What is it that reincarnates? | Krishnamurti

Summary

The script delves into the concept of reincarnation, questioning what aspect of a person continues after death. It challenges the idea of an accumulating 'self' and explores whether this center is permanent or a construct of thought and conditioning. The speaker suggests that if this center is indeed the result of thought, then the idea of reincarnation may be illusory, offering comfort but lacking substance. The discussion concludes with the notion that true death may mean the cessation of this center, leading to a fundamentally different state of mind.

Takeaways

• 🔄 The concept of reincarnation is questioned, prompting a deep inquiry into what exactly reincarnates.
• 🧠 The speaker suggests that the 'me' or the self is an accumulation of experiences, knowledge, and suffering.
• 🌀 The continuity of the self is linked to the idea of reincarnation; if it continues, it may reincarnate.
• 🤔 The speaker asks if this center of the self is permanent and if it can change or modify itself over time.
• 🧐 The possibility that the self is a creation of thought is explored, including cultural and familial influences.
• 🌐 The speaker critiques the idea that one's religious or cultural identity is a core part of the self.
• 🚫 The belief in reincarnation is challenged as it may be a comforting illusion rather than a reality.
• 🔚 The ending of life implies the ending of the self, which leads to a different state of mind.
• 🌱 The mind, when not accumulating or experiencing, is described as being alive and free from the need to collect experiences.
• 🤝 The speaker encourages the audience to think deeply about these ideas rather than accepting them at face value.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the transcript?

The main topic of the transcript is the concept of reincarnation and the nature of the 'centre' or self that might continue after death.

What does the speaker suggest about the idea of hoping for a better life in the next reincarnation?

The speaker questions the desire for a better life in the next reincarnation, suggesting that it is based on the accumulation of desires and experiences in the current life.

What does the speaker mean by the 'accumulated entity'?

The 'accumulated entity' refers to the collection of experiences, knowledge, and memories that one gathers over a lifetime.

What is the 'centre' that the speaker discusses?

The 'centre' is the core of one's being, which includes the self, the ego, and the accumulation of experiences and memories that one identifies with.

Why does the speaker question the permanence of the 'centre'?

The speaker questions the permanence of the 'centre' because if it is permanent, it implies a continuity that might lead to reincarnation, which they are examining.

What is the speaker's view on the nature of the 'centre' being put together by thought?

The speaker suggests that the 'centre' is constructed by thought, including cultural, familial, and personal beliefs and experiences.

How does the speaker relate the concept of the 'centre' to religious beliefs?

The speaker relates the 'centre' to religious beliefs by pointing out that different religions have different terms for it, but the core idea is the same.

What does the speaker imply about the comfort people find in believing in reincarnation?

The speaker implies that the belief in reincarnation provides comfort by offering a sense of continuity and hope for improvement in future lives.

What is the significance of the ending of the 'centre' according to the speaker?

The ending of the 'centre' signifies a state of mind that is no longer accumulating or experiencing, which is a profound shift in consciousness.

How does the speaker describe the state of the mind after the ending of the 'centre'?

The speaker describes the state of the mind as being alive, not static, and no longer in the process of accumulation.

What is the speaker's stance on the belief in reincarnation?

The speaker is critical of the belief in reincarnation, suggesting that it may be illusory and that it is important to question and understand the nature of the 'centre'.