Quote Originally Posted by Darkmatters View Post
But now that I examine that thought... Im not sure a literal belief in reincarnation would have a stronger effect than an intellectual understanding coupled with a true desire to reach enlightenment. It seems to me a person who believes they have only ONE lifetime in which to reach toward enlightenment might try harder than one who thinks they have countless lives to expend in the effort.

Hmmm... interesting.
Not so, desire is one of the road blocks. If one were to believe that enlightenment is attainable, but believe that it is only possible in this life, they will feel as though it can be lost forever and therefore desire to attain whatever it is that will allow them enlightenment in this life. Enlightenment in an unbounded existence is inevitable, and therefore it is possible to let go of desire for it and still achieve it.