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
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