nature, reality & buddhism

Copyright © 2012-2014 Buddhitakso 1

“The Buddha’s original teaching is not

a religion as the word is conventionally

understood. The Buddha taught

‘Dhamma’ – a moral, wholesome way

of life which is universal, and can be

practised by anyone. He did not teach

‘Buddhism’, and was not interested in

making anyone a ‘Buddhist’.”

～ Acharya S. N. Goenka (1924 – 2013) ～

Ɲaturϵ,

Ɽealitƴ

§ ẞuɖɖhisɱ

by ЉuδδhiΨaksσ


Theoretical Pariyatti

Practical Patipatti

Realisable Pativedha


Forewords

Why is it so difficult for one to know and see the ultimate truth? Why are we

here - breathing, thinking and talking, right now? Why is there a beginning and

then an ending? Why something, why not nothing?

For one to see into the ultimate truth, one has to unwind everything back to

the moment of the origin. We do know things and happenings exist because it

can be known and felt by our senses. And our minds interpret event or

happening as a condition that one has to go through, to persevere with, to

soldier on with, to carry on with or to undertake with, inevitably. Since things

and happenings have existed long before we have a slightest opportunity to

recognise and understand it well, we are bound to suffer ignorantly.

However, as human beings, we have the wisdom to carry out recognition on the

entire cycle of events or happenings. In the dependent nature, we do know one

thing that is consistently constant i.e. becoming. This becoming process is the

main reason for all the things that we observe right here, right now. When

there is a becoming process, there is a changing process. The changing

process would then conjure up an ability of sorts that is known as ‘energy.’

Therefore, we shall be clear by now that energy is something that has always

been in existence and remaining as constant - as per the Law of Conservation

of Energy that says energy in a system can neither be created nor destroyed

and the sum of all energies is a constant or never changes.

When we deal with the subject of energy, indirectly we also touch on the

subject of matter. This is because energy and matter are simply two aspects

of the same thing - both reflected in different forms only (as in Einstein's

formula, E = mc2). Just like cause and effect are the same things - both

reflected in a different time of events. As a summary, we could conclude that

energy is a fundamental element in the dependent nature because every single

thing or happening would involve with it. Even the so-called souls, spirits,

ghosts - are all part of the elements of energy because they can be detected

by electromagnetic devices.

So when we mention that the sum of all energies in a system is a constant or

never changes, it means that there is a need for a balancing act in the


dependent nature. Otherwise, a constant factor could not be achieved at all

and the natural bounding law that dictates this circumstance of equilibrium in

the dependent nature is called the law of kamma. In other words, the law of

kamma is simply a natural bounding law of balancing. And only when there is a

balanced circumstance, there is a chance for the process of formation i.e.

under a balanced phenomenon, one could witness the emergence of forms;

under an imbalanced phenomenon, one could witness the non-emergence of

forms - and the cycle of conditional phenomena continues.

For general understanding, the law of kamma is a comprehensive law that runs

in a phenomenon full of complexity and in a way beyond the straight forward

action-reaction principles being discovered by modern scientists. This is

because events or happenings in the dependent nature would appear in varying

frequencies under the conditional influences and thus the working result of

kamma is non-conjecturable and to speculate about it would bring madness and

vexation to anyone who conjectured about it.

Right now, let us take a look at another angle of nature that is the non-

dependent nature. What constitutes a non-dependent nature? A non-

dependent nature is also known as an inherent nature of existence. Anything

that inherently exists would not involve change and created objects cannot

inherently exist since that would involve change. Therefore, we could conclude

that all the things or happenings in the dependent nature cannot inherently

exist because the changing process is the key element of it.

So how could we identify the ultimate truth in the nature? Rightfully, we could

mention that nature is ultimately universal and encompassed with both the

inherent and the dependent qualities. The inherent quality of nature can be

known as the deepest fact about things. It exists beyond mind, beyond

concepts and words and it bears with the characteristics of beginning-less and

end-less. Our minds are capable of perceiving this reality of nature and

Buddhism is all about transforming an ignorant state of mind into a realised one.

An enlightened mind is able to discern the deepest fact about things in crystal

clear and without hesitation after getting rid of the waves of dependent

phenomena.


As a conclusion, we shall know by now that nature is universal that bears with

the inherent and the dependent qualities concurrently. The ultimate truth

would remain unshaken no matter how one interprets it and one should not

waste time trying to prove who is right, who is wrong, which school teaches

more truths, etc. Trivial arguments would make one looks more foolish among

all the other ignorant beings. And the world is not a closed one. Those who

see, read, hear and evaluate for themselves can find the truth they seek. The

role of religion in this era is not as a blockage but to help explain and educate

in a mature manner. Be bound-less, be stereotype-less, be label-less. Mould

a right attitude and it would open up a new horizon of things. Have a nice day!

Buddhitakso

June 2012

“If the Supreme Truth is unknown, the study of Scriptures is fruitless; and

when the Supreme Truth is realised the study of Scriptures becomes

fruitless.”

From Sri Sankaracharya


1.0 Life Existence - How it begins and continues to begin?

Every existence does contain with the three basic elements - energy, matter

and space. These basic elements would subject to the balanced and the

imbalanced phenomena. Under a balanced phenomenon, these elements would

start to integrate with each other to create aggregation. Under an imbalanced

phenomenon, these elements would start to disintegrate from each other to

create segregation.

1.1 The Cycle of Dependent Origination

In the Buddhist context, the dependent nature is known as samsāra. Samsāra

literally means ‘continuous flow’- referring to a repeating cycle of birth, life,

death and re-birth. In other words, there is a repeating cycle of rising and

falling activities that in turn would give rise to the regular balanced and

imbalanced phenomena as being observed by the mind. This scenario can be

portrayed in the cycle of dependent origination shown as below: -

Balance leads to stability. Stability leads to aggregation. Aggregation leads to

agitation. Agitation leads to information. Information leads to knowledge.

Knowledge leads to representation. Representation leads to memory. Memory

leads to compulsion. Compulsion leads to ignorance. Ignorance leads to

blindness. Blindness leads to disorientation. Disorientation leads to confusion.

Confusion leads to irrationality. Irrationality leads to impulse. Impulse leads to

sparkling. Sparkling leads to inkling. Inkling leads to volition. Volition leads to

awareness. Awareness leads to consciousness. Consciousness leads to

manas. Manas leads to mind and body. Mind and body lead to sensation.

Sensation leads to six sense bases. Six sense bases lead to conductivity.

Conductivity leads to contact. Contact leads to stimulation. Stimulation leads

to feeling. Feeling leads to experience. Experience leads to craving. Craving

leads to grasping. Grasping leads to clinging. Clinging leads to unsettling.

Unsettling leads to becoming. Becoming leads to creation. Creation leads to

birth. Birth leads to energising. Energising leads to mobility. Mobility leads to

hauling. Hauling leads to aging. Aging leads to draining. Draining leads to

death. Death leads to fragility. Fragility leads to segregation. Segregation

leads to diffusion. Diffusion leads to imbalance. Imbalance leads to

adjustment. Adjustment leads to alignment. Alignment leads to new balance.


The Cycle of Dependent Origination The principle in effect: -

A stream of balanced phenomena would conjure up aggregation,

A stream of aggregation would conjure up information,

A stream of information would conjure up memory,

A stream of memories would conjure up ignorance,

A stream of ignorance would conjure up volitional impulse,

A stream of volitional impulses would conjure up consciousness,

A stream of consciousness would conjure up body and mind,

A stream of body and mind would conjure up six sense bases,

Fragility

Segregation

Stimulation

Draining

Becoming

Creation

Birth

Energising

Mobility

Aging

Death

Feeling

Grasping

Balance

Memory

Six sense bases Conductivity Contact Experience

Craving

Clinging

Unsettling

Compulsion

Ignorance

Disorientation

Confusion

Awareness

Consciousness

Manas Mind & body Sensation

Information

Knowledge

Representation

Stability Aggregation Agitation

Impulse

Hauling Blindness

Irrationality

Sparkling

Inkling

Volition

Imbalance Diffusion Adjustment Alignment

Black hole

of

Emptiness


A stream of six sense bases would conjure up contact,

A stream of contacts would conjure up feeling,

A stream of feelings would conjure up craving,

A stream of cravings would conjure up clinging,

A stream of clinging would conjure up becoming,

A stream of becoming would conjure up birth,

A stream of births would conjure up aging,

A stream of aging would conjure up death,

A stream of deaths would conjure up segregation,

A stream of segregation would conjure up imbalanced phenomenon,

A stream of imbalanced phenomena would conjure up new balanced

phenomenon.

Thus the conditional phenomena would continue repeatedly to depict the rising

and falling activities in the dependent nature, just like a continuum of wavy

pattern oscillating up and down. However, the cycle of dependent origination

cannot be directly translated as a linear point of reference because the

conventional reality does not work in-linear but in inter-dependence, inter-

woven since the dawn of time in a very comprehensive and complicated

network of existence.

2.0 Energy and Matter

Energy and matter are simply two aspects of the same thing - both reflected in

a different form. Just like cause and effect are referring to the same thing -

both reflected in a different time of events. Matter is simply something that

contains mass and takes up space as a solid, liquid, gas or plasma. The atom is

a basic unit of matter that consists of a dense, central nucleus surrounded by

a cloud of negatively charged electrons. The atomic nucleus contains a mix of

positively charged protons and electrically neutral neutrons. In other words,

matter is also known as concerted, aggregated or concentrated or wrapped

energy. As scientists have discovered, energy cannot be created or destroyed

– it only transforms itself based on any subjected conditions. Therefore, we

could summarise that all activities would evolve around the orientation of

energy and matter in space at all times and it can be illustrated as below: -


The Orientation of Energy, Matter and Space

Key: -

The element of energy Electromagnetic vibration

The element of matter Gravitational wave

The chain of mind consciousness

J0

J2

J1

F0 F2

H2

H0

H1

C1

G2

C2 C0

G0

K1

F1

L0

L1

L2

E0

N1

E1

E2 A2

B1

A0

B0

A0

K0

K2

2

C0

H1


The Web of Energy

Key: -

Point of friction = crystalised energy.

= a basis of matter.

‘Energy is space in tango, space is energy in play.’ ～ Buddhitakso ～


The Network of Existence

For example,

The Structure of Human Skin

Key: -

Point of friction = a communion of the two opposite forces.

= a balanced point.

1. This is how the network of connectivity arises in the dependent nature i.e. all the

elements are inter-depending, inter-waving and inter-relating with one another since

the dawn of time.

2. Energy is all about vibration. And vibration is about the alternate movement of

opposite forces and it travels in a wave pattern shown as below: -

FA1

FA2

FA1-2 = FA2-1

FA3

FA4

FA3-2 = FA1-1

FA3-1 = FA4-2

FA2-2 = FXX-X

F(A3-1=A4-2)-1 = FXXXX-XXXX

F(A3-1-A4-2)-2 = F(A3-2-A1-1)-1

F(A3-2=A1-1)-2 = F(A1-2=A2-1)-1

F(A1-2=A2-1)-2 = F(A2-2=XX-X)-1

Cause-Effect

Effect-Cause


3.0 Energy and Soul

What is energy? It is described as the ability to cause change or do work.

Now, let us look at soul. Soul is defined as non-material part of a human body,

believed to exist for ever, emotional and intellectual energy. As such, is it

incorrect to relate soul as part of the elements of energy? On the other hand,

one may hear of the Law of Conservation of Energy that says energy in a

system can neither be created nor destroyed. It may take on various forms

(e.g. kinetic, potential, heat, light, chemical, nuclear, electrical, mechanical, etc.)

Therefore, the sum of all the energies in the system is a constant or never

changes.

When a person is lying dead, both the elements of energy and matter would

head off from each other. The elements of energy would sustain a liberty of

sorts and over time, the elements of matter would transform into the elements

of energy as well before assuming into another new life forms and this cyclic

process continues repeatedly. Now, let us take an example of a worn out PC

(Personal Computer). Whilst the hardware parts may meet its due time, the

software parts may not and it could be recycled and reconfigured before being

put to use onto other PC.

On another instance, we could summarise that ice, water and steam are

different forms deriving from the orientation of H2O properties under the

subjected conditions. At the end of the day, when the ice form ceased to be,

the elements of energy within it would assume into the water or the steam

form. The elements of energy within the ice form did not just die out or cease

to exist. Also, it is well known that modern scientists who work on hypotheses

could not conclusively agree to acknowledge the existence of souls or spirits

due to the complication in garnering consistent results at any period of time.

However, the so-called souls or spirits could still be detected by

electromagnetic devices and this scenario has confirmed that souls or spirits

are part of the elements of energy. There are bountiful cases related to souls

or spirits available in every corner of the world but most of the investigations

merely lead to a mystifying end.


4.0 Ātman

In Hinduism, ātman is defined as individual soul or essence that is eternal,

unchanging, and indistinguishable from the essence of the universe. However,

Buddhism sees no ātman or no eternal soul. Therefore, the correct

interpretation is Buddhism recognises no eternal-soul and not no-soul. In

other words, Buddhism sees in a basis of blueprints in individuals that is always

evolving under the influence of conditional phenomena. Whereas, Hinduism

sees in a basis of blueprints that is eternal and never changing under any

circumstances.

5.0 Law of Kamma and Newton’s Law of Motion

The law of kamma is a natural phenomenon law discovered and realised by

human civilisation long time ago – so as all the natural law principles testified

and verified by modern scientists. In other words, all the natural phenomenon

laws have been in existence since the dawn of time with or without any

discoveries by human beings. For general understanding, the law of kamma is a

comprehensive law that runs in a phenomenon full of complexity and in a way

beyond the straight forward action-reaction principles being discovered by

modern scientists. If we analyse intently into the Newton’s 3rd law of motion

and the law of kamma, both of these laws did share a certain degree of

similarity. For instance, it is correct to say that good begets good, evil begets

evil. When one pays to behave like an animal in the present lifetime, one would

be repaid in the next life as an animal. Just as sow apple seeds, reap apple

fruits; sow orange seeds, reap orange fruits or Action 1 conjures up Reaction 1;

Action 2 conjures up Reaction 2.

6.0 Law of Nature and the Buddha’s teachings

If one observes intently at the surroundings, everything that exists would

always try to achieve a harmonious balance. All things or matters would only

exist in perpetual conditions under a balanced phenomenon. Thus when things

run off-balance or when one stirs up in any circumstances, the natural law that

maintains equilibrium would take its regular course to balance it in another way


across time and the plane of existence. This natural law is also known as the

law of balancing. In the Buddhist context, the law of balancing can also be

classified as the law of kamma. The law of kamma is a natural law that is not

shaped by someone else; no one owns it; neither Buddhism – but merely to

ensure equilibrium in the nature at all times.

Also, we need to understand that long before the rising of Buddhadhamma

about 2,550 years ago, the realms of existence has run its course in

accordance with the natural bounding laws. And the wise Buddha has seen

through the reality of it, thus advocating remedies for a permanent liberation.

The Buddha has recommended Middle Path (the path of balancing) that acts as

a fundamental route to taste enlightenment while facing with the law of kamma (the law of balancing). Middle Path is all about focusing on core, neutral,

balance and upright. It means to investigate and break through the core of life

and all things without any attitudes of favouritism. Any investigations must

commence based on unbiased grounds i.e. on neutral and upright positions. In

other words, one needs to investigate the problem from various angles, analyse

the findings, understand the truth thoroughly, and find a reasonable conclusion.

Also, the Buddhadhamma lays great emphasis on human thought and action in

dealing with the natural environment, society or individual problems. It is

concerned with the relationship between thoughts and behaviour, and the

relationship between behaviour and its consequences. In short, the Buddha

recognises all thoughts and actions as wholesome or unwholesome only. The

meaning of wholesome would be in totality of perspective and unwholesome

would be in non-totality of perspective. There is no holy or sinful act or

thought in the eyes of the Buddha except for skillful or unskillful one.

7.0 Basic elements and Conditional phenomena

When the three basic elements - energy, matter and space interact together,

the very first dot of integrating process begins under a balanced phenomenon.

When the billion and trillion dots come together, it would manifest into some

sort of beings or things. Respectively, each dot contains a sort of genetic

information that is unique and the aggregate of multiple dots would conjure up

a pool of behaviour subsequently. Such a unique behaviour would be enfold


within the same being or thing until the next disintegrating process begins upon

a specific time of maturity. During the disintegrating process, the three basic

elements would liberate from each other and sustain a freedom of sorts under

an imbalanced phenomenon.

When more different beings go through the same disintegrating processes,

more different elements of energy and matter would sustain with freedom of

sorts and thus assimilate among each other in the realms of existence before

waiting for the subsequent balanced phenomena. For instance, the three basic

elements would separate from each other when a being is lying dead. Both the

elements of prevailing and subtle consciousnesses would depart from the body.

It is the same scenario for plants, insects or any material things – but only the

elements of subtle consciousness exist and would depart from the body.

8.0 Law of Dependent Origination

So far all the available suttas on the Buddha’s teachings have pointed out

ignorance as the first link in the wheel of life. However, if we were to observe

this aspect of ignorance intently, it simply could not arise out of thin air.

Definitely, it has to arise out of some kind of memorised events that have

taken place beforehand. In psychology, memory is defined as an organism's

ability to store, retain, and recall information and experiences. So when the

process of aggregation begins, some sort of information would be produced,

stored and recalled within the integrated elements. In a layman term, this

process is called the creation or pro-creation within beings or things. If the

memory aspect is absent, the process of replication could not arise in any

beings or things at all.

Let us illustrate the learning of speeches among young children. If a child has

no ability of memorising, then whatever lessons that were taught on would be

forgotten or erased instantly and the progression into the next advance level

would be deemed impossible. However, in Buddhism, there is a

recommendation for one to see and live in the present; neither in the past nor

in the future. When one lives well in the present, one would lead to a cessation

of memories of the past and this would subsequently lead to a cessation of


ignorance in the future.

The principle in effect: -

The seeing of ultimate truth leads to the cessation of balanced phenomenon,

The cessation of balanced phenomenon leads to the cessation of aggregation,

The cessation of aggregation leads to cessation of information,

The cessation of information leads to cessation of memory,

The cessation of memory leads to the cessation of ignorance,

The cessation of ignorance leads to the cessation of volitional impulse,

The cessation of volitional impulse leads to the cessation of consciousness,

The cessation of consciousness leads to the cessation of body and mind,

The cessation of body and mind lead to the cessation of six sense bases,

The cessation of six sense bases lead to the cessation of contact,

The cessation of contact leads to the cessation of feeling,

The cessation of feeling leads to the cessation of craving,

The cessation of craving leads to the cessation of clinging,

The cessation of clinging leads to the cessation of becoming,

The cessation of becoming leads to the cessation of birth,

The cessation of birth leads to the cessation of aging,

The cessation of aging leads to the cessation of death,

The cessation of death leads to the cessation of segregation,

The cessation of segregation leads to the cessation of imbalanced

phenomenon,

The cessation of imbalanced phenomenon leads to the cessation of conditional

phenomena,

The cessation of conditional phenomena leads to the cessation of time,

The cessation of time leads to the unconditional freedom of basic elements -

energy, matter and space.

Ultimately, the pure energy would freeze indefinitely in the absence of time –

this is the ambience of nibbāna. Let us refer to the following illustration: -


SAMSĀRA NIBBĀNA

Encircled by Conditional phenomena Release of Conditional phenomena

Act of Emptying

Act of Extinguishing

Act of Neutralising

Elements sustain in PERPETUITY Elements sustain in PERMANENCY Presence of Time Absence of Time

SUFFERING PEACE

9.0 Balanced condition and Sentient beings

Balance is generally defined as a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal

distribution of weight, amount, etc; a condition of being steady; a state of

equilibrium or parity characterised by cancellation of all forces by equal

opposing forces; a harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts

or elements, as in a design. On the other hand, sentient is defined as

responsive to or conscious of sense impressions; finely sensitive in perception

or feeling. Sentient beings are denoted as beings with consciousness or

sentience or specifically it denotes the presence of the five aggregates and are

characteristically not enlightened and are thus confined to the death, rebirth

and suffering characteristic of samsāra.

When we describe the characteristics of sentient beings, we are actually

referring to the energy being enfold within the matter that is subject to the

rising and the falling events. The consciousness aspects within the sentient

beings would initiate thoughts or acts that are devoid of inherent existence.

