This is a difficult question. Let’s go over the following core teachings of Buddhism before drawing a conclusion: Perspectives on Non-Self, Karma, and Reality in Buddhism.
Extreme Views in Thinking
The Buddha pointed out that all beings tend to fall into one of two extreme views about existence:
- The Denial View: This is the perspective of those who believe that everything is meaningless, denying the existence of past and future lives, reincarnation, karma, Nirvana, and liberation. Such individuals tend to reject everything in the world, seeing all things as illusions.
- The Affirmation View: Those who hold this view believe that everything exists, meaning they believe in the existence of all things without recognizing impermanence and the constant change of the world. They believe in certainty, failing to see that everything can change and is non-self.
The Buddha taught that both of these views are extreme and do not align with the truth. According to the Buddha, when viewing the world, we cannot affirm that everything exists or everything does not exist because we must see everything as interacting, transforming, and non-self. When we view the world through the lens of “me and mine,” our perception will always be distorted.
- The Four Noble Truths: Everything you need to know
- The Noble Eightfold Path: A Simple Yet In-Depth Explanation
- Three simple practices for Dharma: No need to do more
The Existence and Function of Karma
In Buddhism, karma is a crucial factor that determines the results we experience in the present and future. When we act with a wholesome mind (good thoughts, words, and deeds), it generates positive results. These results include:
- Present Results: The outcomes we experience in this life, whether positive or difficult.
- Rebirth Results: The outcomes we will experience in the next life, depending on the karma we have created in the past. Rebirth results strongly influence the realm into which we will be reborn.
When we act with an unwholesome mind (bad thoughts, words, and deeds), it generates negative karma, leading to suffering not only in this life but also in future lives.
The Concept of Rebirth Results and Present Results
Rebirth Results: These are the outcomes of the actions, words, and thoughts we have carried out in the past. If we have done good deeds in the past, even if we face difficulties in this life, at the time of death, the good karma from the past will guide us to a better realm.
On the other hand, if we have acted wrongly in the past, even if we have lived a clean and upright life in the present, when we die, if the bad karma comes to fruition, it will push us into a realm of suffering.
Present Results: These are what we experience in this life, through our six senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind). Everything we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch is the result of the karma we have created.
Sentient Beings and Karma
Sentient beings are understood as the existence of the six senses and six objects (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind). However, there is no real “self” that exists within sentient beings. All that beings experience is the interaction between the senses (5 senses and mind) and the objects (the surrounding environment). All beings live in a relative world of karmic results.
- When the six senses and the six objects harmonize, people can live happily and peacefully.
- When the six senses do not harmonize with the objects, or when one of the senses is deficient, we will experience suffering.
Non-Self and Emotional Perception
In Buddhism, non-self does not mean abandoning oneself or living without emotions. In fact, when we realize that everything is non-self, we see the world is not ours, and we no longer cling to things with personal ego. All emotions, thoughts, and actions are merely reflections of causes and conditions, and when we understand this, we live more lightly, not caught in the whirlwind of emotions.
When we realize that everything is merely a combination of impermanent factors, nothing becomes worth clinging to, nothing becomes a source of fear or attachment.
Understanding Suffering and Happiness
Suffering and happiness in this life are merely the results of different conditions. We are happy when we attain what we want (such as health, money, love, etc.) and suffer when we lack those things or when things we do not want occur. However, when we understand that everything is non-self, we will no longer cling to those conditions.
Happiness and suffering are transient phenomena, only appearing in a specific moment and disappearing when the conditions cease.
When we live with a peaceful mind, understanding non-self, we will no longer be strongly influenced by emotions, whether happiness or suffering.
Non-Self and Freedom in Life
When we realize that everything is merely a combination of conditions, we no longer feel the need to struggle or possess everything. Everything is in constant change, and nothing is permanent. The Buddha teaches that when we live with a non-self perspective, we can easily let go of unnecessary attachments to things, emotions, and desires.
All things, whether body, emotions, or material possessions, are merely combinations of impermanent elements, and nothing lasts forever. When we understand non-self, we will live freely, unbound by what surrounds us.
Correct Thinking in Studying the Dharma
The Dharma is not a rigid system of theory, but a way of viewing phenomena in life. When studying Buddhism, we should not focus solely on the language but understand the deeper essence of the teachings. Everything in Buddhism is flexible, not fixed, and needs to be applied in real life to be beneficial.
The Dharma is a path to liberation, and the correct way of learning is to deeply understand the Buddha’s teachings, not just to follow them mechanically, but to apply them to our lives.
Freedom from Letting Go of Ownership
When we let go of attachments to “me and mine,” we will no longer feel pain when we experience loss or change. Everything is impermanent, and when we realize this, we will live more peacefully. Letting go does not mean abandoning, but understanding that all things are in constant transformation, and there is nothing to hold on to.
Conclusion
The Buddha’s teachings show us that everything in life can change, and nothing belongs to us. When we understand non-self and live accordingly, we can let go of desires, worries, and suffering. The Buddha teaches that only when we correctly perceive the nature of the world can we live peacefully and be liberated from the bondage of karma.
Lesson by Venerable Toại Khanh
