[Buddha-l] Bot being able to imagine annihilation [confused]

[Bob Zeuschner]

I've been teaching about Buddhism for about 35 years, and I do not 
recall ever using the term "annihilation" in my lectures.
I do explain that "Nirvana" is to "blow out" or "extinguish" the flames 
of egoistic possessiveness, anger/hatred, and ignorance/confusion.
There is no _atman_ which continues after death, but popular Buddhism 
certainly finds a continuous flowing process continuing after the death 
of this body.
I prefer the Buddha's silence concerning the issue of what happens to 
the arhant after death, or the parable of the poisoned arrow.
Personally, I'm more a Taoist on the issue. Personal ego stops, but 
rejoins the ever-flowing Tao. No individual life after death.
Bob

On 6/1/2010 11:06 AM, lemmett at talk21.com wrote:
> The fact that it's not obvious is somewhat worrying... As I said before the idea does seem slightly religious and I would pick Buddhism to be the religion that is most concerned with annihilation, as you seem to say yourself.
> Thanks again so much for the reply, I will spend some time digesting them and maybe then I can check with the list about some of the most important points you have made!!
>