Enlightenment - The Truths

When one has become an arahat there will be no more rebirth. If one only

attains the stage of the sotapanna in the course of one's life, how many more

times does one have to be reborn?

The sotapanna will not be reborn more than seven times; thus, eventually

there will be an end to rebirth for him. If we do not cultivate vipassana, the

number of rebirths will be endless. It was out of compassion that the Buddha

spoke about the dangers of rebirth; he wanted to encourage people to

develop mindfulness.

We read in the 'Kindred Sayings' (V, Maha-vagga, Book XII, Kindred Sayings

about the Truths, Ch. V, part 6, Gross darkness) that the Buddha said to the

monks:

'Monks, there is a darkness of interstellar space, impenetrable gloom, such a

murk of darkness as cannot enjoy the splendour of this moon and sun,

though they be of such mighty magic power and majesty.'

At these words a certain monk said to the Exalted One: 'Lord, that must be a

mighty darkness, a mighty darkness indeed! Pray, lord, is there any other

darkness greater and more fearsome than that?'

'There is indeed, monk, another darkness, greater and more fearsome. And

what is that other darkness?

Monk, whatsoever recluses or brahmins understand not, as it really is, the

meaning of: This is dukkha, this is the arising of dukkha, this is the ceasing of

dukkha, this is the practice that leads to the ceasing of dukkha, such take

delight in the activities which conduce to rebirth. Thus taking delight they

compose a compound of activities which conduce to rebirth. Thus composing

a compound of activities they fall down into the darkness of rebirth...and

despair. They are not released from birth, and death...and despair. They are

not released from dukkha, I declare.

But, monk, those recluses or brahmins who do understand as it really is, the

meaning of : This is dukkha, this is the practice that leads to the ceasing of

dukkha, such take not delight in the activities which conduce to rebirth...They

are released from dukkha, I declare.

Wherefore, monk, an effort must be made to realize: This is dukkha. This is

the arising of dukkha. This is the ceasing of dukkha. This is the practice that

leads to the ceasing of dukkha.'