For every rising force of thoughts or acts, a new equal opposing force would

arise as well across the time stream (past, present and future) and the plane of

Energy

Space

Matter Matter

Space

Energy


existence. Continuous rising and falling of thoughts or acts would shape the

wheel of life as in samsāra. As mentioned earlier, energy and matter are simply

two aspects of the same thing - both reflected in different forms per se. Just

like cause and effect are the same things - both reflected in a different time of

events. Let us look at the following illustrations: -

Cause = Effect

Cause 1 conjures up Effect 1,

Effect 1 conjures up Cause 1-1,

.., etc.

Action = Reaction

Action 1 conjures up Reaction 1,

Reaction 1 conjures up Action 1-1,

.., etc.

If present,

Cause 1 > Effect 1,

Action 1 > Reaction 1

future will be,

Effect 1 > Cause 1-1,

Reaction 1 > Action 1-1*

* This is the typical scenario of a good person having to face with the

unfortunate events; a bad person having to enjoy the fortunate events in a

lifetime.

For example,

Loan $100 = Repayment $100

If today,

Loan $100 > Repayment $100


tomorrow will be,

Repayment > new Loan $100

In another scenario, the balanced condition could be depicted in our daily act of

giving and taking i.e.

The rise of unreserved taking or reward leads to the rise of accountable giving

or sacrifice (unfavourable energies attract unfavourable energies),

The rise of unreserved giving or sacrifice leads to the rise of unaccountable

taking or reward (favourable energies attract favourable energies).

A cessation in the conditional phenomena would lead to the cessation of cyclic

influences i.e. when action ceasing, reaction ceases; when cause ceasing, effect

ceases. And the antidote to the cessation of it would be radiating loving-

kindness and compassion that act as means for weakening the links of suffering

in the wheel of life.

The principle in effect: - A stream of loving-kindness and compassion would conjure up empathy,

A stream of empathy would conjure up boundless,

A stream of boundless would conjure up voidness,

A stream of voidness would conjure up stillness,

A stream of stillness would conjure up peacefulness,

A stream of peacefulness would conjure up enlightenment.

As a summary, every existence (sentient, non-sentient, or any material things)

consists of energy and matter that would orientate toward a harmoniously

balanced condition that is in accordance with the universal laws. Under a

balanced phenomenon, one could witness the emergence of forms; under an

imbalanced phenomenon, one could witness the non-emergence of forms and

the cycle of conditional phenomena continues repeatedly.


10.0 Law of Cause and Effect in Motion

Generally speaking, there are two categories of motion i.e. the constant and

the variable motion. When we mention that a rising force of something would

generate a new equal opposing force under the law of balancing, we are

actually referring to a process of action and reaction under a condition of

constant motion. However, under a condition of variable motion, the law of

balancing would orientate in a unique harmonising mechanism (as in Newton’s

2nd law of motion). Let us look at the following illustrations: -

10.1 Constant Motion

Under a circumstance of constant motion, come factor equals to become

factor: -

Come factor = Become factor

10.2 Variable Motion

10.2.1 Acceleration

When come factor accelerates, the relative become factor would decelerate: -

Come factor ↑, Become factor ↓

(End results: Mental and physical progresses slow down the circumstance of

time dilation in Einstein’s special theory of relativity.)

10.2.2 Deceleration

When come factor decelerates, the relative become factor would accelerate: -

Come factor ↓, Become factor ↑

(End results: Mental and physical progresses speed up the ambience of deep

meditation.)


More examples: -

1. When a car stops suddenly in a quick action, the reacting process becomes

slower in relative to the action and this is a basis for greater inertia effects –

serious injuries on the passenger.

2. When a car stops steadily in a slow action, the reacting process becomes

quicker in relative to the action and this is a basis for lesser inertia effects –

mild injuries on the passenger.

3. When one launches a bullet toward a target – too quick an action would take

the target longer time to react relatively. If compared with launching a throw

of baseball – slower an action would give relatively longer time for the target to

react.

4. When one runs water on a piece of paper in low velocity, the atoms or

molecules within the paper have sufficient time to react relatively quicker to

hold tight as a scale unit and vice versa.

Naturally, we always involve in motions that vary in frequencies under the

influence of conditional phenomena and this scenario coincides with the

Buddha’s saying that the working result of kamma was one of the four

unconjecturables and to speculate about it would bring madness and vexation

to anyone who conjectured about it.

11.0 Space and Time

Some people may say that time is an illusion and does not exist after all. So

what actually is time? Frankly speaking, time is something that is created; not

born (a non-natural existence). Time is an indicator for event; whereas length,

width and height are indicators for size and volume. All these indicators belong

to a category named as dimension. In other words, dimension is created for

the task of measurement per se and therefore, not something that arises out

naturally. Also, time is a scalar factor. A scalar refers to a quantity or

phenomenon that exhibits magnitude only, with no specific direction. Example


of scalars include speed, mass, electrical resistance, and hard-drive storage

capacity. Any interval of time is also scalar - it has magnitude only.

On the other hand, space is a natural element in the realms of existence; just

like the elements of energy and matter. Space is merely a plane for all the

activities or existences i.e. the orientation of energy or matter under the

conditional phenomena. Presently, scientists have discovered that space has

three spatial dimensions (length, width and height) and one temporal dimension

- that is time. In cosmology, the concept of spacetime combines space and

time to a single abstract universe. In fact, there is another X-factor dimension

exists to accommodate for non-discerning circumstances. As a summary, we

could mention that the three spatial dimensions were created for expressing all

existences under static phenomena and the combination of 3 + 1 + X-factor

dimensions were created for expressing all existences under dynamic

phenomena.

11.1 What actually happens to an object under accelerating motion?

When an object is set under an accelerating motion, the becoming process of

the object would be stretched as compared with a relative object that is set

under a constant or a decelerating motion. In other words, the becoming

process of the object has been slowed down comparatively; not the time has

been dilated or slowed down. Time would only assume the expression that the

becoming process has slowed down and not the other way round.

Literally, the slowing down of the becoming process would mean the slowing

down of the aging process for a sentient being. This is the correct

understanding behind the thought experiment of twin paradox which concerns a

twin who flies off in a spaceship traveling near the speed of light and returns to

discover that his or her twin sibling has aged much more.


Time is an expression that becoming process exists,

Becoming process is not an expression that time exists.


Length, width and height are expressions that size and volume exist,

Size and volume are not expressions that length, width and height exist.

Shadow is an expression that object and light exist,

Object and light are not expressions that shadow exists.

Effect A is an expression that Cause A exists,

Cause A is not an expression that Effect A exists,

Cause A is an expression that Effect pre-A exists.

In other words,

When no cause arising, no effect would arise,

When no object and light arising, no shadow would arise,

When no becoming process arising, no time would arise.

Similarly, the word of time has been used frequently for expressing different

scenario of becoming processes, such as follows: -

NO TIME = an expression of no opportunity for a new becoming process to

begin.

TIME TO TIME = an expression of moving from the past to the present

becoming process; the present to the future becoming process.

TIME PASSED SLOWLY = an expression of hoping for a faster becoming

process.

TIME DILATION = an expression that the becoming process slows down.

Once again, time is a dimension because it is a scale of measurement created

for gauging the events. Therefore, time could not be self-sustainable and has

no entity. For one to reflect time as an entity is a point of view based on

delusion, just like the misconception of self entity in beings. When there is no

becoming process, there is no time. So time does not exist in nibbāna.


12.0 The Concept of Emptiness in Buddhism

The concept of śūnyatā (emptiness) in Buddhism has always been the main

subject of confusion among the followers. Now, let us analyse into it.

We need to understand that long before the rising of Buddhadhamma about

2,550 years ago, the realms of existence has run its course in accordance with

the natural bounding laws. The wise Buddha has seen through the reality of it,

thus advocating remedies to liberate oneself from these laws permanently. For

general understanding, nature is full with wonders and has reached a saturated

level of complexity that encompasses all sorts of activities such as

aggregation, segregation, evolution, mutation, assimilation, etc. In other words,

all of these activities have had happened in a manner long before we have a

slightest opportunity to realise it. This scenario is the key to the rising of

ignorant aspects in the realms of existence.

As a consequence, we always tend to make the observation on events in the

context of ‘result’ perspective or from the ignorant point of view. There are

plenty of examples for the observation deriving from this conventional

perspective i.e. formation, suffering, disease, sickness, terrorism, calamity,

existence, etc. Nevertheless, the wise Buddha has realised these

circumstances and recommended with a paradigm shift i.e. for one to make the

observation on events from the context of ‘cause’ perspective or the

awakened point of view instead.

Thus far, it is this new-found perspective that could one liberate from the

cyclic influence of conditional phenomena. One of the good examples is the

introduction of the cardinal doctrine of Dependent Origination. As mentioned

earlier, nature has already reached a saturated level of complexity and this

circumstance has created difficulties for one to observe the events free from

defilements. If we could unwind all the events that have taken place in the

nature, we could realise the origin of it i.e. all the activities, events or

processes would evolve around the orientation of energy or matter in a plane

called space at all times. At the end of the day, we could see that every

existence (sentient, non-sentient, or any material things) is nothing but merely

basic elements (energy, matter and space) that would orientate in accordance


with the conditional phenomena. This is the correct understanding on the

concept of emptiness in Buddhism.

In other words, we could mention that the form entity has a delusive nature

and it is generated out of the ignorant point of view or from the context of

‘result’ perspective. We could not view form as an entity because it is an

appearance, though not illusive, but devoid of inherent existence and varies

under the influence of conditional phenomena. Rightfully, the Buddha has

recommended one to see all the circumstances as they truly are (not as they

delusively are). And it is through the philosophy of emptiness could one begin

to experience the cleansing of ignorant aspects. Once the ignorant aspects

have been extinguished or neutralised, the awakening aspects would arise

concurrently.

An act of emptying = an act of extinguishing = an act of neutralising

≠ an act of annihilating.


Seeing Dhamma is seeing Buddha, Seeing Buddha is seeing Dhamma. Seeing Buddha is seeing Nibbāna, Seeing Nibbāna is seeing Buddha.

Seeing Emptiness is seeing Form, Seeing Form is seeing Emptiness.

Seeing Energy is seeing Matter, Seeing Matter is seeing Energy.

Seeing Cause is seeing Effect, Seeing Effect is seeing Cause.

Seeing Action is seeing Reaction,

Seeing Reaction is seeing Action.


13.0 Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form

Why do we always hear Buddhists saying, ‘Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is

Form?’ What actually is form? We can actually see form as an appearance

but why would we say it is empty? Isn’t it strange, right? Well, for the

common populace, form is viewed as an entity. Entity means thing which exists

as a separate unit. So is it correct to say that form does exist as a separate

unit as what our ordinary mind perceived?

Let us make a simple illustration now. Supposedly, you stand in front of a large

mirror looking at yourself – what you could see is your own appearance of

physical body. Now, if you continue to see inside yourself, search deeper and

deeper within yourself, what would you see? You could probably see various

internal organs, blood veins, nerves, fluids, unit cells, etc. At the end of the

day, can you describe the innermost section of your physical body? After the

single unit cell, what else do you see inside further? Can you find any core

essence that is eternal or non-changing? You probably couldn’t find anything

inside further. When one couldn’t find anything inside further, how does one

translate it into? Isn’t it empty? So could we say that form is ultimately

empty in the real sense?

However, we shall not confuse emptiness with nothingness. Emptiness cannot

be meant as nothingness. While we say that form is emptiness, there are still

basic elements enfolding it. Just like when we do declare a vessel as empty, it

does not literally mean nothing inside the vessel – there could still be air,

radiation, dust, viruses, etc. that cannot be discerned by our naked eyes. At

the end of the day, we could declare that form is empty in the real sense

because there is no core essence within it except for the basic elements that

orientate and evolve constantly under the influence of the external conditions.

What our naked eyes view as form is actually the matter that is also known as

concerted, aggregated or concentrated or wrapped energy. Since we can’t see

energy with our naked eyes, we would say that the innermost of form is empty

rather than nothing.

As a conclusion, everything that exists is empty because there is no essence

to anything and nothing has ever existed in its own quality – nothing is

permanent and unchanging. All objects exist conditionally without an eternal


essence. They only exist in relation to each other as appearances that in turn

vary as per the perceptions of the beholders. Energy is the underlying element

for all the existences and it is dependent on the conditional phenomena.

14.0 The Concept of Non-self in Buddhism

The concept of anattā (non-self or absence of separate self) in Buddhism has

always been the main subject of confusion among the followers. Now, let us

analyse into it. Simply it means, ‘Now you see it, now you don't.’ This is what

the concept of emptiness in Buddhism is all about – the absence of static

entity. Nothing stays unchanging even for a slightest moment at all times. By

the time you think who you are, you are already not the same ‘you’ seconds

ago. So where are you to find the original static of ‘you’ as you assume along

every passing of moments?

At the end of the day, you could only see a stream of you constantly passing

by on every slightest moment. So I repeat, you could only see a stream of you

- not the one stop entity of you. Just like you could not step twice into the

same river; for other waters are ever flowing on to you. The stream of you

would mean you are part of the becoming processes that arise in the nature.

All the different shapes and forms that exist in the nature are merely the

momentary outcomes of the constant and the continuous becoming processes

in the realms of existence. Under a balanced phenomenon, one could witness

the emergence of forms; under an imbalanced phenomenon, one could witness

the non-emergence of forms - and the cycle of conditional phenomena

continues repeatedly.

In addition, the stream of you is devoid of inherent existence. It means that

you do not exist independently by the definition of the physical container that

you always presume to be. You are merely the results of energy or matter

orientation that evolve constantly and continuously in the space at all

times. In other words, you are just like part of the Lego pieces or bricks that

can be assembled and connected in many ways, to construct such objects as

vehicles, buildings, and even working robots - anything constructed can then

be taken apart again, and the pieces used to make other objects. When one is

fully awakened to the principle of emptiness or non-self, the state of


egolessness in oneself would arise concurrently. This realisation is part of the

fundamental routes to enlightenment as prescribed by the Buddha.

15.0 Non-self, Voidness and Rebirth in accordance with Buddhism

Buddhism sees in anattā (non-self) and śūnyatā (voidness or emptiness). But

how do we explain it? Firstly, let us analyse what it means by non-self. In

Buddhism, the non-self means the non-ownership of self. What we used to

claim such as the ‘I’ or ‘you’ or ‘we’ is merely an expression for our minds

to comprehend on the day-to-day communication with another individual.

However, this expression does not grant us with an ownership of our soul or

body. And it is easier to explain the non-ownership of our body than our soul

because we could see the rising (birth) and the passing (death) of physical

bodies every time and anywhere we go.

As for the ‘soul’ thing, Buddhism sees in the absence of eternal existence of

it. Soul is just a plain description for something that arised in intelligence but

without physical appearance. And it is also not permanent and subject to

change at all times under the influence of conditional phenomena (voidness in

every existence). So again, there is a non-ownership of the soul-of-self.

But how do we clarify the reincarnating process in accordance with Buddhism?

Actually, Buddhism sees in the rebirth process but not in the reincarnating

process. This is because there is no permanent grasping of soul or body during

the rebirth process. It means even though the mentioned cycle of process is

repeated, every cycle is different from one another, just like the saying, ‘It

looks like me, sounds like me, but it is still not me.’ In other words, there are

linkages between the past, present and future of an individual but there is no

trans-migrating process taking place. A clear example would be how the

genetic lineage works for generations. Let us look at the following illustration

on how rebirth takes place in accordance with Buddhism: -

15.1 The Coffee in a Cup

Let’s say Coffee Original is one of the special brewed drinks: -


300ml hot liquid water

70% coffee powder 100% Coffee Original in cup Jumbo

30% condensed milk

Supposedly, the cup Jumbo has broken apart by accident and the content has

splattered around i.e.

30% onto the table,

40% onto the floor,

5% onto the wall,

10% onto the drain,

5% vaporised into thin air,

10% remained in the broken cup.

A cleaner took up a rag and wiped off the remaining liquid coffee in sequential

order starting from the table, the floor and then the wall. In a repeated

gesture, the cleaner squeezed off the wet rag and the remaining coffee liquid

flowed into three separate cups i.e.

Cup 1 80% already filled with tea liquid mixture.

Cup 2 90% already filled with mocha liquid mixture.

Cup 3 55% already filled with mineral water.

Let’s say 300ml of properties is a benchmark for a qualified special brewed

drink. The cleaner then filled up the respective cup rooms with liquids deriving

from the rag that are by and large the remaining of Coffee Original deriving

from the table, the floor and the wall. In this case, the respective 300ml of

liquids in Cup 1, Cup 2 and Cup 3 is dependent on the Coffee Original before a

new special brewed drink is made possible. However, this does not mean that

Coffee Original is the only dependent source or ingredient. Respectively, Cup

1, Cup 2 and Cup 3 would need to depend upon many other sustaining factors

as well such as the already partially filled liquids and new cups before qualifying

as special brewed drinks.

As a conclusion, the new liquid mixture arising in Cup 1, Cup 2 and Cup 3 is

neither identical to, nor entirely different from, the old coffee liquid, but forms

part of a causal continuum or stream with it. There is a conditioned


relationship between one liquid and the next; it is not identical but neither is it

completely distinct. The beauty of nature is that it allows all sorts of activities

taking place such as aggregation, segregation, evolution, mutation, assimilation,

etc. As a consequence, every existence would not be totally the same or

different from each other. We are all closely inter-depending, inter-waving and

inter-relating with each other since the dawn of time in a very comprehensive

and complicated network of existence – just like the Christian believes that all

mankind derived from Adam and Eve. Lastly, one should not confuse the ‘non-

self’ with ‘no-self’ and the‘non-eternal soul’ with ‘no-soul.’ Buddhism sees

in the existence of self or soul but only in a manner of non-ownership or

impermanency i.e. there is an influx of self or soul but not the one-off static

kind of self or soul.

16.0 What is the purpose of Buddhism? Where is God in Buddhism?

Why Buddhism? What is Buddhism? Buddhism is merely a great philosophy

that imparts knowledge on seeing the reality of things and happenings in our

daily lives. Historical facts have shown that Prince Siddartha Gautama became

the Buddha out of his vast compassion and wisdom to see through the vicious

cycle of life and to end the suffering of it. And the Buddha means the

‘Awakened One’ i.e. one who sees through the ultimate reality of things and

happenings. Perhaps, what Buddhism lacks is the emphasis on the dependence

of God. But this doesn’t mean that the Buddha has denied the existence of

God. In Buddhism, God is viewed in a different perspective as compared with

the other religions. As you may know, according to Buddhism, there are 31

planes of existence in the nature and the deities (the namesake of God) are

placed at a higher level of existence than the human realm.

Of course, the Buddha did recognise that deities have an important role in the

spiritual development of individuals. Deities could help individuals in many ways

but still, deities are not permanent and subject to the conditional influences as

well. At the end of the day, the Buddha has seen through that ‘dependence’

is part of the key sources of dukkha and to eradicate it, one has to let go the

dependence in total aspects. Therefore, Buddhism is an alternative method to

seek solace and liberation for an individual who needs it. Buddhism may not be

acceptable to individuals who can’t make do without the dependent aspects in


life. As again, there is no right or wrong element here, but simply a personal

choice.

17.0 What does Buddhism believe in?

Buddhism believes in, literally, nothing. Yes, nothing! Buddhism merely

involves in seeing, knowing and letting go of things or happenings. In other

words, Buddhism upholds direct experience and recognition but not the faith

system. Perhaps, one has heard the phrase, ‘To see is to believe.’ When one

is seeing it, one truly sees it. No one could shake it. A blind belief without

seeing on things would only bind one with more curiosities and disputes.

We can illustrate the above principle in a class of Mathematics. Supposedly, a

new formula was put forward to the class, ‘Should the students adopt with

attitudes of understanding on how the formula derive?’ or ‘Should the

students adopt with attitudes of simply memorising the formula without any

understanding on how such formula derive?’ A wise student would definitely

choose the former method because by understanding well the origin of such

formula, one could lighten the burden of memorising the formula blindly. This is

also how the path to enlightenment works – diminish the ‘bear with’ factor and

enhance the ‘let go’ factor.

Undeniably, the Buddha has always emphasised the importance for one to

utilise wisdom in all thoughts and actions. This is what he meant by wholesome

thoughts or acts. The Buddha has never laid commandments that one should

think or do this; never think or do that, etc. If one continues to adopt this sort

of mentality, one would simply adopt the principle of ‘blind faith’ which is

much on the contrary to Buddhism. Likewise, it would be wholesome for

parents to expose their children with both the good and bad influences

together. Any acts of depriving the children from exposing to the bad

influences would only create distorted view or perception in the real society

(unwholesome acts). Subsequently, upon the exposure of both the good and

bad influences, parents could encourage their children to use their wisdom to

lead a more meaningful life in the real and complicated society (wholesome

acts).


