The Buddha's Past Lives

[ThoughtOnFire]

I heard of this some years ago, thought I might share it:

When the Buddha entered Nirvana, he first remembered 1 past life. And then he remembered 10 past lives. And then he remembered 100 past lives. And then he remembered 1,000 past lives. And then he remembered 10,000 past lives. And then he saw his past lives extending backward in time, forever.

Cool. I don't think this is to be taken literally but as a metaphor for the infinitely expanding consciousness in Nirvana.

[ROM]

Unless scholars had personal conversations with the Buddha when he entered 'nirvana', I find it hard to believe any scriptures relating to the Buddhas life, espcially when so much of it was orally transmitted before being transcribed later on (lots of missing/added information, etc). But thanks for this anyway -- I know you weren't trying to cause a heated discussion, but thought I'd share my thoughts.

Originally Posted by ThoughtOnFire

I heard of this some years ago, thought I might share it:

When the Buddha entered Nirvana, he first remembered 1 past life. And then he remembered 10 past lives. And then he remembered 100 past lives. And then he remembered 1,000 past lives. And then he remembered 10,000 past lives. And then he saw his past lives extending backward in time, forever.

Ya, that is how it works. I think I am up to around life number 3,600,000,000 by now. Did something to unlock past life recall in another life and here I am still remembering. I think I have done everything at least twice by now.

Originally Posted by Rin

Cool. I don't think this is to be taken literally but as a metaphor for the infinitely expanding consciousness in Nirvana.

If my understanding is correct - most Buddhists would agree with you.