Kathmandu, August 23: Speakers at an interaction program in Kathmandu on Friday emphasized the need for deeper discourse on the concept of rebirth, a belief central to Nepal’s major religions.
The program, titled “The Concept of Rebirth in Nepal’s Religions”, was organized by Nepal Samaj Media Pvt. Ltd.. Participants recalled how in ancient times, philosophical debates on such subjects were held at renowned Indian universities like Nalanda, Takshashila, and Vikramashila.
Hindu scholar Acharya Ramkrishna Upadhyaya, founding chair of Hindu Jagaran, cited the Shukla Yajurveda, noting that just as the sun sets and rises again, humans too are destined for rebirth. He added that the Ramayana and Mahabharata also discuss the theme extensively.
Writer Basanta Maharjan explained the Theravāda Buddhist view, saying rebirth is determined by karma, with those who perform great merit often reborn as humans. Former Nepal Buddhist Federation president Acharya Norbu Sherpa highlighted Guru Rinpoche as an example of rebirth and pointed to Mahāyāna texts describing how karma and afflictions shape future lives.
Mohan Kumar Tamang, Executive Director of the Boudhanath Area Development Committee, stressed the importance of organizing more in-depth discussions, noting differences in Hindu and Buddhist interpretations despite their shared belief in rebirth.
Khenpo Gyurme Chultrim, founding chair of the Nepal Buddhist Federation, added that except for the Charvaka school, all Eastern philosophies recognize rebirth, though their definitions vary.
Organizing committee chair Dhruba Poudel pledged to continue hosting such programs in the future.
