Theory
Three Major Questions in Buddhism

Three Major Questions in Buddhism

Buddhism is the only philosophy that posits that every sentient being possesses the Buddha nature and has the potential to attain omniscience, just like the Buddha. This statement is internally consistent within the framework of Buddhist philosophy. To understand why this is the case, it is necessary to delve into the fundamental tenets of Buddhism.
Three Common Worldviews

Three Common Worldviews

As previously discussed, humans perceive the world through two means: direct valid cognition and inferential valid cognition. These methods are also utilized in the field of science.
The Perceived World and the Worldview

The Perceived World and the Worldview

What is the origin of dreams? According to Buddhism, dreams originate from the alaya-vijnanam, the storehouse consciousness where an immense amount of information is stored as karmic traces or seeds.
What Are the Differences Between Buddhism and Eastern–Western Philosophy?

What Are the Differences Between Buddhism and Eastern–Western Philosophy?

By contrast, the emptiness taught in Buddhism is something that every living person can directly realize, provided their accumulations of merit and wisdom are sufficient. Therefore, Buddhist philosophy is the only philosophy that can truly be fulfilled; it is a philosophy in which direct perception and inferential cognition understanding are consistent.

The Impact That Buddhist Worldview Has on Life

The Impact That Buddhist Worldview Has on Life

Buddhism has many more positive impacts on our lives beyond what has already been discussed. With practice, we can gain complete control over our emotions, improve our ability to comprehend things, and achieve a more inclusive and calmer mind.

The Interpretation of the Three Main Questions in Buddhist Philosophy

The Interpretation of the Three Main Questions in Buddhist Philosophy

Buddhism does not rely on empirical evidence in the way that science does because there is no possibility of mutual proof. Just as no one can truly know whom you love except for yourself, enlightenment involves an internal knowing (self-proof) that is unique to each individual.

The Merit and Defect of Monotheism

The Merit and Defect of Monotheism

While Western philosophy examines the world through the lens of the six senses, Buddhism focuses on meditative introspection. This introspection can lead to a profound transformation of the mind.
The Interrelationships Among the Bodhisattva’s Six Pāramitās (Part 3)

The Interrelationships Among the Bodhisattva’s Six Pāramitās (Part 3)

Through contemplation, experiential feelings arise; once such feelings have arisen, one enters concentration within those feelings. This is what is called the practice of one-sided emptiness. Eventually, the experience of emptiness itself is relinquished, the nature of mind is clearly recognized, and one then enters Dharmatā-samādhi.

The Eastern Philosophy in Decline

The Eastern Philosophy in Decline

In fact, learning Buddhism involves two parts: establishing the correct worldview theoretically and realizing it through Dharma practice. Buddhism is the only worldview that can be truly realized through dedicated practice.
The Impact of Objective Idealism

The Impact of Objective Idealism

It is important to take our faith seriously as it has a significant impact on our lives. However, if we follow a belief without being able to fully support it with evidence, it may be considered mere superstition.
The Impact of Materialism

The Impact of Materialism

Materialism is commonly considered the dominant and correct worldview, but both in theory and practice, materialists are unable to substantiate their claim that "matter is the fundamental substance of the natural world, and spirit is the result of material interactions."
Eight Kinds of Suffering in The Mundane World

Eight Kinds of Suffering in The Mundane World

It's common to see successful individuals turning to Buddhism later in life, as they come to the realization that the things and experiences they once believed would bring them lasting happiness have failed to meet their expectations. They begin seeking a deeper understanding of happiness that goes beyond material possessions and external achievements.
The Desperate View of Life

The Desperate View of Life

What does it mean to say that the course of life is doomed to be a tragedy? Materialism posits that our lives are determined by our material composition, and this outlook suggests that to a large extent, our fate is beyond our control.

