Unveiling the Esoteric in Buddhism

Volume 1

Karma and the Rebirth of Consciousness

By Bodo Balsys

Hardcover, 290 pages, 22cm x 15cm.(8.8" X 6.0")

Published by Munshiram Manoharlal, Delhi.

This book is the first volume of a series entitled Unveiling the Esoteric in Buddhism that aims to reform many aspects of Buddhist heuristics and gnoseology. In this volume the nature of the karma that governs all phenomenal appearances in the three worlds of the samsâra is examined. From the basic premises the thesis proceeds logically to expound the intricacies of the mode of manifestation of all aspects of this basic law.
Many traditional beliefs are simplified "truths" that had their genesis in the infancy of humanity’s ability to logically enquire. The Buddha utilised a similar primitive belief system concerning karma without any alteration. The simplified elementary beliefs are all that have been perpetuated, and Buddhists have never really queried inherently flawed logic, such as the belief of transmigration of human consciousness into the animal Kingdom after death. They have asserted a near adamantine faith in the writings of those that have simply reiterated the exoteric teachings. The text presents a series of syllogisms rectifying the flaws, bringing to light part of the Buddha’s own agenda for the education of humanity.

Bodo Balsys here provides a unique and in depth study of the Buddhist concept of karma and rebirth and the many facets of this doctrine as understood today. He begins with a comprehensive analysis of skhandhas and samskaras, and gives further explanation than has hitherto been previously done. He then challenges Buddhists with persuasive and perceptive arguments refuting the concept of human rebirth in animals. To consolidate this he gives a quirky story concerning Buddha’s foremost disciple Ananda’s hypothetical life as a frog which ponders the various philosphical conundrums raised by such an hypothesis, plausable in current Buddhist conceptology. He later goes to explain and elaborate upon sGampopa’s Jewel Ornament of Liberation, providing as a consequence a modern manual for discipleship and an unassailable aid in conquering the various challenges on the enlightenment path. The text is saluted by a poem elucidating the multiple aspects of religion which serves in an inspiring way as a summary of much of what has been said.

Exclusive sneak preview! Read Chapter Four: The Hypothetical Life of Ananda ONLINE!