In short, the Buddha has laid emphasis that one should look in all angles of

things or matters and then apply one's wisdom in the decision making. The

Buddha has merely left behind guidelines for one to pursue with and it would be

meaningless for one to read and tag along the contents of the discourses or

suttas on Buddhism blindly without applying any wisdom. No doubt the

available discourses or suttas did play an important role in keeping the essence

of Buddhism, but how many of the so-called Buddhists nowadays have gained

full enlightenment by mere reading or reciting it? The key point here is not

merely about the mastering of theoretical knowledge on Buddhism but instead,

more on the practicality and the direct experience of it.

Preaching Dhamma is not about quoting this or that from various sources on

Buddhism. These available discourses or suttas were merely tools for one’s

Dhamma practices. And the tools would remain as the tools and it would not

turn a person into an enlightened being if the application is without wisdom.

Also, the Buddha has recommended the establishment of the Sangha

community so that any followers could interact and support each other while

pursuing the guidelines of Dhamma. The Buddha has not established the

various sects or schools of Buddhism as what we could see nowadays. Once

again, Buddhism is never about beliefs. Instead, it is all about direct experience

and recognition. Seeing the Dhamma is seeing the Buddha – it is seeing and

knowing the ultimate reality of things and happenings and not to get entangle

with it. So the choice in the way of life is yours ultimately. Live a life

wholesomely at all times! Be freed, be liberated, be neutralised!

‘The Buddha did not teach ‘Buddhism’; He taught the Dhamma.’

～ Satya Narayan Goenka ～


18.0 What are Enlightenment, Awakening and Nibbāna?

Nibbāna is a phenomenon beyond all conventional phenomena. Conventional

phenomenon is subject to the conditional influences – in a continuous and

constantly changing state of affairs. A phenomenon of nibbāna would arise

when there is a non-existence of the conditional phenomena i.e. a completely

neutralised state of affairs. There is no mind, no thinking, no becoming, no

changing, no evolution, no clinging, no wanting, and no impermanency in

nibbāna. Moreover, nibbāna is not about desire for nothing. In the first place,

there is no desire to begin with. Therefore, desire could not be the cause for

nothing and one of the basic footsteps to achieve enlightenment and reach

nibbāna is to practise ‘letting go.’ Letting go is not the same as giving up

hope - a frustrated expression. Not to hope is not to become, not to become

is not to cling and suffer.

So the choice is yours ultimately – to hope and suffer or not to hope and not

to suffer. There is no right or wrong choice but simply wholesome or

unwholesome choice. Wholesome would mean seeing things as they truly are

and in totality of perspectives; unwholesome would mean seeing things as they

delusively are and in non-totality of perspectives. As such, it is entirely a

personal aspiration for one to be awakened or otherwise. In Buddhism, there

are no commandments to be found, no hierarchical ranking between followers,

etc. Any sort of authoritative claims based on personal gratifications are

purely egocentric in nature and devoted followers must not put in their faith

blindly on anything; come what may. And it is worrisome to see and hear

nowadays that many of the so-called Buddhists are mere sutta collectors or

interpreters. In the first place, Buddhism is never about what the Buddha has

said or not said personally. We have to examine, ‘What is the real meaning of

the Buddha?’ It is literally translated as the ‘Awakened One.’ But, what is

one awakening to? It is awakening to the ultimate reality of things or

happenings and the cessation of it.

Now, when we mention the Buddha's saying, are we only referring to Siddartha

Gautama alone? How about all the other beings that have had achieved

enlightenment along the thousands of years? For general understanding,

Siddartha Gautama is a Shakyamuni Buddha (a Samma-sam-buddha), but the

Buddha may not necessarily be Siddartha Gautama alone. Buddha is merely a


title just like presidency. Presidents may come and go over the years in an

organisation or a country but the presidency remains unshaken. And the next

question would be, ‘Who wrote all the suttas? When was it written?’

Definitely, Buddhism is not only about the suttas per se but also the other

missing links. On this pretext, the Buddha is wise to mention that in order to

appreciate the essence of Dhamma, do not believe what he said until one

investigates and sees it. This principle is essential to uphold and sustain so

that the original essence of Dhamma could remain intact and surpassing time.

In other words, there is no place for blind faith in Buddhism. Let us be

awakened and not be hampered by the belief boundaries. Nature belongs to

the nature; not to any particular religions or beliefs. Liberate ourselves from

any hindrances and be enlightened. Apply your wisdom and you would find the

true answers to it. The door is open and you need to walk in the path by

yourself; someone could only shine the light or show the way in. One should

always apply wisdom in all thoughts or actions and never be too fascinated or

obsessed with what was written and mentioned in the discourses, suttas, or

any sorts of supernatural claims, etc.

‘To see it, know it and let go – no need to grasp it – this is how one practises,

‘Seeing things as they really are.’ See only with eyes and mind, don’t get into

any involvement - more importantly, let go the self and the ego factors. Be

freed, be liberated, be neutralised!’

～ Buddhitakso ～


19.0 What is suffering?

The word ‘suffering’ seems to appear in every corner of Buddhism. And

generally, one would tend to associate suffering with pain, anxiety, agony,

sadness, dissatisfaction and all sorts of negativity in one’s lifetime.

Unfortunately, this is not the case in the eyes of the Buddha. In the Buddhist

context, the dependent nature is known as samsāra. Samsāra literally means

‘continuous flow’- referring to a repeating cycle of birth, life, death and re-

birth. When there is samsāra arising, dukkha would arise concurrently. And the

meaning of dukkha or suffering would be to ‘bear with’ in the Buddhist

context. Any circumstances that would involve one to continue with; to

persevere with; to soldier on with; to carry on with; to undertake with; to go

through with would mean suffering. Literally, it is not correct for one to put

much attention onto the conditions of pain, anxiety, agony, dissatisfaction,

joyfulness or happiness - for these conditions merely reflected as the

consequences of dukkha arising. To ‘bear with’ is to suffer and the antonym

of it is to ‘let go.’ So stop submitting oneself to the conditional

circumstances and one would be freed, be liberated and be neutralised! Let us

cure the cause, not the symptoms!

20.0 What is Heaven? What is Hell?

For general understanding, heaven or hell is not a plane of existence waiting for

any exclusive memberships. Instead, it is the so-called member that has made

up the chance for the heaven or hell plane to arise. Just like inhabitant is a

necessary prerequisite for any villages to exist; without it, the village would be

impossible. Therefore, heaven or hell is not a plane of existence to be found

‘up-there’ or ‘down-there’ yearning for the so-called rightful elements.

In fact, heaven or hell is simply next to your mind, your eyes, your ears, your

prevailing consciousness, your subtle consciousness, etc. When a person is

lying dead, the three basic elements i.e. energy, matter and space would

separate from each other. Precisely, both the elements of prevailing and

subtle consciousnesses would depart the body. However, only the elements of

subtle consciousness would sustain in a liberated condition and stay behind in

a so-called soul or spirit form but not the elements of prevailing


consciousness. The switch for the elements of prevailing consciousness would

be turned off and it would not carry on beyond the grave. And it is the

characteristics of the elements of subtle consciousness that would determine

the next plane of existence for the so-called souls or spirits. Therefore, one

should not miss the chance of moulding the subtle mind consciousness

correctly before kicking the bucket!

For instance, it is correct to say that good begets good, evil begets evil. When

one pays to live a hell-like condition in the present lifetime, one would be

repaid in the next phase of existence as in hell plane. Just as sow apple seeds,

reap apple fruits; sow orange seeds, reap orange fruits or Action 1 conjures up

Reaction 1; Action 2 conjures up Reaction 2. The elements of subtle

consciousness would retain the so-called ‘hellish’ information that would carry

on and surpassing the demise period of time. The ‘hellish’ retention could

only be weakened through conscientious goodwill prayers or persuasions being

performed by third parties (transference of merit).

Therefore, please be mindful on the nature of circumstances that you are

exposed to or associated with during your lifetime. And if possible, it is

beneficial to create a heaven-like ambience at all times; more importantly

during the closing chapter of your present lifetime. This is because where you

would end up to in the next phase of existence is very much dependent on the

retained information in your subtle conscious mind, be it heaven-like or hell-

like. As a conclusion, the fate in your subsequent life is very much dependent

on the characteristics of your subtle mind consciousness. It is the architect

for the heaven or the hell realm. Mould it well at all times and if possible, one

should achieve enlightenment to eradicate the suffering of it.


21.0 Who am I?

Am I the mind? Am I the body? Or, am I the five body senses?

To the Master, I am a Servant,

To the Teacher, I am a Student,

To the Buddha, I am Empty.

So who am I, actually? Am I the flesh and blood? Am I the soul? Am I the

consciousness? Who am I, really? Frankly speaking, what we used to claim

such as the ‘I’ or ‘you’ or ‘we’ is merely an expression for our minds to

comprehend on day-to-day communication with another individual. However,

this expression does not grant us with an unchanging or a permanent

ownership of our minds and bodies. The ‘I’ or ‘you’ or ‘we’ (five khandhas)

is purely part of the becoming processes in the dependent nature. Both our

minds and bodies would constantly orientate and evolve in accordance with the

subjected conditions. The physical body is shaped up as an appearance due to

the existence of matter and it is basically concerted, aggregated or

concentrated or wrapped energy.

In other words, appearance is merely a momentary outcome of the process of

aggregation that varies according to the subjected conditions. For example,

ice, water and steam are different appearances deriving from the orientation of

H2O properties under the influence of the external conditions. In other words,

it is the orientation of H2O properties that has taken place to conjure up the

momentary outcome of it. As for the mind, it is also originated from the

process of aggregation that conjures up the elements of memory and

consciousness and varies under the influence of conditional phenomena.

So how could we properly describe ourselves? The right way to express

ourselves is, ‘I am what I am.’ ‘If you think this is what I am, then I am’ and

‘If you see that is what I am, then I am.’ The phenomena that arise are very

much related to the consciousness that perceives them. Phenomenon exists

as this or that is dependent on the observers. It is just like describing the

same elephant by different blind men – one blind man may say an elephant

looks like a tree trunk; another blind man would say an elephant looks like a

snake.


And this is how we explicate the presence in the waves of dependent

phenomena having clouded our minds from discerning the reality of

circumstances. But what constitutes an ultimate reality then? An ultimate

reality exists beyond mind and beyond concepts and words in the sense that it

is beyond our usual ways of perceiving things. Language and conception only

imply that things exist in distinct manners i.e. wise person, dumb person, saint,

devil, etc. - in such well-defined and independent categories. Perceiving

ultimate reality is seeing that things do not exist in these fantasised, impossible

ways, in black and white categories.

In other words, an ultimate reality is such label-less, bound-less, stereotype-

less, colour-less, beginning-less, end-less and for the ease of our expression,

we could summarise it as the ‘deepest fact about things.’ An enlightened

mind is able to discern the deepest fact about things in crystal clear and

without hesitation after getting rid of the waves of dependent phenomena. So

when we talk about Buddhism, it is all about transforming an ignorant state of

mind into a realised one – a process of enlightenment. To begin with, one

would need to set in a right mentality or determination. One has to see all

things as they really are, to liberate from it and to be enlightened. Have

boundless compassion and loving kindness along the way. This would be an

everlasting remedy to the rising of dukkha that was recommended by the wise

Buddha. A fully awakened state of mind does not require labeling, colouring,

stereotyping, beginning, ending, etc. All subjects and objects are in completely

neutralised state of affairs - when this arising, that arises; when this ceasing,

that ceases.

22.0 What are Phenomena and Existence?

Phenomena appear to arise or are perceived by our senses to arise in and of

themselves, but they are not. All phenomena, including emptiness, are

dependent-arising. Emptiness, however, did correspond to both the inherent

existence and the dependent arising due to its universal qualities. Thus

phenomena do not exist inherently as this or that from their own sides,

unrelated to the consciousness that perceives them. Phenomena exist as this

or that - are dependent on the observers.


Now, we need to look at the definition of existence. What exists is defined as

that which can be known. If it cannot be known by the mind, then it does not

exist. And conventionally, things can exist as in fallacy or in reality. But in the

ultimate reality, things do not exist in the ways that concepts and language

imply they do. Things would only exist as in deepest facts i.e. it is beyond mind

and beyond concepts and words in the sense that it is beyond our usual ways

of perceiving things. Language and conception only imply that things exist as

in conventional reality i.e. distinct manners such as wise person, dumb person,

saint, devil, etc. - in such well-defined and independent categories. And

perceiving ultimate reality is seeing that things do not exist in these fantasised,

impossible ways, in black and white categories.

23.0 What is Emptiness?

Everything that exists is empty because there is no essence to anything and

nothing has ever existed in its own quality – nothing is permanent and

unchanging. All objects exist conditionally without an eternal essence. They

only exist in relation to each other as appearances that in turn vary as per the

perceptions of the beholders. Energy is the underlying element for all the

existences and it is dependent on the conditional phenomena. And a

phenomenon is thing that appears to or is perceived by senses and therefore, it

is empty as well. At the end of the day, we could summarise that emptiness is

the beginning for all existences. Every existence is empty and emptiness is in

every existence.

24.0 Emptiness Everywhere

So how does emptiness derive and why is it crucial for one to ponder at?

From direct experience, we know that humans and things cause pleasure and

pain, and that they can help and harm. Therefore, phenomena certainly do

exist but the question is how? They do not exist in their own quality but only

have an existence dependent upon many factors, including a consciousness

that conceptualises them.


But in what way is consciousness mistaken? Because all phenomena appear to

exist in their own quality, all of our ordinary perceptions are mistaken. We have

taken in a wrong sense that living beings, things and phenomena appear to exist

in and of themselves. It seems that phenomena could be established in their

own right or quality, and from the object’s side upon conceptualising our

consciousness. Unfortunately, with this false mode, we are hindering ourselves

from recognising the discrepancy between appearance and reality.

Nevertheless, one could conduct a self-training session to develop wisdom and

eliminate one’s ignorance on the ultimate truth. Upon seeking through in-

depth analysis, one could find inherent existence of whatever object one is

considering — oneself, another person, one’s body, one’s mind, or anything

else is completely lacking. For example, when you examine an object such as

car, its inherent existence is negated, but what is left is a body dependent on

an engine, seats, lamps, window glasses, tires, gases, etc. In other words, what

is left after the analysis is a dependently existent phenomenon.

Thus it is not that you come to understand that the object or phenomenon

does not exist but rather, you find that its inherent existence is unfounded.

This is the ultimate discovery about the orientation of nature. Nature is a

system of existence fully occupied with factors that would rise and fall

dependently. At the end of the day, dualism of the subject and object, and the

appearance of multiplicity arises out of our ignorance on the true nature would

vanish once emptiness is realised. We could then differentiate the way things

are perceived to exist and the way things really exist.


25.0 Emptiness and Existence

Emptiness is a necessary prerequisite for any objects to exist; without it, the

object would be impossible. Upon in-depth analysis, we could discover that

emptiness corresponds to two distinct scenarios:

1. It corresponds to the inherent existence (due to unchanging nature) that

all conventional phenomena lack.

2. It corresponds to the dependent arising (a conditional phenomenon) i.e.

subject to the same lack of inherent existence as every other object or

phenomenon. This is referred to as the emptiness of emptiness.

The above is a rather strange paradox but still logical because emptiness is a

universal or an infinite phenomenon. Therefore, it is evident that object could

arise out of emptiness due to the second scenario clarified above and it is the

ambience for the origination of existence.

As a summary, the emptiness of phenomena is both the cause and

consequence of the dependent nature of phenomena. It is comparable to

scientific term of singularity and also the inherent quality of existence.

Emptiness is considered the ultimate truth because it inherently exists exactly

as it is perceived when it is perceived directly by an enlightened mind. And

discovering the ultimate truth is the key to overcoming the ignorant state of

mind.

26.0 Reflection of Emptiness

When we talk about seeing into emptiness, we talk about the progressive

realisation of the mind on the reality of things. Therefore, emptiness can be

realised into stages as below: -

Stage 1 Elementary Realisation

All things and phenomena are lack of core essence.

Nothing is unchanging and permanent.

Everything is inter-related.


Stage 2 Intermediary Realisation

Ability to differentiate the way things are perceived to exist

and the way things really exist.

Only seeing without believing.

Stage 3 Advance Realisation

No dualism of the subject and object, and no appearance of

multiplicity.

All things and phenomena rise and fall within a singular

condition.

Only uniformity exists.

Stage 4 Ultimate Realisation

All dependent arising are completely blown off or extinguished.

No string attached, and nothing is left remaining.

Infinite, unchanging, permanent, and unconditional.

Exists beyond all conventional phenomena.

The ultimate realisation of emptiness by the mind would mean a phase of

perfect intermediation being accomplished by the mind. A perfect

intermediation would mean a comprehensive absence of any or all units under

consideration. It is also known as a complete neutralisation of conditional

phenomena. But an absence of any or all units under consideration is not

equivalent to nothingness of any or all units under consideration.

27.0 Birth and Rebirth

For general understanding, rebirth does not mean trans-migration. An

individual soul does not migrate from a physical body into another one. No, it

just won’t fit at all. Every individual or thing that exists would not be the same

- it could only be in a similar condition e.g. twins are similar but never the same

individuals. Every individual is unique respectively and no individuals would be

the same even though they do share some sort of the same genes before time.

On this pretext, you may have heard in various stories whereby a spirit or

ghost has the ability to possess into the body of an individual but it never


absolutely overtakes the soul of the possessed individual. This is because one

cannot simply exchange the soul at one’s whim and fancy. Even individuals

with the most powerful magic charm could not perform this feat. Also, you

have heard of the organ transplant cases, whereby the new recipients need to

take immunosuppressive drugs to treat any transplant rejections – live long.

In Buddhism, rebirth refers to evolving consciousness or stream of

consciousness of a person (upon death) and the new consciousness arising in

the same person (in the new person) is neither identical to, nor entirely

different from, the old consciousness, but forms part of a causal continuum or

stream with it. The basic cause for this persistent re-arising of personality is

the abiding of consciousness in ignorance; when ignorance is uprooted, rebirth

ceases. For example, a flame is transferred from one candle to another, or a

fire spreads from one field to another. In the same way that it depends on the

original fire, there is a conditioned relationship between one life and the next;

they are not identical but neither are they completely distinct.

And it is possible for rebirth to take place from a single source into different

identities at any various point of time, just like how the genetic lineage works

for generations. This is how we explain the destiny of being siblings, being life

partners, being close friends in one’s lifetime. Somehow or somewhere before

time, the so-called relevant individuals are inherited from the similar sources of

predecessor. Thus in the present lifetime one has the opportunity to meet and

know with the relevant beings and not the other non-relevant beings.

Inevitably, under the natural law of attraction, anything that belongs to the

same ancestry would somehow attract with each other, no matter how far or

near distance and how long or short time period. So by now, one would know

what the phrase, ‘Destiny is made in Heaven; Man looks for his other half; We

shared with a common chemistry’, would mean in the general context.

Generally, most individuals could not recall their respective past lives because

they have inherited much assimilated element-dots deriving from myriad of

predecessors. However, some individuals did remember vividly on their past

lives and could relate it well in their present lives. A higher density of any

particular element-dot inheritance would mean a higher retention of genetic

information that determines the particular pool of behaviour of a predecessor.


Let us look at the following illustrations: -

Illustration 1 Key: -

Force of Ignorance Prevailing Conscious Mind Dependent phenomenon

Force of Awakening Subtle Conscious Mind

The Mind of a living being The Mind of a departing being

The Subtle Conscious Mind is The force of Ignorance has outdone

released into fragments the force of Awakening

o

A final burst of energy before death.


