Our bodies, which came through our mother's birth canal, are like avatars in a video game. In our ignorance we attached to them. We believe the avatar is who we really are.
And so we go from one game to another otherwise called the cycle of rebirth. When finally we awaken to our true self or ātman which is unconditioned, the game is still going on but now we transcend the entire game.
Accordingly, all is a grand illusion (māyā) but nevertheless appears and seems real. By this awakening we no longer attach to illusions. Our life in the womb, our birth, our adult life and death, even a heaven or hell are all an illusion!
Those who don't accept this vision and don't strive to awaken from the illusion are doomed to transmigrate in a world of suffering.
Monks, this cycle of rebirth (samsara) is without discoverable beginning. A first point is not discerned of beings roaming and wandering on hindered by ignorance and fettered by craving (SN 15:3).
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