ANSWER: Within the realm of appearances, and while one believes oneself to be a separate individual, there are endless concepts, beliefs, ideas and doctrines. These ideas are engaging to those seeing themselves as separate seekers because they provide a plausible explanation for their separate existence.
This all occurs at the mind’s level, which delights in providing answers, and questions that explore the particulars of everything in existence. But all of this body of supposed knowledge is speculative.
Are we really born? Are we encased in this body somewhere? Do we know conclusively that who we are ever dies? And what, if anything, is left over to reincarnate?
There is no real need to try to investigate, prove or disprove all the various mechanics and theories concerning reincarnation, but it is important to remember that through it all, only awareness exists and everything is that.
Remember that there is no separate entity that is the “I/me”. In the realm of appearance, you (as a separate individual entity) don’t exist. The “I” is seen to be absent. How can something that doesn’t exist, reincarnate? So what is it that reincarnates? Perhaps physical matter can be recycled; maybe thought energy can be used again. But you remain as you are. You are like a bottomless sea, infinite and eternal. Your presence is timeless.
If the ocean gives rise to waves, which then change into other waves, then that is fine but the thing to remember is that the waves do not exist separately from the sea. It is all water, and it all returns to water. The water does not change.
Instead of wasting time wondering what one was in a previous life or what one will be in the next life, why don’t you investigate what you are right now?
