Memories of Past Lives in Nikāya / Āgama and Mahāyāna Literature

By : Bhikkhu Anālayo

Page No: 1-22

Abstract
The present article critically examines two propositions presented by Schopen (1983/2005) in an article entitled “The Generalization of an Old Yogic Attainment in Medieval Mahāyāna Sūtra Literature.” The first of these propositions is that a change took place in the notion of memories of past lives in some Mahāyāna texts, turning what earlier was conceived as a demanding yogic attainment into something generally available without need for meditative accomplishment. The second, related proposal is that the early Buddhist doctrine of karma implies that all those who are not yet perfected will eventually have to face rebirth in hell or other lower realms and then have little chance of emerging from that condition again.

Authors
Bhikkhu Anālayo: Barre Centre for Buddhist Studies, 149 Lockwood Road, Barre, MA 01005, USA.