Momentary Rebirth and the Evolution of Buddhist Philosophy

This essay presents a personal and philosophical interpretation of Buddhist rebirth (saṃsāra), emphasizing momentary dependent arising rather than linear temporal succession. Conventional interpretations that reduce rebirth to past, present, and future lives misrepresent the Buddha’s avyākata (undeclared questions). Drawing upon early Nikāya texts, the essay foregrounds rebirth as conditional, momentary processes of consciousness. The essay further integrates Mahāyāna developments, including the Avataṃsaka Sūtra’s unobstructed interpenetration doctrines (i-sa-mu-ae, sa-sa-mu-ae, won-yung-mu-ae) and the Heart Sutra’s emptiness (śūnyatā), demonstrating the evolution of Buddhist philosophical insight over two and a half millennia. A comparative discussion with Pauline theology highlights Buddhism’s dynamic, evolving nature. This study offers a comprehensive framework for understanding rebirth, consciousness, and the interdependent nature of reality.