Materialism Is Not Science

Materialism Is Not Science

It is important to emphasize that materialists cannot provide theoretical or practical proof that "matter is the fundamental substance of the world in nature." Some may ask if science is a form of materialism, but it is not.
Differences in The Two Observational Methods

Differences in The Two Observational Methods

The approach of Eastern philosophy differs from that of Western philosophy. The latter seeks to expand human perception to observe the world, while the former turns off the first five senses and consciousness to achieve the same end.
Buddhism Is Not Subjective Idealism

Buddhism Is Not Subjective Idealism

Buddhism strives to guide individuals towards the ultimate truth by emphasizing the use of reasoning and understanding of its teachings without hindrances. It stands against the idea of Buddhism being an unattainable or detached concept.
Views Can Be Wrong, but Karma Never Is

Views Can Be Wrong, but Karma Never Is

Sometimes, the karmic consequences of misrepresenting Buddhist teachings can be far worse than taking a life. Killing ends a life, but corrupting someone with incorrect Dharma harms their wisdom-life. Comparing the two, harming one's wisdom-life is more severe and terrifying, with much longer-lasting effects.

The expression of view primarily deal with inferential cognition

The expression of view primarily deal with inferential cognition

It's crucial to understand that expressions of view are purely intellectual. They don't necessarily relate to one's spiritual attainment or moral character.
Don’t Be Misled by Feel-Good Spiritual Advice

Don’t Be Misled by Feel-Good Spiritual Advice

Listeners should be very cautious about this as well. Not only should they discern the views and methods of practice, but they should also understand that the same language can express different experiences and states of realization.
Why Brain-Based Cognition Inevitably Generates Attachment to Self and Phenomena?

Why Brain-Based Cognition Inevitably Generates Attachment to Self and Phenomena?

Brain-based cognition inevitably believes that once the brain dies, life ends, and thus doesn't believe in samsara. Since brain-based cognition cannot see the function of the mind stream, it only believes in cause and effect on the physical realm, not in the causality of the mind.
True Proof Arises Through Practice: Individual-Based Self-Knowing

True Proof Arises Through Practice: Individual-Based Self-Knowing

As these illusions dissolve, we see the true Vajrasattva—the formless, featureless essence, the real emptiness where ‘all phenomena are illusory.’ Beyond illusion lies the essence. And what follows this revelation? The realization that karmic obstacles inherently lack substance—true repentance.
The Transformative Path of Consciousness-Based Cognition

The Transformative Path of Consciousness-Based Cognition

When you directly realize the nature of Emptiness through your own mind, you'll no longer believe that brain death marks the end of life. Instead, you'll develop a strong conviction in the cycles of rebirth and the potential for liberation.
The Six Senses Are Invalid Cognition: “Direct Perception” as a Human Convention

The Six Senses Are Invalid Cognition: “Direct Perception” as a Human Convention

What we consider as direct perception through the six senses is a convention. For instance, what a normal human eye sees is defined as direct perception. However, from the ultimate Buddhist perspective, all six senses are invalid cognition.

Mind-Based Cognition: The Brain and Senses as Mere Instruments

Mind-Based Cognition: The Brain and Senses as Mere Instruments

Today's quantum mechanics has greatly altered our understanding of space-time, but it hasn't led to a massive qualitative change in our cognition.

From Probability to Causality: The Fundamental Limits of Scientific Cognition

From Probability to Causality: The Fundamental Limits of Scientific Cognition

Constrained by the subject and the method of observation, we cannot see the deeper reasons for the emergence and development of things, so we don't believe in the law of causality.
How can we simply explain the existence of samsara through Madhyamaka?

How can we simply explain the existence of samsara through Madhyamaka?

Although we can directly perceive matter, analysis—and even modern science—has already shown that matter lacks real substance and does not possess the capacity to propel samsara or generate phenomena.
The Inherent Limits of Brain Cognition

The Inherent Limits of Brain Cognition

The human brain has inherent limitations. We attempt to overcome these by altering our environment and using tools like mathematics and logic. However, this approach rarely leads to fundamental changes in our perception.
Consciousness-Only: Transforming the World Begins with Transforming the Mind