Key: -

Subtle Conscious Mind of Individual A Subtle Conscious Mind of Individual B

Subtle Conscious Mind of Individual C Subtle Conscious Mind of Individual D

Fragments of liberated Subtle Conscious Mind of different

Individuals under an Imbalanced phenomenon

The Subtle Conscious Mind of different Individuals The Mind of a new being derived

congregating under a Balanced phenomenon from different predecessors


Illustration 2

Key: - E = Energy M = Matter

Generation 1

Individual A Individual B Individual C

E1-1 E1-2 E1-3 E1-4 E2-1 E2-2 E2-3 E3-1 E3-2 E3-3

E1-5 E1-6 E1-7 E2-4 E2-5 E2-6 E3-4 E3-5

M1-1 M1-2 M1-3 M1-4 M2-1 M2-2 M2-3 M2-4 M3-1 M3-2 M-3-3

M1-5 M1-6 M1-7 M2-5 M2-6 M3-4 M3-5

Disintegrating process

E1-1 E1-4 E1-3 E1-7 E2-1 E2-2 E2-4 E2-6 E3-1 E3-2 E3-4

E1-5 E1-6

E1-2 M1-1 M1-2 M2-2 M2-3 M2-4 M3-1 M3-2 M3-4 M3-5

M1-7 M1-4 M1-5 M2-5 M2-6 E2-5

M1-6 M1-3 E2-3 M2-1 M-3-3 E3-3 E3-5


Some lapse of time after the disintegrating process M1-2 M1-3 M1-4 M1-5 M2-2 M2-3 M2-4 M2-5 M2-6 M3-1 M3-2 M3-4 M3-5

E1-2-1 E1-3-1 E1-4-1 E1-5-1 E2-2-1 E2-3-1 E2-4-1 E2-5-1 E2-6-1 E3-1-1 E3-2-1 E3-4-1 E3-5-1

M1-6 M1-3 E1-6-1 E1-3-1 M2-1 E2-1-1 M3-3 E3-3-1

E1-2-1 E1-6 E1-5-1 E2-1-1 E2-4 E2-6-1 E3-1 E3-2-1 E3-5-1 E3-5

M1-2-1 M1-6-1 M1-5-1 M2-1-1 M2-4-1 M2-6-1 M3-1-1 M3-2-1 M3-5-2 M3-5-1

New integrating process

Generation 2

Individual A1 Individual B1 Individual C1

E2-4

E1-1 E1-2 E2-1 E1-3-1 E1-6 E2-2 E2-3 E3-4 E2-5 E2-6 M-2-4-1 M1-2-1

M1-5-1 M2-6-1 M1-3 M3-5-1 M3-2-1 M3-5-2 M3-1-1

Remarks: -

Individual A, Individual B and Individual C are three respective individuals living in

separate locations in Generation 1.

Individual A1 and Individual B1 are husband and wife in Generation 2.

Individual C1 is good friend of Individual A1 and Individual B1 in Generation 2.

Type of person - Individual A1 is a perfectly normal or healthy type,

Individual B1 is a hyperactive type or supernatural type,

Individual C1 is a weak or defective type.

The law of kamma applies in determining the above rebirth conditions.


In the above illustration, supposedly Individual A is an ardent pianist then the

new being would somehow be naturally talented toward the play of piano or

something with similarity. This is how we explain the natural talented skills we

always uncovered from young children and it is the same case scenario for the

phobic conditions in any particular individuals. Ultimately, it is the wonder of

nature that everyone would not be totally the same or totally different from

each other. According to Christianity, it is believed that human beings begin

with Adam and Eve and this saying may hold its truth literally.

28.0 Transformation from Ignorance into Realisation

The Buddha nature exists within all beings or things. It is only a matter of time

before one could make the discovery of this so-called the black hole of

emptiness. Let us survey into the following illustrations: -

The Black hole of Emptiness

p 1 p 2

p 3

p 13

p 12

p 4 p 11

p 5

p 10

p 9

p 8

p 6

p 7

NIBBĀNA Singularity & Uniformity

SAMSĀRA Duality & Multiplicity

Duality & Multiplicity

Dependent

rising

Imbalance

condition

NO MIND Independent

&

Permanent

MIND

Dependent

falling

Point B

Point A

Balance

condition


Key: -

Point A / Point B = subject / object = phenomenon of duality

mind

path of awakening

p phenomenon

energy

matter

space

The Deepest fact about Things

Key: -

The Mind of Individual Dependent nature of Phenomenon

The Black hole of Emptiness The Deepest fact about Things


The Progressing state of the Mind

Listed below is a comparison between an ignorant and an awakened state of

the mind as well as the potential movement of the mind toward a state of

enlightenment: -

1. Mind A is comparatively stronger and more agile than Mind B.

Mind A Mind B

2. Mind C is more ignorant than Mind D.

Mind C Mind D

3. Mind E is in tranquil and realised conditions.

Mind E

(Enlightened Mind)


4. The presence in the waves of dependent phenomena has clouded the

mind from discerning the deepest fact about things in crystal clear and

without hesitation.

Presence in the Waves of Absence in the Waves of

Dependent phenomena Dependent phenomena

5. The absence in the waves of dependent phenomena enables the mind to

discern the deepest fact about things in crystal clear and without

hesitation.

6. In the absence of waves arising, the entire dependent nature of

phenomenon would die out and fade away gradually, thus leaving behind

the mind fully exposed to the deepest fact about things.

This circumstance enables the mind to discern the deepest fact about

things in a complete state of realisation without a layer of the dependent

phenomenon gets in the way.

Disappearance of the The Mind is fully exposed to the

Dependent phenomenon Deepest fact about Things


7. Under a complete realised circumstance, the mind would be absorbed

into the black hole of emptiness.

The Mind is disappearing into The eternal bliss of Nibbāna

the Black hole of Emptiness

8. Ultimately, there is no mind remaining in the infinite, unchanging,

permanent and unconditional state of nibbāna i.e. the ambience for an

eternal bliss.

29.0 Existence of the Mind

Mind is defined as memory, remembrance, way of thinking, feeling, wishing,

opinion, intention or purpose.

Key: -

M = mind

S = subject

O = object

p = phenomenon

Subject-object relationship

MSA

MOB MOC

MOD MOE

pAC

pAD pAE

pAB


Conventional truth

Duality or multiplicity would arise in the presence of the mind. This is because

there is a subject pondering on the object or matter - phenomenon arises. The

subject is mainly the mind. Phenomenon is thing that appears to or is

perceived by senses. In other words, phenomenon is thing that appears to or is

perceived by the mind senses. When there is a mind arising, the phenomenon

would arise. When there is a phenomenon arising, the dependent nature would

arise. In other words, the mind is closely related to the phenomenon, and the

phenomenon is closely related to the dependent nature - just like shadow

follows the body. This is what the conventional reality is all about.

30.0 Mind in the Dependent nature

Mind is the forerunner of all states. The presence in the waves of dependent

phenomena has clouded the mind from discerning the reality of circumstances

i.e. ignorance arises. And with ignorance blindfolding the mind since the dawn

of time, suffering arises and continues to arise in the dependent nature i.e. with

the rise of perceptions, conceptions, labels, boundaries, names, activities,

shapes, relations, descriptions, stereotyping, beginning, ending, etc.

Beginning of the Dependent nature Ending of the Dependent nature

Rise in the Cause or Effect Cessation in the Cause or Effect

Cause Effect

Cause is Effect, Effect is Cause


When the mind arising, the dependent nature arises,

When the mind ceasing, the dependent nature ceases.


Dependent nature is a classification being performed by the mind. Without the

mind, there is no classification of the dependent nature. Therefore, both the

mind and the dependent nature are inter-dependent of each other. There is no

separate case of cause, no separate case of effect. Both the mind and the

dependent nature are cause and effect at the same time.

In fact, cause and effect are two aspects of the same thing, both reflected in a

different time of events. This is because reality does not exist in a linear

orientation - therefore, there is no real first cause, no real first effect. Cause

and effect are inter-depending, inter-waving and inter-relating with each other

- this is how the conventional reality works. At the end of the day, there is

only rising or falling of phenomenon in the dependent nature.

31.0 Emptiness of the Mind

Right now, why is there duality or multiplicity in the dependent nature? It is

because there is mind arising. Why is there mind arising in the dependent

nature? It is because there are elements of energy. Why are there elements

of energy in the dependent nature? It is because there is emptiness. Why is

there emptiness in the dependent nature? It is because there is emptiness of

emptiness. In other words, the emptiness of phenomena is both the cause and

consequence of the dependent nature of phenomena.

Emptiness of phenomena exists in the way it appears in direct perception and

without the need to reference of any other entity. It is completely defined by

its own nature. In other words, emptiness of phenomena is an inherent

existence that is uncaused. It is indestructible and eternal. It is unchanging

when viewed externally and cannot undergo any internal changes of state. It

has no constituent parts and nothing can be thrown out or removed from it.

Nothing can be added to it and no change in the external conditions can affect

it.

As a summary, we could see that emptiness exists in all conditional

phenomena. Without emptiness, the potential movement of the mind from non-

enlightenment toward a state of enlightenment would not be possible – that is


to say if the mind itself existed inherently. The emptiness of inherent

existence of the mind is called the Buddha nature.

32.0 Non-existence of the Mind

No Subject-object relationship

Ultimate truth

No duality or multiplicity would arise in the non-existence of the mind. This is

because there is no subject to ponder on the object or matter. When there is

no mind arising, no phenomenon would arise. When there is no phenomenon

arising, no dependent nature would arise. When there is no dependent nature,

there would be no perception, no conception, no label, no boundary, no name,

no activity, no shape, no relation, no description, no stereotyping, no beginning,

no ending, etc.

An ultimate reality is a truth that exists beyond mind and beyond concepts and

words in the sense that it is beyond our usual ways of perceiving things.

Language and conception only imply that things exist in distinct manners i.e.

wise person, dumb person, saint, devil, etc. - in such well-defined and

independent categories. Perceiving ultimate reality is seeing that things do not

exist in these fantasised, impossible ways, in black and white categories.

In the absence of the mind, things would appear as in the deepest facts per se

i.e. no label, no boundary, no name, no activity, no shape, no description, etc.

This is because there is no existence in relative to each other as appearances.

An enlightened mind is able to discern the deepest fact about things in crystal

clear and without hesitation after getting rid of the waves of dependent

MOB MOC

MOD MOE

MSA


phenomena. The ultimate truth does not require any labels for its revelations

and therefore, one has to let go and blow away the mindset that is associated

with the ‘-ism’ or ‘-ology’, for it is a system of stereotyping or pre-

conditioning. Liberation is the only right potion to the ultimate truth discovery.

33.0 Conditions of the Mind

The mind comprises with two terms i.e. prevailing consciousness and subtle

consciousness. Both of these terms would interact differently under the

circumstances described as below: -

33.1 Asleep

When one is asleep, the prevailing conscious mind would fall into slumber at the

same time. Basically, prevailing conscious mind is closely related to the

physical body. This means there would be a biological clock being attached

within it i.e. there would be duration for staying awake and for resting.

However, there is another term of mind i.e. the subtle conscious mind that has

no biological clock in it. Subtle conscious mind is somehow independent from

the physical body. This is because when the physical body is being ‘switch-

off’ temporarily, the subtle conscious mind still works unpretentiously. For

example, we could still have visions in our dreams even with our physical eyes

closed while asleep.

And dreams are succession of images, thoughts, or emotions passing through

the mind during sleep. In other words, we could say that subtle mind

consciousness is like VCR – recording analog audio and analog video from

broadcast television so that the images and sound can be played back at a

more convenient time.

33.2 Near-death Experience (NDE)

Perhaps, one has heard of many reported incidences related to near-death,

out-of-body experience and the tunnel of light vision. How could we explain

these phenomena?


Append below, please find the illustrations that could clarify the above

scenario: -

Key: -

Prevailing Conscious Mind

Subtle Conscious Mind

The Clear Light

Dependent phenomenon

The Mind of a living being

Key : -


in dormant

Subtle Conscious Mind in

active

The Clear Light

Observation by



The Mind of a being in NDE

During the circumstance of near-death, the two terms of the mind are

separated from each other i.e. the prevailing conscious mind would be in a

dormant condition but the subtle conscious mind remains in an active


condition. In other words, the subtle mind consciousness plays an active role

in relating the out-of-body experience and the tunnel of light vision. The clear

light is actually the Buddha nature within all beings.

33.3 Enlightenment

During the circumstance of enlightenment, the two terms of the mind would

separate from each other – the prevailing conscious mind would play in a

dominant role, whereas, the subtle conscious mind would remain in a

submissive condition.

Key: -



The Clear Light


The Mind of a non-enlightened being

Key : -


The Clear Light /


Observation by Prevailing

Conscious Mind


The Mind of an enlightened being

The role of prevailing conscious mind is like mind-in-command i.e. the mind

that can lead, take charge, concentrate, make decision and convey action. An


enlightened mind can be described as a prevailing conscious mind with

liberation from the thoughts i.e. instead of being the thoughts; the perspective

is shifted to watching the thoughts churned out by subtle conscious mind. In

other words, it means the prevailing conscious mind would make observation

without identifying with the thoughts – the subtle conscious mind. This

liberation from thought identification to thought observation is called the

experience of the Buddha nature.

During the process of observation, the awakened prevailing conscious mind

could also discern with the so-called memory fragments of the previous lives

subdued within the subtle conscious mind. This is because within the elements

of subtle consciousness one would discover the elements of subtle memory.

Within the elements of subtle memory one would discover the elements of

subtle information. In other words, the awakened prevailing conscious mind

could see through the ‘seed treasures’ of kamma accumulated from the

retained subtle information throughout the series of one’s past lives in crystal

clear and without hesitation.

Besides seeing through the past life events, an awakened mind could also

foresee into the future events. In a layman term, it is named as a de-ja vu

experience or some kind of time travelling to the future condition. This is

because an awakened mind is highly luminous and vigilant to any development

of circumstances and surpassing time. And from direct experience, time

travelling to the future condition is plausible and could be evidently proven.

Append below would be the highlights pertaining to several of my future visions

or de-ja vu experiences that have taken place: -

The sinking of a boat in Johore, Malaysia.

– April 29, 2009

The death of Michael Jackson.

– June 25, 2009

The political situation in Malaysia revealed by Wikileaks.

– December 15, 2010


The simultaneous big floods in several countries.

– January 12, 2011

The death of Osama bin Laden.

– May 1, 2011

For the event details, please refer to

http://forum.ipoh.com.my/showthread.php?t=9241

In Buddhism, it is mentioned that only a human can attain enlightenment as a

fully enlightened Buddha. This is because humans are just one type of sentient

being with both the prevailing and subtle conscious mind stream that can find

balance between happiness and suffering via the meditating processes.

Basically, there are two types of meditation in Buddhism. One is samatha and

the other is vipassanā meditation. Samatha meditation is to calm or tranquil

the mind by means of concentration. Whereas, vipassanā meditation is to

mould the mind into seeing all things as they really are – an insight into the

true nature of reality. The main focus of vipassanā meditation is to attain pure

awareness via mindfulness. Vipassanā is often preceded by samatha but

nonetheless, both types are inter-dependable throughout the practices in order

to achieve favourable results in meditation. Upon entering deeply into a

meditative state (in full concentration), the prevailing mind consciousness

would separate from the subtle mind consciousness. The main reason for

engaging samatha meditation is to calm or tranquil the wilderness of the subtle

mind consciousness. Thereafter, the prevailing conscious mind enters a state

of pure observation (mindful) without identification on the flow of thoughts

conjured up by the subtle conscious mind until pure awareness is attained.

Moreover, when one has gained enlightenment while sustaining with a living

body, the mind would still exist but with a paradigm shift into seeing all the

things or happenings in the ultimate perspectives without delusion or

hesitation. The mind has not gained with a complete liberation yet and this

circumstance is also known as cessation with remainder. The ultimate

liberation or cessation without remainder can only be achieved without

sustaining a living body i.e. the passing into parinibbāna. During one last time of

disintegrating process, the subtle mind consciousness would be absorbed into

the black hole of emptiness and then followed by the prevailing mind

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhahood


consciousness. In the absence of the mind, the dependent phenomenon would

die out concurrently. Ultimately, there is no mind remaining in the infinite,

unchanging, permanent and unconditional state of nibbāna and this is the

ambience for an eternal bliss.

34.0 What are Awareness, Consciousness and Mind?

Awareness is a ground condition that ‘supports’ consciousness. The nature

of awareness is effulgence and it is in a not-knowing state before the

appearance of object. Consciousness, on the other hand, is appearance of

objects in the mind. When awareness touches on objects, consciousness would

arise simultaneously. Consciousness is naturally looking outward to objects

and it is flitting all the time. In addition, consciousness is synergy i.e. energy

that expands through cooperation. Synergy is a key to the geometric

expansion of consciousness and thus the arising of its two terms i.e. prevailing

consciousness and subtle consciousness. On the other hand, mind is a pattern

of consciousness which is born from awareness. In fact, mind is known as

consciousness in individuality. Therefore, the origin of individuality is the same

as the origin of the mind. Mind is something more objective and involves clear

discrimination – differentiates and understands the characteristics of objects.

One utilises mind to understand things because mind understands the

manipulation of consciousness.

35.0 Category of Consciousness

In Buddhism, the mind-stream is referring to the stream of consciousness. So

to understand our minds, we need to understand our consciousness. Basically,

there are two terms of the mind i.e. prevailing consciousness and subtle

consciousness. And precisely, consciousness can be categorised into four

layers i.e. mind consciousness, sense consciousness, store consciousness and

manas consciousness.


35.1 Mind Consciousness

It is regarded as the ‘working’ consciousness or the mind-in-command i.e. the

mind that can lead, take charge, concentrate, make decision and convey action.

In other words, it is a prevailing conscious mind that makes judgments and

plans. Basically, prevailing conscious mind is closely related to the physical

body or more specifically, the brain. This means there would be a biological

clock being attached within it i.e. there would be duration for staying awake and

for resting. Without the brain, there would be no prevailing mind consciousness

in existence. Therefore, brain is a necessary prerequisite for any mind

consciousness to exist; without it, the mind consciousness would be impossible.

35.2 Sense Consciousness

It is a subtle consciousness that is derived from our five senses i.e. sight,

hearing, taste, touch and smell. Sense consciousness is sometimes called the

‘gate’, and always engages with three elements – the sense organ, the sense

object and the experience of what we are seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or

touching. In other words, physical body is a necessary prerequisite for any

sense consciousness to exist; without it, the sense consciousness would be

impossible.

35.3 Store Consciousness

It is also known as subtle conscious mind that is somehow independent from

the physical body. Store consciousness would act like a museum whereby one

could discern with the elements of memory and information. This is because

within the elements of subtle consciousness one would discover the elements

of subtle memory. Within the elements of subtle memory one would discover

the elements of subtle information. In other words, it is a place whereby one


retained subtle information throughout the series of one’s past lives.

Store consciousness is responsible for the birth and rebirth conditions of

individuals. When a person is lying dead, all the elements of consciousness

would leave the body. However, only the store consciousness would sustain in

liberated conditions outside the physical body but not the mind consciousness


and the sense consciousness. The switch of the mind consciousness and the

sense consciousness would be turned off and it would not carry on beyond the

grave because these two types of consciousness are dependent on the

physical body for arising – just like shadow follows the body.

In other words, store consciousness (where all kinds of seeds and information

are kept) would stay behind in a condition known as the stream of

consciousness (always flowing, always present, never interrupted) and the basic

cause for the persistent re-arising of personality is the abiding of store

consciousness in ignorance; when ignorance is uprooted, rebirth ceases. The

elements of ignorance and memory are closely inter-dependent of each other.

The elements of memory have two main functions i.e. deposits and withdrawals

of information – the act of retaining and recalling facts. The rise of ignorance

has to depend on the withdrawal of deposited information from the previous

events and the deposited information can only be redeemed from the elements

of memory.

Therefore, it is not correct to mention that a newborn being has no memory of

a previous life. Every single newborn being would surely bear with the seeds of

kamma deriving from the previous lives. The seeds of kamma are comparable

to deposits of information and the fruits of kamma are comparable to

withdrawals of the deposited information upon maturity. In other words, it is

not that the newborn being has no memory of a previous life but rather the

fruits of kamma have not ripened yet. Only upon maturity could the newborn

being start to recall events related to his or her previous lives. As a

conclusion, without store consciousness, the law of kamma would be impossible

in the realms of existence.

35.4 Manas Consciousness

It is also known as the cogitating consciousness that is always embracing and

attaching to store consciousness. Manas arises from store consciousness and

embraces store consciousness as its object. The function of manas is to

appropriate store consciousness as its own.


36.0 The Law of Vibration and the Law of Attraction

Everything or anything (physical or non-physical) that exists is nothing but

energy. And energy is nothing but a mere element of vibration. The basic level

of a matter is energy. The basic level of energy is vibration. Therefore, matter

is a vibrating mass of energy in which the different frequency of vibration would

determine the shape and the size of it. So energy and matter are both

referring to the same thing - both reflected in different forms per se. Just like

cause and effect are the same things - both reflected in a different time of

events.

According to the Einstein’s formula, E = mc2, energy can be generated by

enforcing a matter into a circumstance of extremely high rate of vibration. At

the same time, a matter can be formed by compressing energy into a

circumstance of extremely low rate of vibration. In the material Universe, this

is how we clarify that something arises as in object is not out of nothing but

arises out of the elements of energy that exist in a system. And dependent

nature of phenomena is a necessary prerequisite for energy or matter to exist;

without it, the energy or matter would be impossible. As such, every existence

does contain with the three basic elements - energy, matter and space. These

basic elements would subject to the balanced and the imbalanced phenomena.

