For anyone interested in what happens after death, this is a definitive guide to the concept of rebirth, or reincarnation, in Buddhism.

Reincarnation has been a popular belief in cultures throughout the world for many millennia. The possibility that we lived before and may be born again, whether as a human or in some other form of existence, continues to fascinate us and features heavily in popular novels and movies, and also as a subject of recent scholarly studies. Although Buddhism is one of the religious traditions best known for asserting rebirth, the history and scope of Buddhist approaches to the idea has not received comprehensive treatment--until now.

This first-ever guide to ideas and practices surrounding rebirth in Buddhism covers the historical context for the Buddha's teachings on the topic, explains what Buddhists believe is actually reborn and where, surveys rebirth-related practices in multiple Buddhist cultures, and considers whether all Buddhist traditions agree about what happens after death. The book also addresses interpretations of rebirth in modern Buddhist contexts and recent scientific attempts to document reincarnation in conversation with Buddhist beliefs. It is, in short, the first truly comprehensive overview of rebirth across the major Buddhist traditions, written by a leading scholar and teacher of Buddhism.

Rebirth: A Guide to Mind, Karma, and Cosmos in the Buddhist World; Roger R. Jackson; Shambhala; Paperback; 352 pages; $27.95

Roger R. Jackson, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Asian Studies and Religion at Carleton College. He has nearly 50 years of experience with the study and practice of Buddhism, particularly in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. His special interests include Indian and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and ritual; Buddhist religious poetry; religion and society in Sri Lanka; the study of mysticism; and contemporary Buddhist thought. Roger is a highly respected and beloved scholar, Dharma teacher, and writer. He has authored many scholarly books and articles, and is a frequent contributor to Lion's Roar, Buddhadharma, and Tricycle magazines.

CONTENTS: Rebirth
	Abbreviations	xi
	Preface	xiii
1.	Introduction: Rebirth in World Cultures	1
2.	Pre-Buddhist Indian Rebirth Theories	13
3.	The Buddha on Rebirth	27
4.	Where Rebirth Happens: A Quick Tour of the Buddhist Cosmos	49
5.	How Rebirth Happens: The Twelve Links, Dying, and Being Reborn	69
6.	Why Rebirth Happens: The Mysterious Mechanics of Karma	83
7.	A Brief Note on "Popular" Traditions	97
8.	Indian Mahayana Views of Rebirth	109
9.	Indian Tantric Buddhist Views of Rebirth	135
10.	Is Rebirth Real? Indian Buddhist Arguments	153
11.	The Spread of Buddhism, and Theravada Views of Rebirth	177
12.	East Asian Views of Rebirth	193
13.	Inner Asian View of Rebirth	209
14.	Rebirth and Modern Buddhism	233
15.	Contemporary Debates and Future Prospects	251
	Notes	271
	Bibliography	291
	Index	305