Throughout the long history of human civilization, understandings of life have been diverse and profound, deeply influencing our thoughts and actions.

Among these, the concept of the three lifetimes stands out as a particularly insightful and unique perspective on life. Originating from the profound philosophical reflections of ancient Indians, this view holds that human death is not the absolute end of life. Rather, while the physical body perishes, the spirit or consciousness does not vanish. Instead, it is reborn into another living being through the mechanism of reincarnation, returning to this world again and again in an endless cycle.

The “three” in the concept of the three lifetimes refers not only to the three temporal dimensions—past, present, and future—but also symbolizes the three stages of life: previous life, current life, and future life. Ancient Indians firmly believed that we perpetually cycle through these three states, experiencing various forms of life and different circumstances. These life forms include six types: celestial beings, asuras, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell beings. After death, one’s consciousness may enter any one of these six forms through rebirth.

This perspective on life later deeply influenced Chinese thought with the introduction of Buddhism. Many Chinese people began to believe in the cycle of rebirth across the six realms of existence, convinced that one’s actions in the present life determine the conditions of future rebirths. The idea that good deeds lead to favorable outcomes and evil deeds lead to suffering became deeply ingrained, serving as an essential guiding principle for personal conduct.

In contrast, some other perspectives differ significantly:

• The one-life theory suggests that death extinguishes life entirely, like a lamp going out, and that actions in the present life bear no consequences for the future. This view may lead individuals to indulge their desires while neglecting moral and ethical constraints.

• The two-life theory emphasizes reverence and accountability to ancestors or a divine being, asserting that one’s actions will be judged and rewarded or punished by them. However, this perspective may overlook the importance of personal agency and free will.

The three-lifetime theory, on the other hand, proposes that present actions carry consequences for one’s cycle of rebirth, emphasizing personal responsibility. This view is not only philosoph profound but also practically significant, encouraging people to cherish the present, cultivate virtue, and lay a solid foundation for their future rebirths.

The concept of the three lifetimes not only shaped Indian culture but also influenced ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations to some extent. The ancient Egyptians believed in the immortality of the soul, positing that it would continue to exist in another living being. The ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras also expressed belief in the transmigration of souls. However, these cultures eventually embraced other perspectives on life, while the Indian understanding of the three lifetimes remained deeply rooted, forming the foundation of Indian cultural thought.

Under the influence of this worldview, Indians developed a strong sense of world-weariness. They often viewed life as filled with suffering and futility, since even death could not free them from the endless cycle of rebirth. This inescapable轮回 (cycle of rebirth) evoked feelings of helplessness and anguish.

In search of liberation, Indian religious thinkers raised a unique religious question: How can one avoid returning after death? They believed that through certain spiritual practices, this goal could be achieved. This state of not returning after death was termed “Nirvana” by ancient Indians, meaning the extinguishing of the flames of birth and death.

The founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, offered what he considered the most effective solution to lead us toward Nirvana. The core aim of Buddhism is to help individuals cross the river of life, from the shore of轮回 (cycle of birth and death) to the shore of Nirvana.

For those who wish to genuinely embrace Buddhism, it is first necessary to accept the ancient Indian perspective of the three lifetimes, as this forms the ideological foundation of Buddhist faith.

In his teachings, the Buddha consistently emphasized the suffering inherent in life. He detailed various forms of suffering—such as birth, aging, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, encounters with unpleasantness, and unfulfilled desires—from multiple angles and levels. He taught that only through a deep recognition of life’s suffering can one develop the aspiration for liberation and Nirvana. For those who both accept the concept of the three lifetimes and yearn for liberation, Buddhism provides a systematic path of practice.

In Buddhism, spiritual practice is not solely for personal liberation but also for the welfare of all sentient beings. The Buddha taught the importance of generating bodhicitta—the mind of awakening—motivated by the desire to benefit all beings. This spirit of altruism is a vital component of Buddhist practice and aligns with the three-lifetime concept, which emphasizes how present actions influence future rebirths. Buddhist practice aims not only to achieve a better state of life in future rebirths but also to help all beings escape the cycle of suffering.

For those who accept the three-lifetime concept but lack the motivation to seek liberation, the Buddha taught the “Human and Heavenly Vehicle” Dharma. This path is designed for individuals who wish to continue cycling through rebirths but hope their next life will be no worse than the current one. The Human and Heavenly Vehicle ensures that one’s next rebirth is at least as favorable as the present life while also fostering connections with other beings, laying a solid foundation for future spiritual progress. Its ultimate goal is to guide everyone toward liberation and Nirvana.

Moreover, Buddhism underscores the importance of the law of karma. Within the framework of the three lifetimes, karma serves as the link connecting the past, present, and future. Buddhism teaches that our current life circumstances are the result of past actions, while our future conditions depend on present conduct. Therefore, Buddhism encourages us to cherish the present, accumulate virtuous deeds, and create better conditions for future rebirths.

The three-lifetime concept is key to understanding both Indian civilization and Buddhist thought. It reminds us to value the present, act virtuously, and reflect on the meaning and value of life, as well as our place and role in this world.

As a path seeking liberation and Nirvana, Buddhism offers a fresh perspective for contemplating life’s meaning and value. By exploring this worldview and its influence on religious culture, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity and complexity of human civilization.