Under a balanced phenomenon, these elements would start to integrate with

each other to create aggregation. Under an imbalanced phenomenon, these

elements would start to disintegrate from each other to create segregation.

Once again, everything in the material Universe is made up of energy. Atoms

and molecules are made up of energy. Our bodies, our clothes, our cars, our

houses are all made up of energy but what makes them different is their

vibration. Energy is always vibrating at a different frequency under the

influence of conditional phenomena. Everything has its own vibrational

frequency – our thoughts, our feelings, the rock, the table, the car, the animal,

the plant, the tree, etc. Even colours are merely expressions of certain

vibrational frequencies. These scenarios are guided by a system of universal

law known as the law of vibration. In fact, the law of vibration serves as the

foundation for the law of attraction. The law of attraction states that we

attract what we are sending out i.e. like attracts like, unlike repels unlike.

Hence, favourable energies attract favourable energies and unfavourable


energies attract unfavourable energies. Human thoughts are cosmic waves of

energy that penetrate all time and space and it is the most potent vibration

that can attracts what is desired or wished for. In other words, all sentient

beings are electro-magnetic beings with the subtle mind consciousness that

acts as an antenna or a radar detector constantly attracting and magnetising

vibrational frequencies. Human thoughts are frequencies to which other similar

frequencies are constantly resonating. This resonance is the basis for a

universal law – the law of attraction. At the end of the day, the law of

attraction and the law of vibration go hand in hand at all times.

37.0 Ion makes the world go round

What is an ion? An ion is a charged atom or molecule. It is charged due to the

imbalanced number of electrons and the number of protons in the atom or

molecule. An atom can become a positive charge or a negative charge

depending on whether the number of electrons in an atom is greater or lesser

than the number of protons in the atom. Ion concentrations can vary over

short distances i.e. one may find that one end of a room has an excess of

positive ions and the other end, negative. In the nature, ions are formed in a

variety of ways - about half are created by radioactive gases and the other half

are produced from radioactive substances in the soil, cosmic rays, ultraviolet

rays, air flow friction, falling water and plants.

Basically, positive ions have a negative effect on humans and animals. Some of

the side effects caused by high positive ion counts are violent behaviour, road

rage, depression, dizziness, chills, tremors, sleeplessness, fatigue, irritability,

nausea, lethargy, respiratory symptoms, headaches, migraines, increase in heart

attacks, high blood pressure, increase in optical disturbances, anxiety, body

aches/pains, etc. Today, the modern homes and offices seal out negative ions.

Computer terminals, fluorescent lighting, forced air ventilation systems, and

modern building materials generate an over abundance of positive ions.

Electrical gadgets such as microwave oven, laptop, desktop computer,

television, mobile phone or the alarm clock could be to blame for the lacking of

negative ions in the atmosphere. Other positive ionisation could derive from

car exhausts, factory fumes, tire dust, cigarette smoke, cooking and heating

fumes, dust, etc.


On the other hand, negative ions are beneficial to humans and animals. It has

been proven scientifically that a high count of negative ions will decrease

fatigue, reduce migraines/headaches, strengthen the function of autonomic

nerves, strengthen the body immune system, improves metabolism, improves

asthma and other respiratory conditions, lowers blood pressures, etc.

Refreshing places, usually located in the mountains and near waterfalls and

seashores have high negative ion concentrations. In humans, most researchers

think that negative ions act on the capacity to absorb and utilise oxygen,

accelerating the blood’s delivery of oxygen to the cells and tissues. Generally,

negative ions have much higher rates of mobility as compared with the positive

ions due to increase in the number of electrons that are constantly vibrating in

standing waves on the surface of the ions.

Once again, the charged molecules or ions play a vital role in the physical and

the spiritual development of humans. Our frame of mind and body conditions

depend on the composition of the air that we breathe. Air is electrically

charged, which means it contains in definite proportions, positively charged

molecules (positive ions) and negatively charged molecules (negative ions).

There is a need for their balance to conjure up favourable vibes for one’s

mental and physical progression. In fact, the yin-yang concept is mostly based

upon the orientation of positive ions and negative ions in the surroundings.

When there is a balance in the definite proportion of ions, whereby the number

of positive ions (yin) is almost equal to the number of negative ions (yang),

there will be a harmonious ‘chi’ or energy in the surroundings and vice versa.

On another front, the definite proportion of ions in the atmosphere has an

intimate relevance to the arising of spirit or ghost energies in the human realm.

Ordinary spirits or ghosts that are abided with ignorance would be drawn to the

cluster of positive ions. This is because positive ions are correlated with the

energies of dukkha i.e. ignorance would give rise to unfavourable thoughts, ill-

wills, angers, un-satisfactoriness, attachments, restlessness, jealousy,

pessimism, etc. Common areas such as windowless and closed rooms,

abandoned houses, hospitals, factories, old buildings – in derelict and

overgrown states, would usually sustain a higher concentration of positive ions

in the surroundings – an ideal passageway for the manifestation of wandering

ghosts or spirits in the human realm. And from direct experience, a ghost or a

spirit arising in close proximity could evoke with severe headaches, nausea and


lethargy on our physical body unexpectedly – an apparent sign of soaring

density of positive ions in the surrounding area. In other words, a human who

is afflicted with a mental or a physical illness would tend to attract or

magnetise with the spirits or the ghosts more often than the healthy ones due

to higher presence of positive ions in the body and the surroundings.

As a conclusion, ions are necessary prerequisites for becoming process to

exist; without it, the becoming process would be impossible in the dependent

nature. For humans, the presence of high negative ions would bring scores of

advantages to the spiritual and the physical development. In fact, the

surroundings with high negative ion concentrations would attract or magnetise

with favourable energies from devas, angels and other deities that could help

individuals in many ways along the path to spiritual liberation. Therefore, it is

crucial for one to find balance with the ion concentrations at all times because

ions are ‘kingmakers’ in the mental and the physical health condition of

individuals.

38.0 The Process of New Creation (Multiplicity) in Samsāra

According to the Chinese philosophy, everything has both the yin and yang

aspects. Yin and yang are actually complementary but opposing forces

interacting to form a whole greater than either separate part; thus bringing

forth a dynamic system existing in harmony. The visual representation of this

concept is well depicted in the Taijitu symbol or the loosely referred to as yin-

yang symbol. Literally, Tai-ji means supreme ultimate – that represents an

insightful reality of the dependent nature i.e. highlighting the many natural

dualities such as female and male, dark and light, low and high, cold and hot,

water and fire, life and death, etc.

Whenever one quality reaches its peak, it will naturally begin to transform into

the opposite quality. The communion of the two gives birth to things. Yin and

yang transform each other – just like an undertow in the ocean, every advance

is complemented by a retreat, and every rise transforms into a fall. Generally,

yin is associated with water, earth, moon, femininity, night time, etc. and is

characterised as slow, soft, yielding, diffuse, cold, wet, and passive. Whereas,

by contrast, yang is associated with fire, sky, the sun, masculinity, day time,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femininity

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masculinity


etc. and is characterised as fast, hard, solid, focused, hot, dry, and aggressive.

The classic principle in effect: ‘Yin creates Yang and Yang activates Yin.’

If one refers to the cycle of Dependent Origination, manas that unfolds against

the backdrop of consciousness (preliminary) is an architect or a designer that

activates mind and body creations. Mind and body are simply two aspects of

the same thing. Manas would vibrate in a certain unique frequency – a wave of

collated high and low vibrations. This blueprint of vibrations would

subsequently bring forth the conflation of mind and body. The principle in

effect: the lower the frequency, the slower the vibration; the higher the

frequency, the faster the vibration. Slower vibration would lead to the body

and the sense bases formation and faster vibration would lead to the mind

formation. Collectively, it brings about a new life existence with a unique

individuality that would not allow the disruption by any kind of external

interference; thus it maintains a self-identity. In other words, mind and body

are present in every created thing as one integrated whole. Even an atom has

a kind of mind that is unique or individualised. The nucleus of the atom, around

which electrons vibrate in standing waves, constitutes the atom’s individuality.

As a result, one atom distinguishes from another atom – just as one person is

different from another person or as one thing is different from another thing.

Nevertheless, the mind is comprised with two terms i.e. prevailing

consciousness and subtle consciousness. Both the prevailing and subtle mind

consciousnesses would arise in the sentient beings but for other things, merely

the subtle mind consciousness would arise. In addition, it is the mind, the

consciousness of individuality, which holds together the atoms and molecules

as one integrated body in a lifetime. Scientifically, the atoms are held together

by covalent chemical bonds but the synergies of it would give rise to the mind,

the consciousness of individuality. For general understanding, subtle mind

consciousness does not consume as much energy as prevailing mind

consciousness. Subtle mind consciousness can process and store information

without a lot of work or the intervention of prevailing mind consciousness. In

other words, subtle mind consciousness could operate in the absence of

prevailing mind consciousness with the least of energy consumption on 24

hours/day and 365 days/year - this would mean a plenty of energy reserves

for prolonging the lifespan of a body in a lifetime.


In fact, for over 90% of the time in a lifespan, the body is administered by

subtle mind consciousness and it simply operates like a radar detector –

sensing all spectrums of vibrational frequencies from the surroundings and

across the time stream (past, present and future). As such, one would notice

that an enlightened subtle mind consciousness would operate like a long range

radar detector which is highly luminous and vigilant to any development of

circumstances and surpassing time.

When one has reached the maturity of a lifespan, the mind and body would go

through a dying process, inevitably. And the first type of consciousness to

depart the body would be the prevailing mind consciousness. In the sentient

beings, the prevailing mind consciousness that bonds strongly the atoms and

the molecules together would die out and evolve into other energies

concurrently. This incidence would lead to an impulse occurrence with a

demonstration of a final burst of energy nearing the moments of death.

Subsequently, the segregating process would conquest with most of the subtle

mind consciousness departing the death body.

For an ignorant being, during a disintegrating process, the elements of

prevailing consciousness or so-called the ‘chain of consciousness’ would die

out and the force of Ignorance (an outward tendency force) would overcome

the force of Awakening (an inward tendency force). The elements of subtle

consciousness would then liberate into fragments. The amount of liberated

fragments is very much dependent on the level of Ignorance or Awakening

within the being. And for an ignorant being, the level of Ignorance would

surpass the level of Awakening and this would mean the intensity of Ignorance

is higher than the intensity of Awakening. A higher intensity of Ignorance would

mean a higher intensity of becoming. A higher intensity of becoming would

mean a higher amount of liberated fragments. On the other hand, for an

awakened being, the amount of liberated fragments is much lesser than an

ignorant being because there is lower intensity of Ignorance as compared with

the intensity of Awakening. Also, the dispersion of liberated fragments is more

confined and restricted to much fewer new individuals.

Last of all, during segregating process, sense consciousness and the lingering

subtle mind consciousness would evolve into other energies concurrently with

the body decomposing process. At the end of the day, the fragmented subtle


mind consciousness with some retained subtle information within the elements

of subtle memory would sustain freedom of sorts and waiting for the next

aligning process and the new balanced phenomena to arise, thus depicting the

continuous flow or repeating cycle of birth, life, death and re-birth - known as

samsāra.

39.0 The Process of Pro-creation (Sexual) in Samsāra

A sperm and an egg would contain with subtle mind consciousness

respectively. A sexual pro-creating process would begin with the aggregation

of sperm and egg under a balanced phenomenon. During the integrating

process, some new information would be produced and it would evolve into

knowledge. Consecutively, the gained knowledge would induce a sense of

representation that would then give rise to an element of memory. The

elements of memory would stimulate a process of compulsion and this would

lead to a broadcasting of kammic imprints in its own vibrational frequency that

in turn electro-magnetically attract with similar kammic imprints unearthed

from the influx of subtle mind consciousness elsewhere in the dependent

nature (as per the law of vibration and attraction).

Scientifically, a sperm is an electrically neutral structure with the equal amount

of positive and negative charges. An egg is also an electrically neutral

structure with the equal amount of positive and negative charges. During the

fertilisation period, the sperms are guided by temperature when travelling

through most of the fallopian tube and navigate by tuning in to the egg’s

chemical call when they get close to the fertilisation site. When a sperm

conflates with an egg to form a zygote, it would give rise to energy absorption

inside the egg structure. The electron bonded to an atom of the egg absorbs

the proper amount of energy deriving from the potential (stored) energy of the

sperm. The energy absorbed would then exceed the electric potential barrier

that originally confined it, thus breaking the bond and freeing it to move. The

electron is then emitted as a free electron from the zygote structure and the

amount of energy required is called the ionisation energy.

According to the cycle of Dependent Origination, an imbalanced phenomenon

would lead to an adjusting process. The adjusting process would then lead to


an aligning process and the aligning process would subsequently lead to a new

balanced phenomenon. When an atom loses an electron, an imbalanced

phenomenon occurs. The atom then becomes a charged particle called an ion.

These imbalanced ion particles are responsible for the electron flow (energy

flow in the form of electricity). Ions will take or release an electron to become

balance again. Therefore, the zygote, an electro-magnetic being with positively

charged ions, would be balanced with the ‘jump’ of an electron from an atom

elsewhere. In other words, a positively charged ion would electro-magnetically

attract to a negatively charged ion elsewhere and this condition is crucial for

the development of zygote into embryo.

For general understanding, a zygote would develop into an embryo only with the

presence of negative ions, positive ions and the compatible ‘free-flow’ subtle

mind consciousness as a boost factor. In the absence of any or all of these

mentioned elements, the advance development of zygote would be impeded.

The ‘free-flow’ subtle mind consciousness under an imbalanced phenomenon

would go through the adjusting process and subsequently the aligning process.

During the aligning process, the ‘free-flow’ subtle mind consciousness would

attract and ally with the new body that contains all necessary equal and

opposite elements (both in qualitative and quantitative aspects). In other

words, this integrating process would arise in the right place at the right time

under a perfectly conducive environment. Thus a new being is formed under a

new balanced phenomenon.

As mentioned earlier, a zygote is a newly formed being with positively charged

ions. A positively charged ion would naturally attract a negatively charged ion.

The negative ions encircling the zygote would permeate into the surface of it,

enhancing metabolism of the cell membranes, accelerating the mitosis process

and the delivery of oxygen to inner cells and tissues. Last of all, the

compatible ‘free-flow’ subtle mind consciousness would be absorbed into the

zygote to initiate a sparkling process. The sparkling process is made possible

only with the absorption of sufficient like energies elsewhere into the zygote.

The electron bonded to an atom of the zygote absorbs the proper amount of

energy deriving from the potential (stored) energy of the compatible ‘free-

flow’ subtle mind consciousness. The energy absorbed would then exceed the

electric potential barrier that originally confined it, thus breaking the bond and

freeing it to move. The electron is then emitted as a free electron and it


upsets the electrical charge equilibrium of the embryo. Thus an embryo is a

newly formed being with positively charged ions and it continues to attract

negative ions from the surroundings to enhance metabolism of the cell

membranes, accelerating the mitosis process and the delivery of oxygen to

inner cells and tissues.

In addition, during the sparkling process, prevailing mind consciousness and

sense consciousness would be newly formed, simultaneously. Sparkling

process would lead to the process of fusion and consolidation. This would

mean no chance for any subsequent compatible ‘free-flow’ subtle mind

consciousness to be absorbed into the embryo after the sparkling process –

just like the scenario of the first sperm enters the egg during the fertilising

process. The embryo would continue to develop into a fetus and it is a stage

of the early development of the nervous system in the new body. The nervous

system is an electrical impulses dependent system – this means in the absence

of imbalanced ion particles, the nervous system in the new body would be

stalled indefinitely. The nervous system includes both the central nervous

system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is

made up of the brain and the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system is

made up of the somatic and the autonomic nervous systems. The nervous

system allows the sentient beings to quickly detect, communicate and co-

ordinate information on the external and the internal environment via efficient

appropriate responses for survival and/or reproduction.

For general understanding, consciousness is synergy. Synergy is generally

defined as the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total

effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions,

etc. In other words, synergy is energy that expands through cooperation and it

is a key to the geometric expansion of consciousness. When the nervous

system in a new body is formed, sense consciousness would arise

simultaneously. Sense consciousness is a subtle synergy resulted from the

interaction of subtle mind consciousness in the new body i.e. the

electrochemical transmission along the neurons throughout the nervous

system. And this synergy arising is in accordance with the yin-yang principle

that states: ‘Yin creates Yang and Yang activates Yin’. Synonymously, subtle

mind consciousness is yin and sense consciousness is yang - just as a state of


total yin is reached, yang begins to grow. Yin contains seed of yang and vice

versa.

Moreover, the central nervous system especially the brain would comprise with

the highest density of neurons in the entire nervous system of the new body

and this circumstance would give rise to another type of synergy identified as

prevailing mind consciousness – a prevalent synergy. In other words, mind

consciousness and brain are symbiotic; one never exists without the other.

The brain is actually a coagulated form of the conflated prevailing and subtle

mind consciousnesses itself - just as water looks like ice, the mind looks like

the brain, and the body. With high density of neurons, the brain could perform

a variety of complex functions beside transmitting signals and sending

messages to each other parts of the body. Among the complex functions are

controlling, regulating, analysing, organising, wishing, interpreting, memorising,

etc. – for these complex functions are basically, the roles of prevailing and

subtle mind consciousnesses.

As a reference, mind and body arising are analogous to the origination of fire.

From an article pulled out from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, the origin of

fire is described as follows: -

‘Fires start when a flammable and/or a combustible material, in combination

with a sufficient quantity of an oxidizer such as oxygen gas or another oxygen-

rich compound (though non-oxygen oxidizers exist that can replace oxygen), is

exposed to a source of heat or ambient temperature above the flash point for

the fuel/oxidizer mix, and is able to sustain a rate of rapid oxidation that

produces a chain reaction. This is commonly called the fire tetrahedron. Fire

cannot exist without all of these elements in place and in the right proportions.

For example, a flammable liquid will start burning only if the fuel and oxygen are

in the right proportions. Some fuel-oxygen mixes may require a catalyst, a

substance that is not directly involved in any chemical reaction during

combustion, but which enables the reactants to combust more readily. Once

ignited, a chain reaction must take place whereby fires can sustain their own

heat by the further release of heat energy in the process of combustion and

may propagate, provided there is a continuous supply of an oxidizer and fuel.’

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flammable

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Material

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxidizer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperature

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_point

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_reaction

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_triangle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalyst

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical


The mentioned comparison can be depicted as below: -

Combustion Sparkling process

Fire Sentient being

Flame Prevailing mind consciousness

Fuel/combustible material Sentient body

Oxidiser Oxygen intake

Heat Subtle mind consciousness

Chain reaction Electrochemical impulse/transmission

Catalyst ‘Free-flow’ subtle mind consciousness

The principle in effect: When the flame is blown off, the chain reaction stops

and the fire would be vanished. However, the ambient temperature (heat)

remains temporarily but below the flash point for fuel/oxidiser mix and waiting

for all the right elements in place and on the right proportions. Likewise, when

a sentient being has passed on, the prevailing mind consciousness dies out and

the electrochemical impulse/transmission would lapse. However, the subtle

mind consciousness still remains temporarily in liberated forms before

subscribing to the next becoming process under a balanced phenomenon.

As a conclusion, prevailing mind consciousness and sense consciousness would

not arise without the manifestation of a physical body. However, subtle mind

consciousness is somehow independent from the physical body and would

continue to play a significant role in the continuous process of birth, life, death

and re-birth - known as samsāra.

40.0 Samsāra - Why is there something rather than nothing?



death and re-birth. But why is there such a scenario in samsāra? Now, let us

analyse into it. The inherent quality of dependent nature is emptiness. In

other words, emptiness is the underlying element that exists everywhere within

the dependent nature. On another front, energy is a quality that can neither be

created nor destroyed and the sum of all energies in a system is a constant or

never changes – as per the Law of Conservation of Energy. Therefore, we


could conclude that both emptiness and energy are fundamental qualities in the

system of dependent nature because every single thing or happening would

involve with it, without exception.

In fact, energy is an expression that emptiness exists. When one sees into

energy, one sees into emptiness; when one sees into emptiness, one sees into

energy. This is the rationale for the saying, ‘Form is Emptiness.’ The

principle in effect: seeing into form is seeing into matter, seeing into matter is

seeing into energy and seeing into energy is seeing into emptiness. At the

same time, emptiness is a necessary prerequisite for any objects to exist;

without it, the object would be impossible and this hypothesis attributes to the

saying, ‘Emptiness is Form.’

