Is death destined ?

A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
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sentinel
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Joined: Sun Jun 04, 2017 1:26 pm

Is death destined ?

Post by sentinel »

Can one explain how death occur ?
Probability , chance , fixed , destined ?
What do Buddhism says ?
You always gain by giving
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AgarikaJ
Posts: 360
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Location: Germany, Nong Bua Lamphu (Thailand)

Re: Is death destined ?

Post by AgarikaJ »

We all WILL die; so in that sense, death is our all destiny (even the Buddha might have prolonged his lifetime, had Ananda asked for it, but not endlessly so).

Else, our birth is guided by the Kamma accumulated in previous lifetimes. Bad Kamma has to lived down and might again destine the way we die and our realm of rebirth.

However, not everything is just destiny (actually fatalism/determinism is a heresy, niyativdda). The Dhamma tells us, that destiny is to be guided by moral choices. In the most extreme case, by reaching Arahantship, all Bad Kamma has been extinguished and the circle of Samsara broken.
The teaching is a lake with shores of ethics, unclouded, praised by the fine to the good.
There the knowledgeable go to bathe, and cross to the far shore without getting wet.
[SN 7.21]
JohnK
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Joined: Wed Jan 06, 2016 11:06 pm
Location: Tetons, Wyoming, USA

Re: Is death destined ?

Post by JohnK »

MN 135 says that one who takes life will be short-lived in the next -- but that's pretty general -- leaves a lot of possibilities.
AN 4:7 says that the results of kamma are not to be speculated about -- too complex -- fries the brain -- not helpful on the path.
Those who grasp at perceptions & views wander the internet creating friction. [based on Sn4:9,v.847]
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