[MD] emptiness

[118]

Hi Tuukka,

In my opinion, the concept of no inherent existence is a tool for one to remove the Ego.  A goal of Buddhism is towards utter selfless compassion.  Caring for others without thought of self.  The Ego prevents this from happening.  This is no different from a similar goal of Christianity.  

If the presentation of reality is seen as not being any more than the result of causes upon causes, we cannot point to the "I", and there is nothing personal to defend.  It is meant to relieve one of "being someone".  Of course Buddhism is not for everyone. 

Not requiring a cause can be seen as a cause, that is why Buddhism is so intellectually powerful, it is well thought through.  In the end, however, the concepts of Buddhism are meant to be abandoned once enlightenment is reached.  It is not meant to be a dogmatic religion, but a manner of thinking.  What one does with that thinking is up to them.

Thanks for asking my opinion.

Cheers,

Sent laboriously from an iPhone,
Mark

On Jan 3, 2012, at 7:11 PM, Tuukka Virtaperko <mail at tuukkavirtaperko.net> wrote:

> Hello 188,
> nice to meet you.
> 
> 4.1.2012 2:58, 118 kirjoitti:
>> Is existence inherent?  Hmmm...  What the Buddhist would say is: NO!
>> They would treat everything like a rainbow.  A rainbow does not exist
>> inherently because it requires causes.  Therefore, there is nothing
>> one could point to as the actual essence of a rainbow, or anything for
>> that matter.  A waterfall would be another example.  Again, I do not
>> see this as Nihilistic, but more a shirking of responsibility, if this
>> was the sum total of Buddhism.  This is what Marsha does not
>> understand.  Buddhists are very responsible for Self.  Therefore it
>> does exist.
> 
> Could you tell me why a Buddhist would say so?
> 
> Isn't "not requiring a cause" also just another cause? Why does the absence of inherent existence require a cause? Shouldn't it be the other way around?
> 
> -Tuukka
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