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
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?
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
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
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 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 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
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.
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
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 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
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
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.
Same Words, Different Meanings: The Fluidity of View, Practice, and State
It's not that certain expressions can only be views, others only practice, and others only states. Any language can change meaning in different scenarios, contexts, and cultural backgrounds.
How to Give Rise to Genuine Renunciation (1)?
In short, to give rise to genuine renunciation, one must rely on long-term hearing, reflection, and practice to cultivate three correct core views.
How to Give Rise to Genuine Renunciation (3)？
Only by doing this over the long term will you gradually come to understand the importance of practice, what life should be used for, and what this world is really about.
How to Give Rise to Genuine Renunciation (2)?
Once a correct worldview is strong enough, our emotional side will naturally give rise at least to the experience of mere emptiness. We will genuinely feel that this world is illusory. Directly perceiving and experiencing this world as illusory—this is precisely what is meant by mere emptiness.
From View to Realization: Expressions of Cognition in Buddhist Practice
Given the vast range of expressive elements in Buddhism, we can categorize them into seven key types:1. Direct Perception 2. Views 3. Experiences 4. Practice 5. Insights 6. Enlightenment 7. States of Realization
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?
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.