Consciousness-Only: Transforming the World Begins with Transforming the Mind

The main changes should be made to internal conditions: on one hand, accumulating merit and purifying obscurations through the brain and senses, and on the other hand, halting brain and sensory activity to shift the direction of cognition.
Cognitive Transformation, Supernatural Powers, and the Causality

Cognitive Transformation, Supernatural Powers, and the Causality

Thus, cognitive abilities change, the perception of space and time shifts, resulting in supernatural powers; values change, leading to the belief in the law of causality.
Matter Cannot Account for Cognition: From the Brain to Alayavijnana

Matter Cannot Account for Cognition: From the Brain to Alayavijnana

Therefore, the fusion of sperm and egg is merely one possibility, an external manifestation of the Alayavijnana preceding the next life. This understanding of rebirth within consciousness cognition does not equate the union of sperm and egg with the production of consciousness.
After Denying Matter and God, What Remains?

After Denying Matter and God, What Remains?

What underpins all phenomena? If not matter, then perhaps God or our own minds. Thus, the philosophical proposition that consciousness can generate everything aligns seamlessly with Madhyamaka. When we dismantle all constructs, matter loses its solidity; it emerges solely from the mind.
Does cognition originate from matter?

Does cognition originate from matter?

Imagine middle school textbooks teaching us that the material world is always in motion. According to this perspective, spirit emerges as a result of this dynamic matter. But here’s the catch: this philosophical stance can be quite unsettling—it’s essentially considered the root of all evil!
The Fundamental Difference Between Brain Cognition and Consciousness Cognition

The Fundamental Difference Between Brain Cognition and Consciousness Cognition

Moreover, since we acknowledge that consciousness is the essence, by turning back, as long as we find our own consciousness, we find the essence, we find the ultimate truth on which this world is established.
Empirically Refuting Materialism Through Awakening and Samadhi

Empirically Refuting Materialism Through Awakening and Samadhi

If we want to demonstrate that matter is an illusion and consciousness is fundamental, what are the available methods? Traditionally, in Buddhism, there have been two main approaches: awakening and meditation.
Why the Buddhist concept of Mind-Only Is Not philosophical idealism?

Why the Buddhist concept of Mind-Only Is Not philosophical idealism?

The Mind-Only doctrine in Buddhism should not be conflated with the idealism of Western philosophy, as the term “mind” carries distinct meanings in each.

Seeing, Hearing, Measuring—Yet Never Truly Knowing

Seeing, Hearing, Measuring—Yet Never Truly Knowing

This has led some philosophers to argue that humans might never truly know the true nature of the material world.
Why Buddhism Is So Often Misunderstood: A Call for Discernment

Why Buddhism Is So Often Misunderstood: A Call for Discernment

We should approach miraculous stories and legends about Buddhism with caution. Many are products of imagination and present a narrow view of the tradition. Buddhism's depth and breadth are truly vast - even after decades of study, one might feel they've only scratched the surface.
Why Human Cognition Cannot Penetrate the Essence of Matter?

Why Human Cognition Cannot Penetrate the Essence of Matter?

In other words, if we accept that the essence of cognition is the brain, which is caused by the movement of matter, we will never find the essence. Philosophically, failing to find this essence results in a dichotomy. Claiming that matter is the essence while being unable to identify the essence of matter is inherently contradictory.

Why Scientific Instruments Still Cannot Reveal Ultimate Matter?

Why Scientific Instruments Still Cannot Reveal Ultimate Matter?

The quest for the smallest particles, whether through tools or theoretical models like strings and superstrings, is hindered by the fact that our methods of detection inevitably affect the very matter we seek to understand. Thus, the challenge remains to discern and explore the true essence of matter.
Why “All Phenomena Arise from the Mind” Is Hard to Truly Believe?

Why “All Phenomena Arise from the Mind” Is Hard to Truly Believe?

The external environment and light are both movements of the mind, a formation of causes and conditions, all without substance, and the essence of everything belongs to the mind, hence the phrase “all phenomena arise from the mind.
The Material Basis of Thought and Sensory Cognition

The Material Basis of Thought and Sensory Cognition

The cognition of the five senses is known as direct cognition. The functioning of these senses depends on specific material mediums and the support of mental consciousness, or brain activity.
What is materialistic cognition?

