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
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
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
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
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?
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 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
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
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
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?
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?
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
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
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.
Can Spiritual Practice Overcome Illness and Attachment?
If we truly master our minds, dealing with illnesses should be an easy job.
If one realizes one’s true nature, is deep samadhi still necessary?
So, is deep samadhi necessary to recognize one’s true nature? It’s hard to say whether it’s necessary or not, but if you maintain the realization of Dzogchen, you will understand all forms of samadhi.
Illusion and Non-Valid Cognition in Mental Awareness
Mental cognition regards the external environment as merely a product of the mind’s discrimination, all of which are illusory, without absolute reality or falsehood.
What is ultimate cognition? How can ultimate cognition be achieved?
In ultimate cognition, it is believed that recognizing one’s own essence is ultimate, and this essence is inherently empty.
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
This has led some philosophers to argue that humans might never truly know the true nature of the material world.