Rebirth and the Western Buddhist - Khamkoo

20 Rebirth and the Western Buddhist
Some 16oo cases of spontaneous recall in various parts
of the world, including 241 in Europe,27 have been investigated
with great thoroughness by Dr. Ian Stevenson28
of the University of Virginia. This work provides
the strongest scientific evidence for rebirth that we yet
have-anyone of a scientific tum of mind who still doubts
the reality of rebirth should definitely read some of the
reports of it, in full. The above examples of the types of
evidence found are taken from the book by the English
Buddhist Francis Story, 29 who co-operated with Stevenson
in Sri Lanka, Thailand and India-the book largely
responsible for persuading the present author that the
materialist view denying life beyond death was incorrect.
Some of these phenomena are also reported in connection
with Tibetan Rinpoches or incarnate lamas, but without
investigation by persons with scientific training.Z 9 a
What Westerners can attest is the remarkable precocity of
the young rinpoches, a feature also noted in many of
Stevenson's and Story's cases.
2. Recall through deliberate training
Recall through deliberate training can occur through the
practice of meditation in the present life. As indicated
above, according to the Buddha's teaching, the superknowledge
of recollecting previous lives can be attained
through practising concentration until perfect Calm
Abiding (samatha) is realised-nine stages are distinguished
in this process 30 -then going on to develop the
four absorptions (dhyiina). This may be expected to take
years of retreat devoted entirely to this practice, in conditions
of quiet and isolation that Mara 31 has succeeded in
almost eliminating from the Western world. The yogin
who achieves it also has access to such magical powers as
levitation, invisibility, multiplying the body, and passing
unobstructed through walls or mountains, 32 whose rarity
these days needs no stressing. Before one can even start,