dear Sumana and friends.

> There is good reason I think to believe that the
> Buddha was ambivalent about the idea of rebirth but I
> don't think this ambivalence is stated well in the
> Kalama Sutta.

this is indeed a problems for many westerns,
the Buddha teachings are logical, make sense and their wisdom seems
undisputable every step of the way, the Kalama Sutta actually seems
like a fitting motto for any scientific organization.
and here, this question of Kamma, as if one is expected to belive in
this indian ancient beatific idea...

it is something of a catch, as the 'eye of Kamma', I guess the only
way
one is able to 'see for himself' the validity of kamma,
is one of the 'TiVijjaa', the three knowledges that are
'the process of enlightenment' itself, the highest knowledge,
but it is part of right view as well, which is a requisite even for
belief, let alone wisdom.

the solution was recomended by the Blessed one in the
'AppannakaSutta'(MajjhimaNikaya 60).
where the benefits of belief in Kamma and the dangers of disbelief
are clearly shown...

how is the expression: 'his rebeliousness pacified...'

metta