Question 45: HAVING GONE THROUGH COUNTLESS REINCARNATIONS, EVERYONE MUST HAVE EXPERIENCED MANY MARRIAGES WITH DIFFERENT PARTNERS...?

Question 45: HAVING GONE THROUGH COUNTLESS REINCARNATIONS, EVERYONE MUST HAVE EXPERIENCED MANY MARRIAGES WITH DIFFERENT PARTNERS. IF ONE WAS AN ANIMAL IN A PREVIOUS LIFE, THEIR SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS WOULD HAVE BEEN EVEN MORE CASUAL. IN THIS CURRENT LIFE, IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN A LIFELONG COMMITMENT DUE TO THE INFLUENCE OF PAST KARMA. WHAT SHOULD BE THE RIGHT VIEW ON THIS?Answer: There are several reasons why romantic relationships are so complex and intertwined:- Past lives: Having gone through countless reincarnations, the objects of our affections constantly change. Past karmic connections can be difficult to break, unless the other person was extremely evil or harmful.- Animalistic past: If one was an animal in a previous life, where sexual relationships are casual, it can be difficult to maintain monogamy in the present life.- Historical context: In the past, polygamy was common among the wealthy and powerful. Even today, some religions, like Islam, allow men to have up to four wives.These past connections make it difficult to maintain lifelong monogamy, especially when modern laws punish infidelity.The power of karma is not easily overcome by willpower alone. It requires the grace of the Three Noble Jewels. Lay practitioners should worship and pray daily, asking to be released from past karmic attachments. Even if they encounter someone from a past life, they should only help each other on the spiritual path and avoid reviving old romantic feelings. This applies even to one's current spouse. By praying daily, one can regain composure when unexpectedly encountering ‘someone from a past life.’Even monks who have vowed to remain celibate for life can be tempted by past karmic attachments because they too have lived as lay practitioners in previous lives. It takes great merit to become a monk, but one must not be complacent. Daily prayers are decisive to conquer the remnants of past romantic attachments and to ensure a smooth spiritual journey. This practice must continue for many lifetimes to attain enlightenment eventually.