In Buddhism, “conditions” is a fundamental concept, but it is often misunderstood. Let’s explore the correct understanding of “conditions” through the following two questions.
- Nothing is a coincidence, According to the principles of Buddhism
- Karma & Law of Karma
- 3 meanings of “let fate take its own course”
- The Importance of Letting Go: Understanding the Spirit of Buddhism
This phrase is often misunderstood, leading to improper application. Here, “conditions” doesn’t mean we should act carelessly or without concern for the results. The key is to always have a clear purpose—this includes both the final goal and the direction we follow.
- The final goal is the ultimate aim, which is freedom from suffering.
- The direction refers to the values and principles guiding us in life.
On this journey, things in life may not go as planned. However, even when circumstances change, we must stay committed to our goal and the path we’ve chosen. For example, if we planned a trip with 18 people and arranged meals accordingly, but the number of participants or conditions change, that’s where “going with the flow of conditions” comes in. We adjust to these changes, but our goal and direction remain unchanged.
The important thing to remember is this: the goal and direction stay the same. “Going with the flow” only applies to adapting to life’s changing circumstances.
Question 2: Does everything in the universe, even non-living things like the sun, moon, mountains, and rivers, depend on conditions?
Yes, everything in the universe, whether living beings or non-living objects, is connected by conditions. Buddhism teaches that all things come into existence because of conditions—nothing happens randomly.
- Physical forms include all material things, from what we can see to non-living objects like trees, soil, and water. These physical forms exist both within and outside living beings.
- Mental forms refer to the mind or consciousness, which only living beings have.
Even non-living things are connected to living beings, although they lack a mind. For example, trees or fruits might change due to the actions of living beings: good or bad actions can lead to the presence of nourishing or harmful things. Likewise, weather events like storms or rain can result from the collective actions of living beings or be influenced by unseen forces.
Buddhism explains that all things exist because of conditions and will disappear when those conditions are no longer present. Everything is connected through conditions, whether it’s a living being or a non-living thing.
Lesson by Venerable Toại Khanh