Questions Answered After Death?

QUESTION: "Can we expect our most difficult religious questions to be answered after death?" 
 
ANSWER: Most religions place great emphasis on what will happen after death. Of course, no one knows for sure what will happen when we die. From the Buddhist perspective it is more important to focus on what we are doing here in the present, rather than speculating on metaphysical questions about the future. 
There are certain mysteries that may never be answered, but instead only inspire reverence, such as "Why is there anything at all?"  
 
The Buddha divided up questions into four categories:  
1. Those that deserve a categorical - a straight yes or no answer 
2. Those that deserve an analytical answer - defining and qualifying the terms of the question 
3. Those that deserve a counter-question - putting the ball back in the questioner's court 
4. Those that deserve to be put aside 
The Buddha was well known for his silence on certain metaphysical questions because such questions were not relevant to his central concern of teaching how to end suffering. 
 
So rather than speculating on something we can't know about, Buddhism teaches it is better to focus on becoming a better person in the present moment. What we do know is that real happiness comes only when we give up self-cherishing and work for the benefit of others in the present moment. When we live fully in the present moment our lives and activity can manifest great compassion and dignity for ourselves and others. 

 

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