1. A and B are not the same, but they are “connected” via causes (hetu) and results (phala.)
- B would not have been born unless A was there.
- Had A followed Buddha’s path and ended the rebirth process, B would not have been born. Had A cultivated jhana or samapatti, B would have been born a Brahma with less suffering. If A had done papa kamma (highly immoral deeds), B would have been born in an apaya.
- This is why it is critical to understand Paticca Samuppada and how various gati lead to corresponding births.
2. We can end future suffering even in this life (let alone in future lives) by cultivating the path.
- Yet, we get “fooled” by our “built-in distorted sanna” and attach to worldly things, believing that “sensory pleasures (kama guna) are in that external object.” This is the main reason that most rebirths in the apayas.
- Think about the following. Some people force women to cover up their bodies, believing what causes men’s lust is beautiful women. Even though women need to be sensible about not “triggering” kama assada in ignorant minds by over-exposing themselves, that is NOT the ultimate solution. One can control one’s mind by comprehending Buddha Dhamma, i.e., “sensual pleasures” are not in external things, but in one’s own mind: “Fooled by Distorted Saññā (Sañjānāti) – Origin of Attachment (Taṇhā).”