What is materialistic cognition?

Materialism suggests that matter, in and of itself, lacks cognitive properties. Yet, when basic matter engages in movement and combination, it gains the capacity for cognition.
Outward Is Consciousness, Inward Is Wisdom

Outward Is Consciousness, Inward Is Wisdom

What, then, is this “wisdom”? In other words, it is when consciousness no longer discriminates outwardly but instead turns inward to discover what its ultimate ability to discriminate is. Gradually, one will understand: emptiness is indeed luminosity, the Tathagatagarbha, the Dharmata.
The Interrelationships Among the Bodhisattva’s Six Pāramitās (Part 2)

The Interrelationships Among the Bodhisattva’s Six Pāramitās (Part 2)

Of course, true patience is to abide in prajñā itself. At that point, there is no need to struggle against afflictive emotions; one simply does not depart from prajñā. For the nature of them is itself prajñā, and they can only ultimately dissolve into prajñā.
What is the highest level of cognition?

What is the highest level of cognition?

Among all religious forms of cognition, it is only Buddhism that can truly achieve the unity of “cognition” and “the object of cognition”.
What are the fundamental differences between Western and Eastern philosophy?

What are the fundamental differences between Western and Eastern philosophy?

One prominent distinction between Eastern and Western philosophy lies in the approach to cognition: while Western philosophy relies on the senses, Eastern philosophy emphasizes the cessation of the senses for transcendent cognition.
Why are there so few people who achieve spiritual enlightenment?

Why are there so few people who achieve spiritual enlightenment?

It is challenging to achieve mass enlightenment through introspection because the results of this path are often self-validating.
Is it true that supernatural powers never make mistakes?

Is it true that supernatural powers never make mistakes?

Unlike logical reasoning, math, or science, siddhis are not products of thought, but rather a form of direct awareness. However, this direct experience is not always perfect. It can be flawed or misinterpreted.
The path of spiritual practice is often accompanied by hardships

The path of spiritual practice is often accompanied by hardships

We often wish each other “May you be filled with Dharma joy,” but it may not come swiftly. Conversely, “Dharma suffering” remains a constant companion on our journey.
The Interrelationships Among the Bodhisattva’s Six Pāramitās (PART 1)

The Interrelationships Among the Bodhisattva’s Six Pāramitās (PART 1)

If we seek liberation and aspire to become a true bodhisattva—or ultimately a Buddha—we must cultivate these six practices. By training in the first five, we lay the conditions for the arising of prajñā.
Can one truly find liberation through online spiritual workshops?

Can one truly find liberation through online spiritual workshops?

These workshops and courses might give you a temporary feel-good boost, but they are not the same as true liberation.

How Sincere Are the Vows You Have Made?

How Sincere Are the Vows You Have Made?

All Dharma practice is fundamentally for the cultivation of the mind, and it begins with a choice: to become a Buddha for the benefit of all sentient beings.

It is difficult to fully and deeply understand the world through technology

It is difficult to fully and deeply understand the world through technology

Due to the limitations of the cognitive tools and the incomplete logical parameters, we are limited in our ability to draw comprehensive conclusions about the material world.

No matter how advanced the tools are, they can never replace the humans

No matter how advanced the tools are, they can never replace the humans

Because the essence of cognition still falls within the domain of the human six-sense organs, it is difficult to bring about a fundamental shift in the results of human cognition.
Why We Fail To Cultivate Forbearance?

Why We Fail To Cultivate Forbearance?

As Master Hanshan observed, practice requires great resolve, great diligence, and great forbearance. This, and this alone, is what genuine “mind cultivation” truly means.

Why an Arhat’s Four Immeasurables Are Not Bodhicitta?

Why an Arhat’s Four Immeasurables Are Not Bodhicitta?

As for the Arhat, since the Four Immeasurables are not equivalent to the Bodhisattva’s conventional bodhicitta, Arhats lack the intense aspiration and clear vision to lead all beings to Buddhahood.

