Skip to content

According to the Buddha's teaching the beginning of the…

“According to the Buddha's teaching the beginning of the life-stream of living beings is unthinkable. THe believer in the creation of life by God may be astonished at this reply. But if you were to ask him 'What is the beginning of God?' he would answer without hesitation 'God has no beginning'…” quote by Walpola Rahula
Download Open image
“According to the Buddha's teaching the beginning of the life-stream of living beings is unthinkable. THe believer in the creation of life by God may be astonished at this reply. But if you were to ask him 'What is the beginning of God?' he would answer without hesitation 'God has no beginning', and he is not astonished at his own reply.”

Walpola Rahula

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Highlights that the concept of a beginning is inapplicable to both life and the divine, emphasizing the unknowable nature of origins.

In simple terms: Beginnings are unknowable for life and God.

Key Takeaway

Accept mystery and avoid dogmatic speculation.

Themes

philosophy spirituality ontology mindfulness

Mood

contemplative inquisitive

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • personal meditation
  • academic study
  • interfaith dialogue
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

emptiness dependent origination theology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to live without a defined beginning?
  • How can this perspective influence ethical choices?
A Different Perspective

Some may find this view unsettling or dismissive of scientific inquiry.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Walpola Rahula

Explore all 17 Walpola Rahula quotes

More Answers quotes

Browse all 7,843 Answers quotes