Ontology and Universal Nature
Different assumptions are made by scientists and others who study the human
society and world in general. Some scientists assume that there are objective
rules governing the world and universe, while some assume that phenomena occuring
are dependent on the contexts. Formation of assumptions or perspectives (or
views) could be seen clearly in the religious arena as well. Religions also
make various assumptions about the world and human beings. Based on the belief
that there is no life after death (or no rebirth) some relegions assume that
human actions are not followed by their results. On the other hand, religions
that hold the belief of a creator God assumes that the world exists according
to the laws made by the creator. Hence, some declare that there exists an objective
world.
On the contrary, Buddha did not declare that everything in the world is either
objective or subjective. Having realized the role of perceptions, views (see
the footnote) and grasping he declared that the whole world can be found in
the fathom long body. When asked whether he was a man, the Buddha answered no.
Similarly, when asked if he was a god, brahma, or yakka etc. the Buddha's answer
was negative. He knew the subjective nature of the worldly knowledge. All the
beings - humans, gods, brahmas - are with minds that could get defiled by ignorance,
anger and greed. On the other hand, the Buddha eliminated such defilements from
his mind. Therefore, in order to show the difference between the beings who
have defiled mnds and the Buddha without the defilements, he did not affirm
that he was a man, god or a brahma. The Buddha realized the necessity to transced
this subjective knowledge or to use the subjective knowledge for further development
of wisdom.
Moreover, with the realization of the role of the positive mental faculties
such as mindfulness, effort, concentration, confidence (sraddha), and wisdom
he decalred the non-deterministic nature of the universal laws. He states that
if the universal laws are deterministic then Nirvana is not possible. Hence,
due to non-deterministic nature of these laws it is possible to change the course
of samsaric existence and attain Nirvana. As a Bodhisatva, he discovered behaviors
needed for gaining the understanding necessary for showing the others the path
to Nirvana. He practiced the 'perfections' or paramitha relentlessly showing
the non-deterministic nature of some of the universal laws. He realized the
changing nature of things and phenomena and that existence is subject to suffering
. Hence, he did not declare that everything is subjective.
Irrespective of the contextual factors, everyone undergoes suffering and and
is subject to change. Whether a person is rich or poor, black or white, thin
or fat, wise or foolish etc. she/he is overcome by this unsatisfactoriness and
change at some point in life. Hence, the Buddha declared that ultimate truth
is the four Noble Truths. These Truths are neither created by the Buddha, nor
a verbalization of his imaginations. Instead, he realized the existence of these
Truths in the universe.
Old age, disease, and death come to everyone without even wishing for them.
Moreover, these are common to everyone. Even the strong 'body builders' are
overpowered by sicknesses. Similarly, things around us change whether we wish
for the changes or not. Buddhists perform a simple experiment everyday when
offering flowers to the Buddha. When we observe the flowers that are offered
to the Buddha, we can realize that they are beautiful (with niec coloers, pleasant
smells and softness). As the time passes by, the colors fade or discolorations
occur, the softness is replaced with roughness and dryness, and intensity of
the scent decreases. Changes occur in the flowers. Ultimately we throw away
the flowers offered to the Buddha because they have become very unpleasant.
The Buddha stated, "all conditions things are subject to change. When the
conditions that cause them change, the result changes too. Therefore, be dilligent
and follow the path." Only through following this path dilligently that
a person can transcend the subjectivity and overpower the objective impermanence
to realize the absolute happiness of Nirvana.