The True“Lying Flat” Turns Out to Be a Dzogchen Pith Instruction？

The True“Lying Flat” Turns Out to Be a Dzogchen Pith Instruction？

In fact, the practice of Dzogchen is exactly like this: when the nature of non-doing is recognized, although nothing is done, nothing can go wrong.
Why are humans the ruler of the Earth?

Why are humans the ruler of the Earth?

Faith-based cognition, thinking-based cognition, and logical cognition are prerequisites for human beings to pursue the truth.
What is Thinking-based cognition？

What is Thinking-based cognition？

Thinking-based cognition is the conclusion that humans draw from their sense organs and mental consciousness through coarse thinking.
What is logical cognition?

What is logical cognition?

To deny that mathematics is the foundation of science is to deny all of the existing cognitive methods of mankind.
What is faith-based cognition?

What is faith-based cognition?

Grounded in cultural traditions or religious doctrines, faith-based cognitions offer personal lenses through which humans interpret reality.
Do we really share a common world?

Do we really share a common world?

Yogacara does not acknowledge the inherent existence of matter, but we do the opposite way.Spiritual practice aims to change these misconceptions.
Why is Buddhism the only Philosophical System that is Logically Self-Consistent?

Why is Buddhism the only Philosophical System that is Logically Self-Consistent?

therefore, once these two forms of grasping are removed, cognition naturally becomes complete—resulting in the omniscience of a Buddha
Three Essential Qualities for a Buddhist Practitioner

Three Essential Qualities for a Buddhist Practitioner

A Buddhist practitioner should have three qualities: A broad-minded disposition,A spirit of self-sacrifice and Perseverance—the resolve to carry through to the end.
Manipulating Others like Zhen Huan, or Mastering Yourself like a Bodhisattva?

Manipulating Others like Zhen Huan, or Mastering Yourself like a Bodhisattva?

What, then, occupies the mind of a Bodhisattva? Their victory lies solely in the awakening and realization of sentient beings.
What is direct valid cognition？

What is direct valid cognition？

The objects of the first five-sense consciousnesses all belong to the nature realm. If the organs are healthy, the results of perception are direct and valid.
What are the cognitive objects and results of mental consciousness ?

What are the cognitive objects and results of mental consciousness ?

The results of cognition fall into three categories: direct valid perception (what you perceive is what it is), inferential valid perception (derived from logical reasoning), and non-valid perception (arising from logical fallacies or mental constructs).
The fundamental cognitive approaches that humans use to perceive the world

The fundamental cognitive approaches that humans use to perceive the world

Beneath every human action, cognition reigns as the hidden king. By learning to navigate this inner landscape, we can attain liberation and uncover the ultimate truth.
Why Do We Feel a Sense of Scarcity?

Why Do We Feel a Sense of Scarcity?

If one can relinquish the dualistic cognitive habit dominated by grasping at a personal self, the mind will naturally abide in non-attached joy and effortless freedom
Does cognition itself have essence?

Does cognition itself have essence?

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.
The different cognitive approaches of Mere Emptiness and Dzogchen

The different cognitive approaches of Mere Emptiness and Dzogchen

It is clear that the cognitive approach is extremely important. Our spiritual practice lies in honing our cognition.
"Cognizer" and "Cognized"

"Cognizer" and "Cognized"

"cognizer" refers to sentient consciousness,and "cognized'' refers to the objects of the mind.
The differences between Buddhist Yogacara and secular philosophical idealism

The differences between Buddhist Yogacara and secular philosophical idealism

The mind explored in Buddhism encompasses aspects unaddressed by secular philosophy, such as Alayavijnana, the base consciousness, an important aspect of the mind in Buddhism.
Is Your View of Karma Designed for Others?

Is Your View of Karma Designed for Others?

All of our internal thoughts and bodily external actions — body, speech, and mind—affect our future and bring about corresponding results.
What, for an individual being, is the greatest form of suffering?

What, for an individual being, is the greatest form of suffering?