In the dependent nature, there would be a scenario of cause and effect.

Frankly speaking, these are two different aspects of the same thing i.e. cause

is effect and effect is cause. For instance, Cause 1 conjures up Effect 1,

Effect 1 conjures up Cause 1-1, etc. As such, cause and effect are inter-

changing, inter-relating and inter-waving with one another. This is how the

conventional reality works i.e. not in-linear but in inter-dependence, inter-

woven and inter-relation since the dawn of time in a very comprehensive and

complicated network of existence. In other words, cause and effect cannot be

referred independently in a linear point of reference and therefore, no first

cause, no first effect can be found within the dependent nature. Precisely, one

should think about the scenario of cause and effect as: this arising, that arises;

this ceasing, that ceases.

Right now, there is a circumstance of duality or multiplicity in the dependent

nature, but why? It is because of mind arising. Why is there mind arising? It is

because of energy. Why is there energy? It is because of emptiness. And why

is there emptiness? It is because of emptiness of emptiness. In other words,

the emptiness of phenomena is both the cause and consequence of the

dependent nature of phenomena. Emptiness of phenomena exists in the way it

appears in direct perception and without the need to reference of any other

entity. It is completely defined by its own nature. In other words, emptiness of

phenomena is an inherent existence that is uncaused. It is indestructible and

eternal. It is unchanging when viewed externally and cannot undergo any

internal changes of state. It has no constituent parts and nothing can be


thrown out or removed from it. Nothing can be added to it and no change in

the external conditions can affect it.

As mentioned earlier, the elements of energy would give rise to the mind that

in turn conjures up perceptions, conceptions, labels, boundaries, names,

activities, shapes, relations, descriptions, stereotyping, beginning, ending, etc.

Therefore, we shall be clear by now that mind is the forerunner of all states i.e.

the architect for classifying all the existences in the dependent nature. These

circumstances of duality or multiplicity are merely the end result of various

activities of aggregation being observed by the mind under the influence of

conditional phenomena. In fact, mind is known as consciousness in

individuality i.e. it involves clear discrimination – differentiates and understands

the characteristics of objects or matters. And only when there is a balanced

circumstance, there is a chance for the integrating process i.e. under a

balanced phenomenon, one could witness shapes or forms arising; under an

imbalanced phenomenon, one could witness no shapes or forms arising - and

the cycle of conditional phenomena continues. This scenario can be

portrayed in the cycle of dependent origination shown as below: -





















For general understanding, every existence would contain with the basic

elements of energy, matter and space. In other words, mind and body are

present in every created thing as one integrated whole, without exception.

Even an atom has a kind of mind that is unique or individualised. The nucleus

of the atom, around which electrons vibrate in standing waves, constitutes the

atom’s individuality. As a result, one atom distinguishes from another atom –

just as one person is different from another person or as one thing is different

from another thing; thus it maintains a self-identity.

When one ponders as a subject on the other side of the object or matter, one

would notice that energy takes on various forms and reborn all the time in the

dependent nature. Therefore, it is correct to mention that all objects are

empty and exist conditionally without an eternal essence. They only exist in

relation to each other as appearances that in turn vary as per the perceptions

of the beholders (or precisely, the minds of the beholders). It is difficult for

one to see into the ultimate truth because the mind is dependent arising and

the presence in the waves of dependent phenomena has clouded the mind from

discerning the reality of circumstances i.e. ignorance arises. With ignorance

blindfolding the mind since the dawn of time, suffering arises and continues to

arise in the dependent nature.

As a conclusion, both emptiness and energy are the inherent qualities of the

dependent nature. These inherent qualities are the core basis for all the rising

and falling activities in samsāra. In fact, the repeating cycle of birth, life, death

and re-birth in samsāra is due to its relevance to inherent existence and

anything that inherently exists would not involve change. In other words,

samsāra is neither identical to, nor entirely different from the inherent

existence. This is the correct understanding on the principle of emptiness that

is in accordance with Buddhism i.e. all created things or happenings can never

be in an absolute discrete orientation.

Once again, the dependent nature is all about mind versus matter and mind

versus mind. As mentioned by the Buddha, mind is the forerunner of all states.

When there is mind arising, the dependent nature arises. In other words, the

dependent nature is a classification being performed by the mind. Without the


mind, there is no classification of the dependent nature. Therefore, both the

mind and the dependent nature are inter-dependent of one another. And with

the presence of emptiness, the potential movement of the mind from non-

enlightenment toward a state of enlightenment would be possible. Seeing the

Dhamma is seeing the Buddha – it is seeing and knowing the ultimate reality of

things and happenings and not to get entangle with it.

41.0 Nibbāna – How can it be described?

What is nibbāna? And where is nibbāna? For general understanding, nibbāna is

not a state of paradise or some sort of heavenly realms that can be found

alongside the planes of existence within the cosmos. In an ultimate sense,

nibbāna does not exist at all, but why? This is because there is non-existence

of the mind to provide with the descriptions, perceptions, names, shapes, etc.

within the state of nibbāna. Furthermore, mind is dependent arising but

nibbāna is a non-dependent arising state of affairs i.e. with no rising and falling

activities taking place. In other words, nibbāna is a completely neutralised

state of affairs – in contrast with the conventional phenomenon that would

subject to the conditional influences i.e. in a continuous and constantly

changing state of affairs.

In the dependent nature or samsāra, there is an element of suffering or dukkha.

Suffering means ‘bearing with’ in the Buddhist context and ‘letting go’ is the

antonym of it. Literally, there are no elements of grasping when one practises

letting go. When no grasping arises, the becoming process would slow down.

This is because everything in the dependent nature is nothing but energy. And

energy is nothing but mere vibration. When the becoming process slows down,

it means energy is vibrating at lower frequencies. When the becoming process

ceases, energy literally stops vibrating. Energy just got ‘frozen.’ Zero

vibration means zero becoming. Zero becoming means an absolute cessation

of any changing activities. Thus an absolute stage of absence is achieved.

Absence means a perfect state of balance. Therefore, absence is not about

nothingness but instead it is about no-thing-ness. No thing means no

becoming or no changing. No changing means no suffering. No suffering means

no mind. Mind is the forerunner of all states. No mind means a completely

neutralised state of affairs - that is nibbāna. The state of nibbāna is


inexplicable in conventional terms but still, it can be tasted by the enlightened

ones during deep meditation.

However, there is an argument that says nothing stops completely in the

scientific world. In physics, there is something called zero-point energy or the

lowest level that energy could exist. Scientists have discovered that Hydrogen

(the smallest molecule in the material Universe with a single atom) cannot be

frozen completely i.e. it would cool down to a specific low temperature and

then continues to vibrate again. In other words, the material Universe does

not freeze itself completely in the coldest region and there is always energy

that vibrates in the outer space.

Well, it is a valid argument that energy can neither be stationary nor be created

nor be destroyed in the scientific sense. But how then could we best describe

a scenario of ‘frozen’ energy here? Let us look at the case of a black hole in

the material Universe. Black holes were originally called frozen stars because

they appear to ‘freeze’ at a size just slightly bigger than the Schwarzschild

radius - the distance at which all matter within that distance will collapse into

the singularity. Around the black hole, there is a surface called event horizon

that marks the point of no return. Any objects that fall and cross the event

horizon would appear to freeze from the perspective of an observer who is

stationary at great distance from the event horizon. Just as in Einstein’s

special theory of relativity, if you were to enter a black hole, you would find

your watch ticking along at the same rate as it always had but someone else at

great distance from the black hole would see a different ticking rate on your

watch than the usual, and you would see their watch to be ticking at a different

than normal rate.

For instance, if you were to station yourself just outside a black hole, while you

would find your own watch ticking at the normal rate, you would see the watch

of a friend at great distance from the hole to be ticking at a much faster rate

than yours. Your friend would see his own watch ticking at a normal rate, but

see your watch to be ticking at a much slower rate. Thus if you stayed just

outside the black hole for a while, then went back to join your friend, you would

find that the friend had aged more than you had during your separation. At the

end of the day, if you were to cross into the event horizon, you appear to


freeze, as seen by your friend and it is only an ‘optical’ illusion that makes

your friend think that you never cross the horizon when in actual fact you did.

Once again, when one talks about energy, one talks about vibration. And

energy can never be stationary at any point of time but it can appear to freeze

under a special circumstance described as above. In other words, when there

are opposing forces, there would be vibration. In the absence of opposing

forces, vibration would cease to exist i.e. it is considered to be blown-off but

not annihilated. This means in the absence of vibration, energy would still exist

but it seems to freeze due to the homologous force arising.

In the Buddhist context, there are two opposing forces arising in the dependent

nature i.e. the force of Awakening (an inward tendency force) and the force of

Ignorance (an outward tendency force). For an ignorant being, during a

disintegrating process, the elements of prevailing consciousness or so-called

the ‘chain of consciousness’ would die out and the force of Ignorance would

overcome the force of Awakening. The elements of subtle consciousness

would then liberate into fragments. The amount of liberated fragments is very

much dependent on the level of Ignorance or Awakening within the being. And

for an ignorant being, the level of Ignorance would surpass the level of

Awakening and this would mean the intensity of Ignorance is higher than the

intensity of Awakening. A higher intensity of Ignorance would mean a higher

intensity of becoming. A higher intensity of becoming would mean a higher

amount of liberated fragments. On the other hand, for a fully awakened being,

the force of Ignorance would be blown-off (cease to exist) completely. The

remaining force of Awakening i.e. an inward tendency force would conquest in

full scale and thus conjuring up a circumstance that is known as the black hole

of emptiness i.e. the eternal bliss of nibbāna.

As a conclusion, nibbāna is a completely neutralised state of affairs that is

boundless, timeless and permanent. The ultimate goal in the Buddhist practice

is to quest for an everlasting happiness that is unconditional via enlightenment.

While enlightenment is about realisation, wisdom is about applying it into one’s

daily perspectives and decision making, wholesomely. Therefore, if one wishes

to gain enlightenment and wisdom, one would need to walk the walk and not

talk the talk. In other words, enlightenment can never be achieved through

desire for it is a mere intention of building castles in the air. Buddhism is about


the sheer determination to pull one’s act together to end the state of suffering

conclusively and not just blowing hot air.

42.0 Buddhism: A full transformation of the Mind

Buddhism is a philosophy that explores the luminosity of the mind. The Buddha

has mentioned that mind is the forerunner of all states. In other words, the

mind is ultimately responsible for interpreting the existence under the

circumstances of duality – phenomenon arises. Therefore, what exists is

defined as that which can be known. If it cannot be known by the mind, then it

does not exist. And conventionally, things can exist as in fallacy or in reality

i.e. subject to the discriminating activities being carried out by the mind.

Furthermore, mind is dependent arising and it is a pattern of consciousness

that is born from awareness. In fact, mind is known as consciousness in

individuality and it is more objective and involves clear discrimination –

differentiates and understands the characteristics of objects.

If one refers to the cycle of Dependent Origination, manas that unfolds against

the backdrop of consciousness (preliminary) is an architect that activates mind

and body creations. Mind and body are simply two aspects of the same thing.

Manas would vibrate in a certain unique frequency – a wave of collated high

and low vibrations. This blueprint of vibrations would subsequently bring forth

the conflation of mind and body. The principle in effect: the lower the

frequency, the slower the vibration; the higher the frequency, the faster the

vibration. Slower vibration would lead to the body and the sense bases

formation and faster vibration would lead to the mind formation. Collectively, it

brings about a new life existence with a unique individuality that would not

allow the disruption by any kind of external interference; thus it maintains a

self-identity. In other words, mind and body are present in every created thing

as one integrated whole. Even an atom has a kind of mind that is unique or

individualised. The nucleus of the atom, around which electrons vibrate in

standing waves, constitutes the atom’s individuality. As a result, one atom

distinguishes from another atom – just as one person is different from another

person or as one thing is different from another thing.


Nevertheless, the mind is comprised with two terms i.e. prevailing

consciousness and subtle consciousness. Both the prevailing and subtle mind

consciousnesses would arise in the sentient beings but for other things, merely

subtle mind consciousness would arise. In addition, it is the mind, the

consciousness of individuality, which holds together the atoms and molecules

as one integrated body in a lifetime. Scientifically, the atoms are held together

by covalent chemical bonds but the synergies of it would give rise to the mind,

the consciousness of individuality.

As a summary, no duality or multiplicity would arise in the non-existence of the

mind. This is because there is no subject to ponder on the object or

matter. When there is no mind arising, no phenomenon would arise. When

there is no phenomenon arising, no dependent nature would arise. When there

is no dependent nature, there would be no perception, no conception, no label,

no boundary, no name, no activity, no shape, no relation, no description, no

stereotyping, no beginning, no ending, etc. An ultimate reality is a truth that

exists beyond mind and beyond concepts and words in the sense that it is

beyond our usual ways of perceiving things.

42.1 Luminosity of the Mind

The pure nature of the mind is luminous and it is due to the presence in the

waves of dependent phenomena that has clouded it from discerning the reality

of circumstances i.e. ignorance arises. As such, Buddhism is a philosophy that

focuses on transforming an ignorant state of mind into an enlightened one. An

enlightened mind can be described as prevailing mind consciousness with

liberation from the thoughts i.e. instead of being the thoughts; the perspective

is shifted to watching the thoughts churned out by subtle mind consciousness.

The role of prevailing conscious mind is like mind-in-command i.e. the mind

that can lead, take charge, concentrate, make decision and convey action. In

other words, it means prevailing conscious mind would make observation

without identifying with the thoughts – the subtle conscious mind. This

liberation from thought identification to thought observation is called the

experience of the Buddha nature.

During the process of observation, the awakened prevailing conscious mind

could also discern with the so-called memory fragments of the previous lives


subdued within the subtle conscious mind. This is because within the elements

of subtle consciousness one would discover the elements of subtle memory.

Within the elements of subtle memory one would discover the elements of

subtle information. In other words, the awakened prevailing conscious mind


retained subtle information throughout the series of one’s past lives in crystal

clear and without hesitation.

Besides seeing through the past life events, an awakened mind could also

foresee into the future events. In a layman term, it is named as a de-ja vu

experience or some kind of time travelling to the future condition. This is

because an awakened mind is highly luminous and vigilant to any development

of circumstances and surpassing time. In Buddhism, it is mentioned that only a

human can attain enlightenment as a fully enlightened Buddha. This is because

humans are just one type of sentient being with both the prevailing and subtle

conscious mind stream that can find balance between happiness and suffering

via the meditating processes. Therefore, in the absence of the prevailing

conscious mind, the attaining of full enlightenment is not possible.

Basically, there are two types of meditation in Buddhism. One is samatha and

the other is vipassanā meditation. Samatha meditation is to calm or tranquil

the mind by means of concentration. Whereas, vipassanā meditation is to

mould the mind into seeing all things as they really are – an insight into the

true nature of reality. The main focus of vipassanā meditation is to attain pure

awareness via mindfulness. Vipassanā is often preceded by samatha but

nonetheless, both types are inter-dependable throughout the practices in order

to achieve favourable results in meditation.

Upon entering deeply into a meditative state (in full concentration), the

prevailing mind consciousness would separate from the subtle mind

consciousness. The main reason for engaging samatha meditation is to calm or

tranquil the wilderness of the subtle mind consciousness. Thereafter, the

prevailing conscious mind enters a state of pure observation (mindful) without

identification on the flow of thoughts conjured up by the subtle conscious mind

until pure awareness is attained.



Moreover, when one has gained enlightenment while sustaining with a living

body, the mind would still exist but with a paradigm shift to seeing all the things

or happenings in the ultimate perspectives without delusion or hesitation. The

mind has not gained with a complete liberation yet and this circumstance is

also known as cessation with remainder. The ultimate liberation or cessation

without remainder can only be achieved without sustaining a living body i.e. the

passing into parinibbāna.

During one last time of disintegrating process, the subtle conscious mind would

be absorbed into the black hole of emptiness and then followed by the

prevailing conscious mind. In the absence of the mind, the dependent

phenomenon would die out concurrently. Ultimately, there is no mind remaining

in the infinite, unchanging, permanent and unconditional state of nibbāna and

this is the ambience for an eternal bliss.

43.0 Two Sides of the Same Coin

The wise Buddha has laid emphasis that one should see in all angles of things

or matters while pursuing the ultimate truth. Without it, any conclusions made

out of one’s observation would not be balanced or in a wholesome nature. In

Buddhism, wholesome would mean in totality of perspective (skillful) and

unwholesome would mean in non-totality of perspective (unskillful). There is

no holy or sinful thought or act in the eyes of the Buddha.

In fact, the Buddha has recommended Middle Path as an ideal approach when

addressing a problem. Middle Path is all about focusing on core, neutral,






For general understanding, every subject matter can be viewed in two different

ways. Literally, it means all things or matters are very closely related although

they seem different. This is what the principle of emptiness is all about i.e. all

created things or happenings can never be in an absolute discrete orientation.


Therefore, we could rightfully mention that all things or matters are closely

inter-depending, inter-waving and inter-relating with one another since the

dawn of time in a very comprehensive and complicated network of

existence. This is the rationale for the saying, ‘...neither identical to, nor

entirely different from... but forms part of a causal continuum...’ And this

scenario explains well on the saying, ‘No two minds are the same.’ In other

words, Buddhism sees in a basis of blueprints in individuals or things that is

always evolving under the influence of conditional phenomena.

Right now, let us study into the elements of energy. As scientists have

discovered, energy can neither be created nor be destroyed and it is ever

transforming and changing all the time. But the sum of all energies in a system

is a constant or never changes. So is energy a variable or a constant element?

Paradoxically, energy corresponds well to both of these elements. As

mentioned earlier, every subject matter can be viewed in two different ways

and each way is very closely related with one another although they seem

different. Therefore, energy is a constant element on one perspective and

concurrently, it is a variable element on another perspective. By understanding

well and observing thoroughly into the characteristics of energy, one could gain

insight into the nature and its orientation.

As a conclusion, both emptiness and the energy are the fundamental qualities

of nature because every single thing or happening would involve with it, without

exception. On one hand, the nature would bear with the conditions of

beginning and ending and on the other hand, it would bear with the conditions

of beginning-less and end-less. In other words, nature is a system that is

universal i.e. it is inherent existing and dependent arising concurrently.

Likewise, the best way to respond to the question of, ‘Who am I?’ would be, ‘I

am what I am.’ ‘If you think this is what I am, then I am’ and ‘If you see that

is what I am, then I am.’ At the end of the day, any conclusions made are

merely two sides of the same coin.


The Existence of Nature

The Deepest Fact about Things (Path of Omniscience) (Beginning-less & End-less)

Inherent Nature EMPTINESS Dependent Nature

(Unchanging) (Universal Nature) (Changing)

Mind formation Conditional Phenomenon

(Transformation) Ignorance of Emptiness Realisation of Emptiness

Multiplicity Singularity

(duality) (non-duality)

Becoming Non-becoming

Suffering (to bear with) Liberation (to let go)

Continuation of vicious cycle Cessation of vicious cycle

SAMSĀRA Non-conditional Phenomenon

(Non-eternal Bliss)

NIBBĀNA

(Eternal Bliss)


Two facets of Nature

There are two facets of nature - the dependent and the inherent aspects. These two

aspects would exist concurrently and can be illustrated in a mathematical equation as

below: -

Facet 1 Facet 2

Dependent arising Inherent existence

… (-2+2) + (-16+16) + (-22+22) + (-133+133) + (0) + (-54+54) …, etc = 0

Key: -

Facet 1

= dependent arising.

= the existence of mind - that conjures up perceptions, conceptions, labels, names,

descriptions, shapes, values, languages, etc.

= the existence of rising and falling phenomena.

= the existence of beginning and ending processes.

= all subjects and objects are created i.e. inherent existence is devoid.

= the emptiness could be realised in various stages.

Facet 2

= inherent existence.

= the absence of mind to conjure up perceptions, conceptions, labels, names,


= the absence of beginning and ending processes.

= the absence of conditional phenomena.

= nothing has ever been created or changed.

= the Buddha nature.

This arising, that arises. This ceasing, that ceases. Zero = a mathematical value

intermediate between positive

and negative values.

= the absence of any or all

units under consideration.


Zero (0) = intermediation = absence = emptiness but not nothingness.

= a mathematical value intermediate between positive and negative values.

= the absence of any or all units under consideration.

...(-2+2) + ... + (-133+133) ... = values of fluxes that are dependent arising.

