Reader’s Question:
Are there any cases of people committing suicide because they believed in the concept of reincarnation in another world? Also, I know of a case where a boy committed suicide after watching a show by Akihiro Ebihara, believing in “reincarnation.” Why are there so few cases of young people
committing suicide due to believing in reincarnation in another world?
Exploring the Concept of Reincarnation and Its Impact
You know, I’ve always found the concept of reincarnation fascinating. Growing up in Osaka, I was surrounded by a mix of traditional beliefs and modern pop culture, which often intertwined the two. It got me thinking about how deeply people can connect with these ideas, sometimes leading to unexpected or even tragic outcomes. I remember a conversation with my friend Hiro about a documentary we watched that explored different beliefs around death and rebirth. We were joking about how some people take these ideas a bit too seriously, especially when it comes to reincarnation. Hiro mentioned a case he read about where a young boy took drastic measures after watching a show by Akihiro Ebihara, convinced that he could reincarnate into a better life. It was shocking to think that someone could feel that much pressure or hope based on a belief in another world. This made me wonder why there aren’t more cases of young people taking such drastic actions over reincarnation beliefs. Personally, I think it’s all about context. In Japan, where many people grow up with the idea of reincarnation through Buddhism, it often serves as a comfort rather than a motivator for extreme actions. The idea of being reborn into a better life can be uplifting, but most people see it as a natural cycle rather than a reason to rush into the next life. I recall my own childhood, sitting in front of the TV, laughing at manzai comedians who poked fun at life’s absurdities. They had a way of making even the heaviest topics feel lighter, reminding us that life is full of ups and downs. It’s that comedic lens that often helps us process difficult ideas, like death and what comes after. Maybe that’s why I feel there’s a protective humor in the culture that can diffuse some of that pressure. Of course, there are historical examples, like the story of the Honganji forces led by Kencho, who used the belief in a better afterlife to rally people during the Sengoku period. But even then, it was more about the fight for a cause than personal despair over reincarnation beliefs. I guess what strikes me most is how we navigate these heavy topics in our lives. I think of all the times I’ve had deep conversations with my child about life and death, often using funny stories or silly analogies to make sense of it all. It’s those little moments that stick with us, right? So, what about you? Have you ever encountered a belief or idea that shaped your perspective on life in a surprising way? I’d love to hear your thoughts or any experiences you’d like to share in the comments!