Therefore, for every sentient being, the greatest suffering is not death itself, but failing to recognize the nature of mind, failing to understand the three Mahāyāna views, and not knowing the true nature of life.
What impact does materialism have on modern society?

What impact does materialism have on modern society?

A completely materialistic person who deeply and comprehensively believes in the survival of the fittest will behave in a very terrifying way.
Could AI ever think like us？

Could AI ever think like us？

If AI could have human-like innate cognitive abilities, it would shake up the very core of Buddhist teachings, maybe even rewrite them entirely
Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism

This part explains the four lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, their theories and practice methods.

Chinese Buddhism

Chinese Buddhism

This part explains the eight schools of Chinese Buddhism.

Introduction to Buddhism

Introduction to Buddhism

This part gives an overview of Buddhism.

Why is Buddhism not PUA (Pick-Up Artist)?

Why is Buddhism not PUA (Pick-Up Artist)?

Buddhism is not PUA because it is open to discussion and debate
What is cognition?

What is cognition?

Can AI cognize? No, it cannot
The Introduction to Worldview

The Introduction to Worldview

Worldview refers to our ideas and cognition of the world. That how we view the world is twofold: what do we use to view and how do we view? They are different. understanding the worldview is a crucial question because it has a tremendous impact on every aspect of our life.

Three Common Worldviews

Three Common Worldviews

This part explains the three non-Buddhist worldviews: Materialism, Objective Idealism, Subjective Idealism.
Differences In The Two Observational Methods

Differences In The Two Observational Methods

Why do we have so many different worldviews today? This has something to do with the different ways we use to observe the world. The East and the West observe the world in different manners and from different perspectives. We thus have different categories of philosophy. They share similarities, while there are huge differences between them.
The Impact of Materialism

The Impact of Materialism

Many regard Materialism as the mainstream, correct worldview. However, materialists cannot, both theoretically and in practice, prove their statement of “matter is the fundamental substance of the world in nature, and that spirit is the result of material interactions.” It is just a hypothesis. There has not been a single mathematical formula or physics equation out there that came to the conclusion that the world is made up of matter. This hypothesis cannot be proved by the direct valid cognition.

The Impact of Objective Idealism

The Impact of Objective Idealism

Objective materialism does have a positive impact on our life and society. Nonetheless, it can never experience the happiness that emerges from the course of searching for the nature of mind or the ultimate liberation.
Buddhism Is More Than A Spiritual Comfort Zone

Buddhism Is More Than A Spiritual Comfort Zone

Buddhism is more than burning the incense or saying your prayers. You cannot just offer two bananas to the Buddha, and then ask for a luxury car in return; or after you make your offerings, you thought that the undesired would not come to bother you at all; or after you commit sin, you can clear it out just by merely making your confession to the Buddha;
Buddhist Worldview

Buddhist Worldview

The Buddhist worldview is multifold. There are the stages of path and the ultimate one, including the Theravada, Cittamatra(the Mind Only), Makhyama (the Middle Way), the Great Completion, and so on.
Why are you not created by God? Neither is the world?

Why are you not created by God? Neither is the world?

Buddhism states that the mind changes as well, so it does not stand up for the tag of "one"; this is exactly why it transforms. This is how Buddhism views the universe. If there is an inherent "one" out there independent of the mind, no matter if it is the spirit or matter, as long as it remains unchanged, there is no way that it could interact with us at all. Logically and cognitively, it does not make any sense.

Yes, There Is Rebirth

Yes, There Is Rebirth

If one fails to eliminate attachment and ego-clinging and to attain Arahatship, afflictions and habitual tendencies stemming from the notion of "I" and "mine" are connected to the mind that functions at the moment of death, which will inevitably bring forth the mind that causes the next transmigratory existence to happen.

Buddhism Is Not Subjective Idealism

Buddhism Is Not Subjective Idealism

Buddhism cannot be regarded as one of the three categories at all, because they are not inclusive enough. To make a further clarification, Buddhism is not even a religion, nor a science, nor a culture, nor an art, nor a philosophy. It has nothing to do with politics either.
The Importance of Contemplation

The Importance of Contemplation