‘The Buddhists believe that each life, each consciousness, is like a single candle flame, but that there is a continuity between each flame. Imagine lighting one candle with the flame of another, then using that flame to light the next, and that to light the next, and on and on for ever. A thousand flames, all passed from one to another across the generations. Each is a different light, each burns in a totally different way. But it is, nevertheless, the same flame.
‘Now, I’m afraid, it is time for me to extinguish your flame. But don’t worry … the pain I give you will mean that you will burn brightest at the end.’