Rebirth

1. Introduction: Rebirth in World Culture -- 2. Pre-Buddhist Indian Rebirth Theories -- 3. The Buddha on Rebirth -- 4. Where Rebirth Happens: A Quick Tour of the Buddhist Cosmos -- 5. How Rebirth Happens: The Twelve Links, Dying, and Being Reborn -- 6. Why Rebirth Happens: The Mysterious Mechanics of Karma -- 7. A Brief Note on "Popular" Traditions -- 8. Indian Mahāyāna Views on Rebirth -- 9. Indian Tantric Buddhist Views of Rebirth -- 10. Is Rebirth Real? Indian Buddhist Arguments -- 11. The Spread of Buddhism, and Theravāda Views of Rebirth -- 12. East Asian Views of Rebirth -- 13. Inner Asian Views of Rebirth -- 14. Rebirth and Modern Buddhism -- 15. Contemporary Debates and Future Prospects -- Notes -- Bibliography. "What was the historical context for the Buddha's teachings on rebirth? What is reborn? Do all Buddhist traditions agree about what happens after death? Is it necessary to believe in rebirth to consider oneself a Buddhist? All these questions will be addressed in this short, reliable, and accessible introduction to Rebirth across Buddhist history and traditions. The book will also cover contemporary refutations of rebirth in secular Buddhist contexts as well as western scientific attempts to document reincarnation in conversation with Buddhist beliefs"--