... + (-2+2) + (-54+54) + ... = this arising, that arises.

... + (0) + ... = this ceasing, that ceases = a stage of enlightenment.

= all dependent arising are completely blown-off or extinguished.

= a stage of perfect intermediation = a stage of absence = a complete realisation

of emptiness.

( .... ) = the law of kamma = the universal law of balancing.

-2+2 or -133+133 = the law of attraction.

From the above mathematical equation, one could summarise the conclusions as

below: -

1. Nature is a system of constant with a factor of intermediation or absence. It

means that nature would orientate toward a state of balance, intermediation or

absence at all times.

2. When things run off-balance or when one stirs up in the nature - be it in volitional

or non-volitional sense, the natural law that maintains equilibrium would take its

course to balance it in one way or another across time and the plane of existence.

3. Anything that inherently exists would not involve change and created objects

cannot inherently exist since that would involve change.

4. The dependent nature is similar to the inherent nature.

An extract from the movie – Avatar: -

Neytiri: Our great mother does not take sides, Jake; she protects the balance

of life.


44.0 Mind...oh Mind

Well, how does the mind derive? Let us analyse into the principle of causality

shown as below: -

The mind and body are born from manas,

The manas is born from consciousness,

The consciousness is born from awareness,

The awareness is born from volition,

The volition is born from inkling,

The inkling is born from sparkling,

The sparkling is born from impulse,

The impulse is born from irrationality,

The irrationality is born from confusion,

The confusion is born from disorientation,

The disorientation is born from blindness,

The blindness is born from ignorance,

The ignorance is born from compulsion,

The compulsion is born from memory,

The memory is born from representation,

The representation is born from knowledge,

The knowledge is born from information,

The information is born from agitation,

The agitation is born from aggregation,

The aggregation is born from stability,

The stability is born from balance,

The balance is born from alignment,

The alignment is born from adjustment,

The adjustment is born from imbalance,

The imbalance is born from diffusion,

The diffusion is born from segregation,

The segregation is born from fragility,

The fragility is born from death,

The death is born from draining,

The draining is born from aging,

The aging is born from hauling,

The hauling is born from mobility,


The mobility is born from energising,

The energising is born from birth,

The birth is born from creation,

The creation is born from becoming,

The becoming is born from unsettling,

The unsettling is born from clinging,

The clinging is born from grasping,

The grasping is born from craving,

The craving is born from experience,

The experience is born from feeling,

The feeling is born from stimulation,

The stimulation is born from contact,

The contact is born from conductivity,

The conductivity is born from six sense bases,

The six sense bases are born from sensation,

The sensation is born from mind and body,

The mind and body are born from manas, etc.

From the above cycle of dependent origination, one would notice that the mind

is dependent arising and it arises in accordance with the principle of emptiness

i.e. all created objects or things can never be in an absolute discrete

orientation. In the dependent nature, mind is the forerunner of all states. This

means it the core basis for all the perceptions, conceptions, labels, boundaries,

names, activities, shapes, relations, descriptions, stereotyping, beginning,

ending, etc. And with the existence of mind, the state of ignorance and

suffering would arise concurrently in samsāra i.e. this arising, that arises.

The ultimate goal in the Buddhist practice is to quest for an everlasting

happiness that is unconditional via enlightenment. Therefore, one has to

explore and understand well the luminosity of the mind (the nature of clarity of

the mind) before making the right effort to transform it into an awakening state.

In Buddhism, it is mentioned that only a human can attain enlightenment as a

fully enlightened Buddha. This is because humans are just one type of sentient

being with both the prevailing and subtle conscious mind stream that can find

balance between happiness and suffering via the meditating processes. In fact,

the prevailing mind consciousness plays a key role in conjuring up one’s sheer



determination to end the state of suffering conclusively; without it, the

attaining of full enlightenment is impossible.

When one has gained enlightenment while sustaining with a living body, the

mind would still exist but with a paradigm shift into seeing all the things or

happenings in the ultimate perspectives without delusion or hesitation. The

mind has not gained with a complete liberation yet and this circumstance is

also known as cessation with remainder. The ultimate liberation or cessation

without remainder can only be achieved without sustaining a living body i.e. the

passing into parinibbāna. During one last time of disintegrating process, the

subtle conscious mind would be absorbed into the black hole of emptiness and

then followed by the prevailing conscious mind. In the absence of the mind, the

dependent phenomenon would die out concurrently. Ultimately, there is no

mind remaining in the infinite, unchanging, permanent and unconditional state of

nibbāna and this is the ambience for an eternal bliss.

For general understanding, nibbāna is a completely neutralised state of affairs

that is boundless, timeless and permanent – this is the ultimate goal of

Buddhism. The wise Buddha has merely seen the urgency to put a complete

end to dukkha that arises in samsāra - right here, right now. All other matters

are considered as trivial if compared with the reality of dukkha arising in the

samsāra. And the only way to end the dukkha permanently is to get through to

the state of nibbāna via enlightenment. All other states of paradise or heavenly

realms could promise one with merely conventional happiness that is

conditional and impermanent. So the choice in the way of life is yours

ultimately – to pursue an ultimate happiness that is non-conditional and

permanent or a conventional happiness that is conditional and impermanent.

45.0 No Reincarnation, only Rebirth

Buddhism rejects the term ‘transmigration’ or ‘reincarnation’ altogether, but

why? Literally, ‘trans-’ is a prefix meaning through or across. And

transmigration denotes the movement or conveyance from place to place. If

we mention that a soul would transmigrate from a body to another new body, it

means the same ‘unchanging’ soul does the movement or conveyance

throughout the time stream (past, present and future).


However, in the conventional reality, no ‘unchanging’ soul would transmigrate

from one body to another and on this pretext, Buddhism upholds the term

‘rebirth’ or ‘re-arising.’ The Buddha sees in no transmigration of all things or

matters but instead, in the constant and continuous transformation of all things

or matters via the process of permeation (diffusion). Just like the orientation

of energy in the cosmos i.e. energy would only transform - to transform is to

change, to change is to become, and to become is to reborn. So energy is ever

‘reborn’ all the time in the dependent nature. By understanding well and

observing thoroughly into the characteristics of energy, one could gain insight

into the nature and its orientation.

In the case of rebirth, an individual soul does not migrate from a physical body

into another one. No, it just won’t fit at all. Every individual or thing that

exists would not be the same - it could only be in a similar condition e.g. twins

are similar but never the same individuals (likewise, no two minds are the

same). Every individual is unique respectively and no individuals would be the

same even though they do share some sort of the same genes before time.

For example, you may have heard in various stories whereby a spirit or ghost

has the ability to possess into the body of an individual but it never absolutely

overtakes the soul of the possessed individual. This is because one cannot

simply exchange the soul at one’s whim and fancy. Even individuals with the

most powerful magic charm could not perform this feat. Another example will

be the human organ transplant cases, whereby the new recipients need to take

immunosuppressive drugs to treat any transplant rejections – live long.


















know with the relevant beings and not the other non-relevant beings (as per

the law of attraction).

Ultimately, it is the wonder of nature that every created object or thing is

neither identical to, nor entirely different from each other. This is how the



complicated network of existence. At the end of the day, the inter-

connectedness of all things or matters in the nature is what the principle of

emptiness is all about - as per the teachings of the Buddha.

46.0 Buddhism - 31 planes of Existence and Nibbāna

Buddhism speaks of 31 planes of existence. These 31 planes are divided into

three types of worlds: -

1. Kāma-loka or kāmabhava (the sensuous world) – 11 planes

a. Kāmaduggati Bhūmi

- Four states of deprivation (apāya) : Niraya (Hell), Tiracchana Yoni

(Animals), Peta Loka (Hungry ghosts) and Asura (Demons).

b. Kāmasugati Bhūmi

- Manussa Loka (Human beings) and Cātumahārājika Heaven,

Tāvatimsa Heaven, Yāma Heaven, Tusita Heaven, Nimmānarati

Heaven and Paranimmita-vasavatti Heaven (six other planes of

heavenly gods).


2. Rūpa-loka or rūpabhava (the world of form/fine material world) – 16 planes

The different planes of devas: -

a. Pārisajja Brahma – Retinue/Servants of Mahā Brahma.

b. Purohita Brahma – Ministers/Advisors of Mahā Brahma.

c. Mahā Brahma – Great Brahmas.

d. Parittābha Deva – Devas of Limited Radiance.

e. Appamāņābha Deva – Devas of Unbounded Radiance.

f. Ābhassara Deva – Devas of Streaming Radiance.

g. Parittāsubha Deva – Devas of Limited Glory.

h. Appamāņāsubha Deva – Devas of Unbounded Glory.

i. Subhakiņņa Deva – Devas of Radiant Glory.

j. Vehappala Deva – Very Fruitful Devas.

k. Asaňňa Sattā – Mindless beings.

l. Aviha Deva – Devas not Falling Away.

m. Atappa Deva – Untroubled Devas.

n. Sudassa Deva – Beautiful Devas.

o. Sudassi Deva – Clear-sighted Devas.

p. Akanitta Deva – Peerless Devas.

3. Arūpa-loka or arūpabhava (the formless world/immaterial world) – 4 planes

The pure abodes of four realms (the purest of the 31 planes of existence): -

a. Ākāsānaňcāyatanupaga Deva – Sphere of Infinite Space.

b. Viňňaņaňcāyatanupaga Deva – Sphere of Infinite Consciousness.

c. Ākiňcaňňāyatanupaga Deva – Sphere of Nothingness.

d. Nevasaňňānāsaňňāyatanupaga Deva – Sphere of Neither - perception

nor non-perception.

In Buddhism, the human realm is merely one of the above-mentioned 31 planes

of existence and these different planes would exist only with the mind arising.

For instance, heaven or hell is not a plane of existence waiting for exclusive

memberships. Instead, it is the so-called member that has made up the

chance for the heaven or hell plane to arise. Just like inhabitant is a necessary

prerequisite for any villages to exist; without it, the village would be impossible.

Therefore, heaven or hell is not a plane of existence to be found ‘up-there’ or

‘down-there’ yearning for the so-called rightful elements. The fate in one’s


subsequent life is very much dependent on the characteristics of one’s subtle

mind consciousness i.e. it is the architect for the 31 planes of existence.

Mould it well at all times and if possible, one should achieve enlightenment to

eradicate the suffering of it.

And finally, one could notice that nibbāna does not belong to any of the 31

planes of existence. In an ultimate sense, nibbāna does not exist at all. This is

because there is non-existence of the mind to provide with the descriptions,

perceptions, names, shapes, etc. within the state of nibbāna. Nibbāna is a non-

dependent arising state of affairs i.e. with no rising and falling activities taking

place. In other words, nibbāna is a completely neutralised state of affairs – in

contrast with the 31 planes of existence that would subject to the conditional

influences i.e. in a continuous and constantly changing state of affairs.

47.0 Cause and Condition

Buddhism basically touches on the scenario of cause and condition more than

the case of cause and effect. Frankly speaking, all phenomenal existences are

products of the proper combination of causes and conditions. For example,

according to the philosophy of yin-yang, our bodies are made up of the

combination of four great elements of earth, water, fire and wind and if any of

these elements are not in a harmonious orientation, we would be taken ill

physically. These four elements would represent the causes and the conditions

would be the need for it to orientate with one another harmoniously at all times

or otherwise, our bodies would fall sick as the result.

The principle-in-effect: -

This arising (the cause and condition), that arises (the result);

This ceasing (the cause and condition), that ceases (the result).

In other words, everything that exists is the result of multiple causes and

conditions. Each of the causes would need other causes to be present

together with their respective conditions. Just like for a new house to exist,

we need the bricks, cement, wood, iron rods, roof tiles, plastic pipes and other

materials. The construction can only be completed when one has all the


essential materials and all the prerequisites are met, such as the skillfulness of

the workers, the time allocation, etc. The wood needs the forest, the sunshine,

the rain, etc. The workers need their parents, their meals, their clothing, their

shelters, etc. If we were to observe these scenarios in its entirety, we could

realise that everything in the cosmos attributed to the existence of the new

house; without it, the new house would be impossible. The clear fact here is

that one cause is never enough to bring about an effect. A cause must, at the

same time, be an effect, and every effect must also be the cause of something

else.




Cause 1-1 conjures up Effect 1-1,

Effect 1-1 conjures up Cause 1-1-1,

.., etc.

Therefore, cause and effect are simply two aspects of the same thing. The

only difference between these two aspects is the time of event. In other

words, cause and effect are inter-changing, inter-relating and inter-waving with

one another. This is how the conventional reality works i.e. not in-linear but in

inter-dependence, inter-woven and inter-relation since the dawn of time in a

very comprehensive and complicated network of existence. In other words,

cause and effect cannot be referred independently in a linear point of

reference and therefore, no first cause, no first effect can be found within the

dependent nature. Instead, there is only inter-dependent co-arising of all

things or matters. This means everything that exists is empty because there is

no essence to anything and nothing has ever existed in its own quality –

nothing is permanent and unchanging. All objects exist conditionally without an

eternal essence i.e. every existence is empty and emptiness is in every

existence.


48.0 Everything is One and One is All

Why is emptiness an important element to ponder at? Why Buddhism stresses

on seeing into emptiness? Frankly speaking, it is imperative for one to realise

on the emptiness of all things because this would lead one into seeing all things

as they really are. When we examine our usual mind, its delusion is negated,

what is left is a nature of clarity of the innate mind. And Buddhism articulates

on one’s potentiality of exploring the base level of the mind that is luminous.

From direct experience, we know that humans and things cause pleasure and

pain, and that they can help and harm. Therefore, phenomena certainly do

exist but the question is how? They do not exist in their own quality but only

have an existence dependent upon many factors, including a consciousness

that conceptualises them. In other words, one cause is never enough to bring

about an effect. A cause must, at the same time, be an effect, and every

effect must also be the cause of something else. This means all things exist

conditionally without an eternal essence i.e. all things can never sustain in an

absolute discrete orientation.

In the dependent nature, we do know one thing that is consistently constant i.e.

becoming. This becoming process is the main reason for all the things that we

observe right here, right now. When there is a becoming process, there is a

changing process. The changing process would then conjure up an ability of

sorts that is known as ‘energy.’ Therefore, we shall be clear by now that

energy is something that has always been in existence and remaining as

constant - as per the Law of Conservation of Energy that says energy in a

system can neither be created nor destroyed and the sum of all energies is a

constant or never changes.

For general understanding, energy is nothing but mere vibration. When there

are opposing forces, there would be vibration. The alternate movement of the

opposing forces would generate a continuum of wavy pattern oscillating up and

down. This is the main reason for all the repeating cycle of rising and falling

activities that one could witness in the dependent nature or samsāra. In other

words, by understanding well and observing thoroughly into the characteristics

of energy, one could gain insight into the nature and its orientation.


Right now, we start to understand that the fundamental qualities in the

dependent nature would be energy and emptiness because every single thing or

happening would involve with it, without exception. When one sees into energy,

one sees into emptiness; when one sees into emptiness, one sees into energy.

This is the rationale for the saying, ‘Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form.’

The principle in effect: seeing into form is seeing into matter, seeing into

matter is seeing into energy and seeing into energy is seeing into emptiness.

On the same pretext, emptiness is a necessary prerequisite for any objects to

exist; without it, the object would be impossible.

In order for one to develop the skills of realising into emptiness, one could

perform a series of Buddhist virtues known as the four immeasurables or

brahmavihāras. Through meditation, one could cultivate and radiate out to all

beings in all directions the mental states of: -

1. Mettā (Loving-kindness).

2. Karunā (Compassion).

3. Muditā (Emphathetic joy).

4. Upekkhā (Equanimity).

The above four immeasurables are powerful antidotes that would act as means

for weakening the links of suffering in the wheel of life and concurrently, it

would expedite one’s effort of attaining enlightenment in the present lifetime.

The principle in effect: - A stream of loving-kindness and compassion would conjure up empathy,






Once again, all subject matters are empty and comprise with energy per se. It

is the wonder of nature that all things are neither identical to, nor entirely

different from one another. The circumstances of duality or multiplicity are

merely the end result of various activities of aggregation being observed by the


mind under the influence of multiple causes and conditions. The mind is

actually a pattern of consciousness that is born from awareness. When

awareness touches on objects, consciousness would arise simultaneously.

Consciousness is naturally looking outward to objects and it is flitting all the

time. Whereas, mind is something more objective and involves clear


And one utilises mind to understand things because mind understands the

manipulation of consciousness. Subsequently, the untrained mind brings forth

the false mode that all living beings, things and phenomena could establish their

respective rights or qualities. However, one could distinguish between

appearance and reality by fully realising on the emptiness via cultivating the

four immeasurables or brahmavihāras. Retrospectively, one would realise that

all things are born from the same fundamental qualities i.e. emptiness and

energy that would orientate as a continuum of one integrated whole. This is

the ultimate reality of all things or matters. As the saying goes, “The peace of

your mind is an ease of my heart.” All subjects and objects are inter-

dependent and inter-connected at all times.

49.0 Meditation – The Only Way

As the saying goes, ‘Seeing is believing, but practising is perfecting.’

Therefore, it is certainly inadequate for one to gain the knowledge on things by

mere reading all the relevant scriptures, discourses, suttas or attending to the

Dhamma talking sessions or exchanging thoughts or ideas among each other,

etc. While enlightenment is about realising the ultimate reality, wisdom is about

applying it into one’s daily perspectives and decision making, wholesomely.

Just like the saying goes, “One has to gain the knowledge first and then apply

the understanding and the experience with common sense and insight – that is

wisdom.”

Therefore, if one wishes to gain enlightenment and wisdom, one would need to

walk the walk and not talk the talk. In other words, enlightenment can never be

achieved through desire for it is a mere intention of building castles in the air.

Buddhism is about the sheer determination to pull one’s act together to end

the state of suffering conclusively and not just blowing hot air. And the only


way that one could put in place the end result of seeing, knowing and letting go

of things is via upholding direct experience and recognition i.e. cultivating

meditation.

As Ajahn Chah (an influential teacher of the Buddhadhamma) has mentioned,

‘If you have time to breathe, you have time to meditate.’ This means the basic

tool for practising meditation in our daily lives has been taging along with us all

the time i.e. our own breath. Therefore, we could make the full use of our

breathing flow to begin a meditating session at our convenience or at any

interval of time. Basically, we could commence a simple meditation by

watching calmly and mindfully the air intake and discharge through our nostrils

and lungs. This is what the samatha and vipassanā meditation are all about.

Samatha meditation is to calm or tranquil the mind by means of concentration.

Whereas, vipassanā meditation is to mould the mind into seeing all things as

they really are – an insight into the true nature of reality. The main focus of

vipassanā meditation is to attain pure awareness via mindfulness.

Vipassanā is often preceded by samatha but nonetheless, both types are inter-

dependable throughout the meditating practices in order to achieve favourable

results. Upon entering deeply into a meditative state (in full concentration),

the prevailing mind consciousness would separate from the subtle mind






Once we have mastered the breathing skills of meditation, we could progress

on developing the skills of realising into emptiness by performing a series of

Buddhist virtues known as the four immeasurables or brahmavihāras. Through

meditation, one could cultivate and radiate out to all beings in all directions the

mental states of: -

1. Mettā (Loving-kindness) – the unconditional and limitless love,

goodwill and kindness with all beings or

things.


2. Karunā (Compassion) – the aspiration to remove the sufferings or

misfortunes from others.

3. Muditā (Emphathetic joy) – the delighting in the well-being of others.

4. Upekkhā (Equanimity) – the balancing of mind in all circumstances.

The above four immeasurables are powerful antidotes to expedite one’s effort

of attaining enlightenment in the present lifetime.

As a conclusion, Buddhism has got nothing to do with the scriptures,

discourses or suttas. Historical facts have shown that the teachings of the

Buddhadhamma were solely dependent on the oral transmission among the

practitioners or followers in the early era of Buddhism. No doubt the available

scriptures, discourses or suttas did play an important role in keeping the

essence of Buddhism, but how many of the so-called Buddhists nowadays have

gained full enlightenment by mere reading or reciting it? The key point here is

not merely about the mastering of theoretical knowledge on Buddhism but

instead, more on the practicality and the direct experience of it. As Ajahn

Brahm has mentioned, ‘Do not eat the menu, just taste the food.’

Therefore, it is imperative for one to emphasise on the direct experience and

recognition more than anything else if one is sincere in upholding the

Buddhadhamma. Therefore, meditate, meditate and meditate to see and taste

the real truth. The state of nibbāna is inexplicable in conventional terms but it

can be tasted by the practitioner during deep meditation only. Mould a right

attitude and it would open up a new horizon of things.

