Materialism says that cognition is a product of material activity and the world is a tapestry woven from ever-moving matter, and within this dynamic ballet, the mind emerges as a result of the dynamic interplay and fusion of threads of matter. Please note the word "fusion" here because a single thread of matter cannot generate cognition; It takes the tangled embrace of multiple strands of matter weaving into something akin to life itself. That is materialism's story for now, but who knows what tomorrow's chapters might hold?
I remember the quantum physicist asked, "Can computers be used to create cognition?" I said "That's not possible!" He sought reasons, and I went on to explain, incorporating various Buddhist terms, which made the conversation difficult to go deep. Therefore, translating Buddhist terms into modern scientific language is crucial due to the complexity of such discussion.
Materialism says that consciousness is merely a byproduct of the intricate dance of physical matter, denying any essence to cognition itself. Remember: this seemingly academic position carries profound implications. Materialists argue that our cognitive activities are not orchestrated by some shadowy mind, but rather emerge from the dynamic interactions of physical neurons. It is matter, they hold, that is the true essence. Yogacara, however, presents a stark counterpoint: the mind, not matter, is the fundamental entity, a vast ocean of consciousness from which all experience arises, including the very illusion of the world. This distinction is monumental.
Materialism says that cognition, produced by the movement of matter, has no essence by itself. If Materialism were to acknowledge that cognition itself has an essence, in that curious scenario, then Buddhist practice methods and principles in physics would even start echoing each other. Research and studies in the scientific field will interestingly mirror the iconic Chan koan: "Who chants the Buddha's name?" This question delves beyond the physical act of chanting, pointing toward the essence behind it. It is not the mere movement of lips and lungs, but a deeper wellspring of the essence of awareness. What happens when you discover this essence? Awakening—you find the root, the nature of the mind!
The claim that cognition has an external essence differs significantly from the claim that cognition itself is its essence. This distinction has profound implications. If cognition is merely the activity of combined matter, then its cessation marks the end of consciousness. For some materialists, this belief in nothingness after death fuels a deeper fear, as life becomes a fleeting spark extinguished with the body's collapse. Buddhist teachingsof rebirth in the Pure Land, seen as nothing but mere superstition by many materialists, directly contradict the materialist perspective, creating an immense chasm between these two worldviews.
Excerpted from:Cognition and Expression Part One
