“If after death, there is no “me” continuing into a next existence – but instead, a new stream of vinnana arises with different identity, conditions, and form (say, a “John or a dog) – then what connection do I have with that future being? Why should I care? Why should I be concerned about what happens in a future rebirth?”
Some years back I had the exact same question but never ended up asking anyone for an answer because before needing to a satisfactory answer came to mind, for myself anyways. Coming across the question again now, I would like to share what came across my mind for the very same question that I once had and hope it can be of use / assistance to others on their path.
My understanding is that initially one should put some care / concern in regards to what happens in a future rebirth because it helps one to gain a better understanding of the Buddha teachings such as the rebirth process or samsara that all living beings are trapped in. But later on when one gains a better / deeper understanding of sakkaya ditthi and the fundamental teachings of the Buddha / dhamma. Hopefully the wisdom gained / cultivated during the learning and practicing process of the teachings will help the learner / practitioner to have seen / understood some degree of the main message / teaching that the Buddha is trying to get across to us sattas. If the characteristics of our world or all conditioned phenomenon is anicca, dukkha, anatta. Through the eyes of wisdom regardless if there’s a me / self / I and so on or not, the practitioner would want to put an end to / cease the rebirth process / samsara because that’s the wise thing to do / carry out and that’s all it really matters in the end.
So for myself, it no longer really matters if there’s a self / I / me or not or be concerned what happens in a future rebirth, it’s beyond my control anyways. What I can do though is to continue to put forth the effort in learning and practicing the Buddha teachings. “To some degree”, understanding and seeing that this conditioned world or any conditioned phenomenon is meaningless, unfruitful, none beneficial, anicca, dukkha, anatta and if I have gained / cultivated any wisdom from all these years of learning and practicing the Buddha teachings. Regardless if there is a self / I / me or not, in the end the wise thing to do / carry out is to strive for the attainment of nibbana.
