seems unlikely.....
chownah