Buddhism and facts - how they compare with each other

Buddhism and facts are in close agreement. In fact the basic propositions of most Eastern philosophies have now been verified by modern science. Modern science now seems to be reaching the same conclusions about the Universe as the ancient mystics of the East.

This article cantains information on Buddhism, the science of Quantum physics and much more.

These facts are as follows:

1) The Universe is an organic whole: - The Universe is one organism just as your body is an organic whole.

This is stated by the science of quantum physics through its discoveries in the 20th century – in particular the Bell’s theorem. For more on this subject please refer The dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukhav which explains the recent discoveries and also their connection with the mystical experiences and philosophies of the East. So this is one close relationship between Buddhism and facts.

I have not read any Buddhist scriptures, which state in so many words that the Universe is an organic whole. But this concept is certainly not alien to it. Osho Rajneash says of the experience of Nirvana or Moksha that it is similar to a raindrop merging with the ocean and losing it individuality - its separate existence. Not only that but the experience is similar to the raindrop experiencing what it is like to become the ocean.

The Buddhist doctrine does not have much to say about philosophical questions about the nature of the Universe. Its whole focus is to help you gain the experiential understanding.

One of the main Buddhism facts or doctrines is that stress is laid on experiential understanding and not beliefs (whether beliefs of Buddhism or any other beliefs).

So, this is one point – as stated in the earlier paragraphs where Buddhism and facts agree.

2) The sense of self is an illusion: - If we accept that the Universe is an organic whole then our everyday common perception that we are a self separate from the rest of existence is an illusion.

Carrying on with the example of the body a red blood corpuscle – if it had consciousness – might imagine that it has a separate existence. But it cannot exist apart from the body. And in fact - in another sense – the red blood corpuscle is just a concept that is useful to medical science. Science needs such concepts to cure diseases. But in actual fact there is just the body, which exists and is an organic whole. Their blood corpuscle is just a useful concept and it has no existence apart from the body.

This is similar to our relationship with the Universe. We imagine that we have an existence apart from it, but in fact we don’t. Our sense of a separate self is an illusion.

This is one of the basic concepts of Buddhism and also shows a close relationship between Buddhism and facts.

3) The sense of a self arises from ignorance and suffering arises through desire: -

These are concepts basic to Buddhism.

The first point is simple common sense. Since we do not have the experience of our oneness with the Universe we are ignorant of our true relationship with it. And out of this ignorance arises the sense of a separate self.

The second point of suffering arising due to desire is also common sense. Whenever our desires are frustrated we suffer. And it is inevitable that we will not all the time get whatever we want.

In actual fact this desire and suffering also arises due to our ignorance, which causes our sense of a separate self. But I will not explore this point further in this article.

So, this is another point where Buddhism and facts agree; another of the main facts about Buddhism - the concept of No Self.

Since we have this sense of a separate self we make all efforts to ensure its survival and comfort. And these efforts are sure to be frustrated. We cannot avoid sickness and old age and all the suffering and discomfort that they cause. And we certainly cannot avoid death, which is also a great suffering.

So, ignorance causes desire (for our own survival and comfort), which in turn causes suffering.

So this is another comparison between Buddhism and facts.

4) All is transient and everything comes to an end: - This basic concept of Buddhism is also verified by modern science and simple common sense.

According to the Second law of Thermodynamics this Universe will surely come to an end one day. What to talk of the individual objects and beings within it. So, modern science supports the Buddhist conclusion that all forms are transient.

Also anyone who has lived for a few years on this planet will know that change is the only constant in life. We ourselves change from day to day and year to year. Our relationships change, our possessions change, everything is in a state of constant flux.

This is another way in which our desires cause suffering. When we achieve our desire and obtain a certain possession we may be happy for a while. But we soon take that possession for granted and start desiring something else. Some of these desires are sure to be frustrated. Also our possessions will not be with us forever. If nothing else death will cause our separation from them. And this separation when it does happen will cause suffering.

Another of the facts on Buddhism borne out by experience and common sense.

So, our desires cause suffering when they are frustrated and also when they are satisfied for separation from what we possess is inevitable in this constantly changing world.

So this is another close agreement between Buddhism and facts.

For more on how you can use contemplation on impermanence and death to progress spiritually please visit this page on Buddhism Religion Facts Contemplation on death is how we can use one of the basic beliefs of Buddhism to lead happier lives.

5. All is unsatisfactory: - The Buddhist doctrine stresses on the unsatisfactory nature of life that we are living. Birth is a suffering, sickness, old age, death is all suffering and they are all inevitable.

Also in the light of what was said earlier about our ignorance (about our true nature and our relationship with the Universe) and about the desires. The desires arise due to our wish to ensure our comfort and survival, which is certain to end in failure. Also because of the transient nature of all forms and relationships our desires are sure to be frustrated. Thus it can easily be seen that life is suffering and is inherently unsatisfactory.

So, this again is a point where Buddhism and facts agree and it is verified by simple logic and common sense.

6. Meditation and contemplation: Buddhism stresses on meditation as a method and a way to attain enlightenment and the mystical experience of oneness with the Universe.

Medical science may not be much interested in mystical experience, but a keen interest is now being taken by science in meditation. It is now recognized by medical science that through meditation we can transform our self and increase our well being.

So, this is another point where Buddhism and facts agree.

For more on the beliefs of Buddhism please visit this page on 5 Facts Buddhism

For more information on Buddhism please visit the main page on this site on Buddhism

Eastern Philosophy and Meditation Home
Top of page Buddhism and facts