Here are some interesting answers about "what is Buddhism" from Tom Carr: Buddhism can be so many different things, depending on where a person is. Sometimes it can be something to take refuge in, something to give shelter, and when I need that its wonderful that it exists. Sometimes it can be a philosophical structure, the best one I know of, a well constructed web of words combined with pointers to what is beyond words, a raft to carry me to the other shore, a finger pointing at the moon. Other times, it can be something much more subtle, beautiful and poetic. I remember once I was at a meditation retreat, had been quiet and sitting for a few days and then walked up into the mountains where it had snowed the day before and it was just totally obvious to me that "Buddhism is sunlight on snow".

What about reincarnation? (some comments from Tom Carr): Maybe from the point of view of therapy it doesn't matter, but so far as our overall understanding of life, the universe and everything, it does matter. I think any time we can increase human understanding we should. If you have any evidence of a person remembering a past life, and then verifying that they really remembered the life of person who lived in the past, I think it would be good to pass that evidence on to whoever is studying this stuff these days. I don't know who that might be, but you could probably find out in the spirituality or gnosis conference.

more from Tom Carr: I have no idea if reincarnation is true or not. One of the main things that originally attracted me to Buddhism is that it asked me to look and see for myself rather than having faith. Well if I look for myself, I don't see anything one way or another to indicate that reincarnation either is or is not true.