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?
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?
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?
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 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?
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
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)
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 would happen if the visualizer and the visualized are always different?
The “knowing” of thoughts is the cognizer, and the thoughts themselves are the cognized. Thus, the sameness or difference between the cognizer and the cognized creates the diversity in cognition.
Why are insights so important in meditation ?
Correct views and practices are fundamental in determining the accuracy of cognition and cognitive conclusions, underscoring the importance of study, contemplation, and meditative practice.
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’s "meditative-induced forms"?
In Yogachara (Consciousness-Only) theory, the forms seen in samadhi are called "meditative-induced forms."
What is the difference between meditative concentration and insight meditation？
Therefore, meditative concentration and insight meditation are distinct practices. The latter refers to the insights or views employed during meditation.
What are the results of meditation with insight?
When insight is integrated with meditative concentration, it allows mental consciousness to form an insightful understanding of the external world. The degree to which these two practices are integrated can determine the difference in perception, ranging from inferential to invalid to direct valid.
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.
Can superpowers really be generated through meditation?
What does it mean for changes to occur in the cognitive organs? It refers to the development of superpowers, such as clairvoyance, clairaudience, telepathy, and retrocognition.
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.
What is stillness?
In simpler terms, meditative concentration fosters a deeper understanding of the world around us, one that transcends our typical sensory experiences.
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.
Insight is especially important in meditation
While these superpowers already extend beyond the realm of human technology, they cannot compare to the various divine powers that arise from a high level of samadhi, nor can they produce super-cognitive abilities like the perception of pure land.