Maybe we¡¯re immortal. It¡¯s not a new idea. Christianity¡¯s appeal over 2,000 years rests largely on its promise of eternal life. In Japanese Buddhism, the soul passes from life to life ¡ª a dreadful prospect, it was held, which only the enlightened escaped.
Buddhist karma secularized is reincarnation. Some people believe in it. Most probably don¡¯t. Interest in it flares from time to time. It¡¯s flaring now, says Shukan Post magazine (Jan. 11). No wonder, with Japan soon to pass from Heisei to a brand new, still unnamed, era.
A little boy in the Kansai region gave his mom a jolt one afternoon in Heisei 15 (2003). She was peeling garlic. Suddenly little Tomo, aged 3 years 11 months, piped up, ¡°Let me do that.¡± Mom¡¯s eyes widened. Tomo explained, ¡°I used to do it before I was called Tomo.¡±
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.