Sir: Despite originating in vastly different cultural and geographical contexts, Igbo cosmology and Chinese Buddhism share significant conceptual overlaps. Both belief systems recognise reincarnation, the influence of past actions on future existence, spiritual evolution, and the interconnection between the physical and spiritual worlds. While their specific interpretations differ, their core principles reflect a shared metaphysical understanding of human existence as part of a broader, cyclical reality.

One of the most striking similarities between Igbo cosmology and Buddhism is the belief in reincarnation, though each tradition understands it differently. In Igbo thought, ịịlọ uwa (literally, “returning to the world”) refers to the belief that the dead are reborn into their family lineage. Unlike Buddhism, where reincarnation can occur across different forms of life (human, animal, spirit, or divine being), the Igbo believe that the deceased are reborn within the same clan, lineage, or family group. A reincarnated individual often shows physical or behavioral traits of their past self. This is recognized through birthmarks, mannerisms, and specific talents. Families use divination (afa) to confirm whether a child is a reincarnated ancestor. Unlike in Buddhism, where reincarnation is often tied to karma, Igbo reincarnation is primarily about continuity of the lineage rather than moral consequences.

In Buddhism, reincarnation (samsara) is an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. However, unlike Igbo cosmology, which confines reincarnation to the human realm, Buddhism teaches that beings can be reborn in six different realms:

Human realm – The best realm for spiritual growth.
Heavenly realm – A blissful but temporary existence.
Asura realm – Beings with power but consumed by conflict.
Animal realm – Driven by instinct and ignorance.
Hungry ghost realm – Spirits trapped by insatiable desires.
Hell realm – A realm of suffering caused by bad karma.
Unlike the Igbo belief in direct lineage reincarnation, Buddhism suggests that rebirth is based on karma—one’s past actions determine their next life.
Igbo Concept of Ọogbanje

A particularly unique aspect of Igbo reincarnation is the concept of ọOgbanje, which refers to a spirit-child who is believed to be repeatedly born into a family, only to die young and return again. The ọogbanje cycle is seen as a form of spiritual affliction, where the child deliberately brings sorrow to the family. Rituals and spiritual interventions, such as breaking the child’s link to the spirit world, are performed to end the cycle. Objects called iyi-uwa (a hidden token connecting the child to the spirit world) are sometimes found and destroyed to prevent the child’s return.

Buddhist Karma and Cycles of Suffering
In Buddhism, the cycle of suffering (dukkha) and repeated rebirth due to karma resembles the Igbo ọgbanje phenomenon. If a person accumulates negative karma, they may be reborn into a life of suffering. The concept of attachment and unfinished business aligns with the Igbo belief that an ọgbanjechild remains spiritually bound to a cycle of suffering. Unlike the Igbo solution of ritual intervention, Buddhism emphasises detachment and spiritual enlightenment as a means of breaking free from suffering.

Both systems emphasize the influence of past actions on future lives, though they differ in their ultimate goals—Igbo cosmology seeks ancestral continuity, while Buddhism seeks liberation from the cycle of existence.

•Uche J. Udenka is a Social and Political Analyst #AfricaVisionAdvancementTrust