Good vs Bad

Hi again cdeering,

Soul,Self and consciousness can be used interchangeably. This is assuming there is such a thing. Many people would argue there are only physical things and such ideas are simply illusions. I guess it's pretty obvious that you and I are not physicalists. My assumption on your position was confirmed when I read your post on reincarnation.

Perhaps the best way to address many of your questions at once is to look at the existence or non-existence of the Self.

There are some interesting parallels when it comes to Eastern and Western philosophy.
Both philosophies talk about the possibility of a Self. Teravada Buddhism, Lock and Hume reject the idea that there is such a thing as Self.

Hinduism is probably more recognizable from a Western point of view because it believes there is such a consciousness/soul/Self. Such an entity(s) are distinctive and endure over time. It is something which will continue to exist even when we are dead.

Western religions tend to see time as something that has a beginning and end. I think Hinduism would go along with this but would say that the end marks the beginning once again. I guess this is where the idea of reincarnation comes in. Birth and death of the universe and ourselves is seen as and endless cycle.

From my limited understanding of Eastern philosophy/religion I would say that Teravada Buddhism is a little more problematical, especially if we want to claim that there is no Self. If there is no Self - what gets reincarnated?

No- Self theorists would say that we are a bundle of experiences which consist of many parts changing over time. They reject the idea there is a special Self/soul/consciousness as a single unchanging indivisible entity.

From my point of view I want to say,'the little voice inside our head' is the result of evolution while at the same time wanting to say the voice is not subject to evolution. Highly debatable and probably contradictory, but this one way I try and make sense of science and religion.


Regards

Tut

Thank you Tut. I believe I am looking into Hinduism! I have been told since a young girl that I had a very old soul, and I believe that is true for too many reasons for this answer, however I am equally aware that my soul is tired. I am considered very fortunate, blessed and I know some in our circle envy my life. I am loved and surrounded by an army of people that would kill if anyone threatened me. But, the earliest memory I have and the most consistant thought that has always been with me is that I don't belong 'here' and that I would rather be alone. Always. I tolerate people, and no one knows it. I used to believe that we each came here with a purpose, something we needed for our souls journey, that belief got me through my teens and my child raising years. But now I feel I have completed what I believe I was here for. I actually know that in my heart. Now after reflecting I have made up my mind that if our souls are forever evolving, then at some point in that cycle our soul decides on a new journey for what ever purpose. I want my soul to not endure this again. No, I am not depressed, bi polar or any of those labeled personality flaws that they throw drugs at. I take no drugs. I will occasionally have a drink if we go out but I never understood the idea of clouding my thoughts or self-control with any mind altering substance. I live by two rules, do unto others and if you can't say something nice, don't. And anyone will tell you do not cross me or one of mine, I am capable of tearing you apart with words put so nicely you wouldn't even know it until you were bleeding on the floor. I can't recall ever raising my voice or saying anything I didn't mean. Ever. I am looking for answers that I fear are not available. Prayers are not enough, I want a promise. I sincerely appreciate your replies, I enjoy your lack of 'fluff ' altho when I saw the reference to Spock I did wonder..I am off to study hinduism, again,thanks.