50.0 Mind, Brain and Buddhism

What is mind? And where is mind? Is the mind the same as the brain?

Buddhism often articulates about mind and matter or mind and body. This

means that the mind and the body (matter) cannot be understood separately

from one another. Basically, mind is a pattern of consciousness that is born

from awareness. In fact, mind is known as consciousness in individuality and it

is more objective and involves clear discrimination – differentiates and

understands the characteristics of objects. If one refers to the cycle of


Dependent Origination, manas that unfolds against the backdrop of

consciousness (preliminary) is an architect that activates mind and body

creations. Mind and body are simply two aspects of the same thing.

In the dependent nature, everything that exists would comprise with energy and

energy is nothing more than mere vibration. Therefore, manas would vibrate in

a certain unique frequency – a wave of collated high and low vibrations. This

blueprint of vibrations would subsequently bring forth the conflation of mind

and body. The principle in effect: the lower the frequency, the slower the

vibration; the higher the frequency, the faster the vibration. Slower vibration

would lead to the body and the sense bases formation and faster vibration

would lead to the mind formation. Collectively, it brings about a new life

existence with a unique individuality that would not allow the disruption by any

kind of external interference; thus it maintains a self-identity.

In other words, mind and body are present in every created thing as one

integrated whole. Even an atom has a kind of mind that is unique or




person or as one thing is different from another thing. Therefore, the origin of

individuality is the same as the origin of the mind. Nevertheless, the mind is

comprised with two terms i.e. prevailing consciousness and subtle

consciousness. Both the prevailing and subtle mind consciousnesses would

arise in the sentient beings but for other things, merely subtle mind

consciousness would arise. In addition, it is the mind, the consciousness of

individuality, which holds together the atoms and molecules as one integrated

body in a lifetime. Scientifically, the atoms are held together by covalent

chemical bonds but the synergies of it would give rise to the mind, the

consciousness of individuality.

For general understanding, consciousness is synergy. Synergy is generally

defined as the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total

effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions,

etc. In other words, synergy is energy that expands through cooperation and it

is a key to the geometric expansion of consciousness. When the nervous

system in a new body is formed, sense consciousness would arise


simultaneously. Sense consciousness is a subtle synergy resulted from the

interaction of subtle mind consciousness in the new body i.e. the

electrochemical transmission along the neurons throughout the nervous

system. Moreover, the central nervous system especially the brain would

comprise with the highest density of neurons in the entire nervous system of

the new body and this circumstance would give rise to another type of synergy

identified as prevailing mind consciousness – a prevalent synergy.

The prevailing mind consciousness is regarded as the ‘working’ consciousness

or the mind-in-command i.e. the mind that can lead, take charge, concentrate,

make decision and convey action. Basically, prevailing conscious mind is

closely related to the physical body or more specifically, the brain. This means

there would be a biological clock being attached within it i.e. there would be

duration for staying awake and for resting. Without the brain, there would be

no prevailing mind consciousness in existence. In other words, mind

consciousness and brain are symbiotic; one never exists without the other.

The brain is actually a coagulated form of the conflated prevailing and subtle

mind consciousnesses itself - just as water looks like ice, the mind looks like

the brain, and the body. With high density of neurons, the brain could perform

a variety of complex functions beside transmitting signals and sending

messages to each other parts of the body. Among the complex functions are

controlling, regulating, analysing, organising, wishing, interpreting, memorising,

etc. – for these complex functions are basically, the roles of prevailing and

subtle mind consciousnesses.

On the other hand, subtle mind consciousness is somehow independent from

the physical body. For general understanding, subtle mind consciousness does

not consume as much energy as prevailing mind consciousness. Subtle mind

consciousness can process and store information without a lot of work or the

intervention of prevailing mind consciousness. In other words, subtle mind

consciousness could operate in the absence of prevailing mind consciousness

with the least of energy consumption on 24 hours/day and 365 days/year -

this would mean a plenty of energy reserves for prolonging the lifespan of a

body in a lifetime. In fact, for over 90% of the time in a lifespan, the body is

administered by subtle mind consciousness and it simply operates like a radar

detector – sensing all spectrums of vibrational frequencies from the

surroundings and across the time stream (past, present and future).


As such, one would notice that an enlightened subtle mind consciousness

would operate like a long range radar detector which is highly luminous and

vigilant to any development of circumstances and surpassing time. When one

has reached the maturity of a lifespan, the mind and body would go through a

dying process, inevitably. And the first type of consciousness to depart the

body would be the prevailing mind consciousness. In the sentient beings, the

prevailing mind consciousness that bonds strongly the atoms and the

molecules together would die out and evolve into other energies concurrently.

This incidence would lead to an impulse occurrence with a demonstration of a

final burst of energy nearing the moments of death. Subsequently, the

segregating process would conquest with most of the subtle mind

consciousness departing the death body.

For an ignorant being, during a disintegrating process, the elements of

prevailing consciousness or so-called the ‘chain of consciousness’ would die

out and the force of Ignorance (an outward tendency force) would overcome

the force of Awakening (an inward tendency force). The elements of subtle

consciousness would then liberate into fragments. The amount of liberated


within the being. And for an ignorant being, the level of Ignorance would

surpass the level of Awakening and this would mean the intensity of Ignorance

is higher than the intensity of Awakening. A higher intensity of Ignorance would

mean a higher intensity of becoming. A higher intensity of becoming would

mean a higher amount of liberated fragments. On the other hand, for an

awakened being, the amount of liberated fragments is much lesser than an

ignorant being because there is lower intensity of Ignorance as compared with

the intensity of Awakening. Also, the dispersion of liberated fragments is more

confined and restricted to much fewer new individuals.

As a conclusion, mind and brain are two aspects of the same thing. In fact, the

brain is a coagulated form of the mind itself. The prevailing mind

consciousness and sense consciousness would not arise without the

manifestation of a physical body. In other words, there is a need for the

existence of a physical body or precisely, a brain, before the attaining of a full

enlightenment by individuals is made possible. This is because prevailing mind

consciousness is a necessity for conjuring up one’s sheer determination to

end the state of suffering conclusively; without it, the achieving of full


enlightenment is impossible. On the other hand, subtle mind consciousness

that is somehow independent from the physical body and would continue to

play a significant role in the wheel of life. During the segregating process,

sense consciousness and the lingering subtle mind consciousness would evolve

into other energies concurrently with the body decomposing process. At the

end of the day, the fragmented subtle mind consciousness with some retained

subtle information within the elements of subtle memory would sustain freedom

of sorts and waiting for the next aligning process and the new balanced

phenomena to arise, thus depicting the continuous flow or repeating cycle of

birth, life, death and re-birth - known as samsāra.

51.0 Kamma and Wishes

Buddhism often touches on the law of kamma. But what does kamma mean?

In Buddhism, kamma is translated as ‘volitional action.’ But the general

meaning of kamma is beyond that term. Kamma can be loosely translated as

mere ‘action.’ Therefore, when we talk about the law of kamma, we talk about

the law of action. When we talk about the law of action, we talk about the law

of reaction. And these laws are part of the universal laws i.e. the natural

phenomenon laws – not shaped by someone else; no one owns it; neither

Buddhism. It is merely a natural law of balancing that helps to attain

equilibrium in the nature.

In other words, when we speak about kamma, we speak about action. When we

speak about action, we speak about motion. So for one to gain an insight into

kamma, its orientation and consequences (kamma-vipāka), one has to observe

and understand thoroughly into the law of motion. Right now, let us ponder at

the three physical laws of motion that were discovered by an influential English

physicist and mathematician, namely, Sir Isaac Newton, shown as below: -

1st Law of Motion

Every object in a state of consistent motion tends to remain in that state of

motion unless an external force applied to it.


2nd Law of Motion

It is pertaining to the relationship between an object’s mass, its acceleration,

and the applied force. In this law, the direction of the force vector is the same

as the direction of the acceleration vector.

3rd Law of Motion

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Generally speaking, there are two categories of motion i.e. the constant and

the variable motion. When we mention that a rising force of something would

generate a new equal opposing force, such as the Newton’s third law of

motion, we are actually referring to a process of action and reaction under a

circumstance of constant motion (constant opposing forces). In other words,

we could mention that the come factor is equal to the become factor: -


However, under a circumstance of variable motion, the opposing forces would

orientate in a unique harmonising mechanism, such as the Newton’s second

law of motion, shown as below: -

Scenario 1 - Acceleration


Force Acome↑ Force Abecome↓

For example, the thought experiment of twin paradox which concerns a twin

who flies off in a spaceship traveling near the speed of light and returns to

discover that his or her twin sibling has aged much more. This scenario

depicts the circumstance of time dilation in Einstein’s special theory of

relativity. Literally, the acceleration of spaceship would decelerate the

becoming process of the twin who sits inside it. The deceleration of the

becoming process would mean the slowing down of the aging process for the


same twin. In other words, the mental and the physical progression of the twin

who sits inside the spaceship would slow down relatively.

Scenario 2 - Deceleration


Force Acome↓ Force Abecome↑

For example, if the speed of the car decreases, it is literal to speak of

deceleration; mathematically, it is acceleration in the opposite direction to that

of motion and vice versa. Besides, this scenario explicates that a physically

sick or a mentally stressful individual is advisable to go for a full resting at

home or a cool vacation elsewhere for this state of affairs would decelerate

the come factors in or around the same individual. Consequently, the process

of recuperation on the same individual, both mentally and physically, would

speed up.

In Buddhism, it was mentioned that the precise working out of the results of

kamma was one of the four unconjecturables and to speculate about it would

bring madness and vexation to anyone who conjectured about it. But why is it

so difficult for one, even the Buddha, to predict the timeline for the end result

of kamma? The rational explanation to this enigma lies in the orientation of

come factor and become factor under the different circumstances of motion.

Naturally, we always involve in motions that vary in frequencies under the

influence of conditional phenomena. Therefore it is literally impossible for us to

contemplate on the end result of a continuum of different types of motion

inter-waving with one another.

As mentioned earlier, when we talk about the law of action, we talk about the

law of reaction. This scenario is basically due to the elements of attraction

existing in the cosmos and the universal law of attraction states that we

attract what we are sending out i.e. like attracts like, unlike repels unlike.

Hence, favourable energies attract favourable energies and unfavourable

energies attract unfavourable energies. Human thoughts are cosmic waves of

energy that penetrate all time and space and it is the most potent vibration

that can attracts what is desired or wished for. In other words, all sentient


beings are electro-magnetic beings with the subtle mind consciousness that

acts as an antenna or a radar detector constantly attracting and magnetising

vibrational frequencies. Human thoughts are frequencies to which other similar

frequencies are constantly resonating. This resonance is the basis for a

universal law – the law of attraction.

With all the above clarifications, we begin to understand that it is sensibly

possible for any wishes to ‘come true’ or ‘be granted’ within the desired

timeline. It all depends on the skills of the individuals who conduct the wishes.

In Buddhism, there is a cardinal virtue known as mettā bhavana or the

cultivation of loving-kindness. It is a foundation for the brahmavihāras and also

a powerful antidote to accelerate the realisation of emptiness in the dependent

nature. When we talk about realising into emptiness, we talk about the

progressive comprehension of the mind on the reality of things. And emptiness

would mean the absence of inherent existence i.e. all beings or things are

inter-depending, inter-waving and inter-relating with one another. Just like the

saying, ‘Part of you is part of me, part of me is part of them.’ This phrase

implies the inter-connectedness of all things in the nature and the significance

of mettā bhavana is to condition and transform the mind from a delusive state

into a non-manipulative and non-discriminatory ones. This is because the mind

is naturally something more objective and involves clear discrimination –

differentiates and understands the characteristics of objects. And the

cultivation of loving-kindness would inspire the deluded mind into seeing all

things as they truly are.

Basically, the cultivation of loving-kindness is performed by radiating out to all

beings in all directions the unconditional and boundless love, goodwill and

kindness. Through the practice of meditation, one could begin the radiating of

loving-kindness toward oneself, such as, ‘May I be well and happy, may I be

peaceful all the time, may I be free from harms and dangers, may I be strong in

facing difficulties, etc.’ Thereafter, one could continue with the similar wishes

and progress into the immediate family, the good friends, all the known and

unknown beings, and gradually the entire universe. When one has fully realised

into the significance of cultivating loving-kindness, the state of egolessness

and compassion would arise concurrently.


Nevertheless, these strong wishes for the happiness and the well-being of

oneself and others must be carried out in a meditative state with full

concentration and mindfulness. Mettā bhavana is considered one of the

powerful antidotes for alleviating the immeasurable suffering in samsāra

because the end result can be witnessed by oneself immediately - right here,

right now! This is mainly due to the deceleration of the come factors i.e. the

wishes being radiated out in a discretely clear and slow tempo recitation (as

per the above illustrated Scenario 2 – Deceleration). As such, we could see

that the mettā blessing from a highly revered monk who has attained the

advance level of jhāna is very powerful and could generate the immediate and

promising results to the recipients. Jhāna is an altered state of consciousness

with profound stillness and concentration. At the pinnacle of the jhānas, there

is a transformation of the mind consciousness into a potent black hole of

emptiness that strongly attracts and magnetises vibrational frequencies and

this is the beginning of attaining psychic powers among individuals. In other

words, within the innate mind of all individuals, there is a compelling black hole

of emptiness and it is also known as the Clear Light in the Tibetan Buddhist

tradition.

At the end of the day, we would realise that ordinary people do not always get

what they wish for in life because for most of the time, they have engaged with

the wrongful techniques. Any wishes by individuals must be radiated out in a

discretely clear and slow tempo recitation and must be in full concentration

and mindfulness in order to catch a glimpse of the immediate result. Therefore,

meditation is a key tool for realising one’s wishes sooner than later. Besides,

there is a need for one to understand well and observe thoroughly the law of

motion before gaining insight into the law of kamma. In fact, the law of kamma

is nothing more than the law of balancing in the dependent nature. For general

understanding, nature is a system of constant with a factor of intermediation or

absence. If one stirs up in any phenomena of existence under volitional or

non-volitional term, the natural law that maintains equilibrium would take its

course to balance it in one way or another across time and the plane of

existence. Otherwise, a constant factor cannot be achieved at all in the nature

and this is the core basis for the three physical laws of motion that were

discovered by Sir Isaac Newton.


52.0 The Power of Stilled Mind

A stilled mind is a balanced mind. A balanced mind is a mind that is in a state

of equanimity. Equanimity or upekkhā is one of the brahmavihāras (Buddhist

virtues) that shapes a ground for wisdom and liberation. In other words,

equanimity is all about sustaining the mind that is exalted, radiant, abundant

and compassionate in a circumstance of not too tight, not too loose.

Therefore, upekkhā touches on the evenness or impartiality of consciousness

and it has become the crux for the Middle Path. Middle Path is all about

focusing on core, neutral, balance and upright. It means to investigate and

break through the core of life and all things without any attitudes of

favouritism. Any investigations must commence based on unbiased grounds i.e.

on neutral and upright positions.

According to the Buddha, mind is the forerunner of all states. This means mind

is a key tool for all the manipulation and discrimination in the dependent nature.

In addition, a stilled mind is luminous and it is highly commanding and even

sharper than a sword that can pierce through the time stream, the space and

the plane of existence. Therefore, the best self-defence for oneself lies within

the mind innately more than anything else that is external. In fact, the will-

power is subdued within the prevailing mind consciousness and as a

consequence, one should not seek to surrender in blindfold on the external

factors as a way out to any complications faced in one’s life.

In other words, it is crucial to master your mind to design your destiny. This is

because human thoughts are cosmic waves of energy that penetrate all time

and space and it is the most potent vibration that can attracts what is desired

or wished for. In other words, all sentient beings are electro-magnetic beings

with the subtle mind consciousness that acts as an antenna or a radar

detector constantly attracting and magnetising vibrational frequencies. Human

thoughts are frequencies to which other similar frequencies are constantly

resonating and this resonance is the basis for the universal law of attraction.

Therefore, one should not underestimate the vast potentiality or capability of

the mind.

For general understanding, ordinary mind is comprised with the conflation of

prevailing and subtle mind consciousnesses. On the other hand, a stilled mind


can be described as the prevailing conscious mind liberating from the thoughts

churned out by the subtle conscious mind i.e. making observation without

identifying with the thoughts. This liberation from thought identification to

thought observation is called the experience of the Buddha nature. In fact, the

stilled mind is so powerful that it could quell and quash the black magic spells

and influence the becoming processes indefinitely. Therefore, ordinary people

should not fall prey to any unscrupulous spiritual masters unnecessarily and

instead, they should make full use of their own stilled mind - that is intimate,

compelling and also a cost-free resource.

As a conclusion, a stilled mind is dependent on the manifestation of a physical

body. In other words, there is a need for the existence of a physical body or

precisely, a brain, before the attaining of a tranquil state of mind by individuals

is made possible. Conscientiously, one should free the prevailing mind

consciousness from identifying with the thoughts churned out by the subtle

mind consciousness. The prevailing mind consciousness is regarded as the

‘working’ consciousness or the mind-in-command i.e. the mind that can lead,

take charge, concentrate, make decision and convey action. But since it is

closely related to the physical body or more specifically, the brain, there would

be a biological clock being attached within it i.e. there would be duration for

staying awake and for resting. In fact, our minds and physical bodies are like

rechargeable batteries. As such, it is imperative for one to meditate diligently

in order to boost up the mental and physical strengths at all times. And with

the attaining of stilled mind, one could carry out the myriad of wonders, just as

or when one wishes.

53.0 Let’s Meditate – Right Here, Right Now!

As Ajahn Chah (an influential teacher of the Buddhadhamma) has mentioned,

‘If you have time to breathe, you have time to meditate.’ This means the basic

tool for practising meditation in our daily lives has been taging along with us all

the time i.e. our own breath. Therefore, we could make the full use of our

breathing flow to begin a meditating session at our convenience or at any

interval of time. Basically, we could commence a simple meditation by

watching calmly and mindfully the air intake and discharge through our nostrils

and lungs. This is what the samatha and vipassanā meditation are all about.


Samatha meditation is to calm or tranquil the mind by means of concentration.

Whereas, vipassanā meditation is to mould the mind into seeing all things as

they really are – an insight into the true nature of reality. The main focus of

vipassanā meditation is to attain pure awareness via mindfulness.


dependable throughout the meditating practices in order to achieve favourable

results. Upon entering deeply into a meditative state (in full concentration),

the prevailing mind consciousness would separate from the subtle mind





until pure awareness is attained. Let us look at the following illustrations: -

Key: -



The Clear Light


The Mind of a non-meditative being

Key: -


The Clear Light /


Observation by Prevailing Conscious

Mind


The Mind of a deep meditative being


During the circumstance of deep meditation, the two terms of the mind would

separate from each other - the prevailing conscious mind would play in a

dominant role, whereas, the subtle conscious mind would remain in a

submissive condition. The role of prevailing conscious mind is like mind-in-

command i.e. the mind that can lead, take charge, concentrate, make decision

and convey action. An enlightened mind can be described as a prevailing

conscious mind with liberation from the thoughts i.e. instead of being the

thoughts; the perspective is shifted to watching the thoughts churned out by

subtle conscious mind. In other words, it means the prevailing conscious mind

would make observation without identifying with the thoughts – the subtle

conscious mind. This liberation from thought identification to thought

observation is called the experience of the Buddha nature.

Once we have mastered the breathing skills of meditation, we could progress

on developing the skills of realising into emptiness by performing a series of

Buddhist virtues known as the four immeasurables or brahmavihāras. Through

meditation, one could cultivate and radiate out to all beings in all directions the

mental states of: -

1. Mettā (Loving-kindness) – the unconditional and limitless love,

goodwill and kindness with all beings or

things.

2. Karunā (Compassion) – the aspiration to remove the sufferings or

misfortunes from others.

3. Muditā (Emphathetic joy) – the delighting in the well-being of others.

4. Upekkhā (Equanimity) – the balancing of mind in all circumstances.

When we talk about seeing into emptiness, we talk about the progressive

realisation of the mind on the reality of things. Therefore, emptiness can be

realised into stages as below: -

Stage 1 Elementary Realisation

All things and phenomena are lack of core essence.

Nothing is unchanging and permanent.

Everything is inter-related.


Stage 2 Intermediary Realisation

Ability to differentiate the way things are perceived to exist

and the way things really exist.

Only seeing without believing.

Stage 3 Advance Realisation

No dualism of the subject and object, and no appearance of

multiplicity.

All things and phenomena rise and fall within a singular

condition.

Only uniformity exists.

Stage 4 Ultimate Realisation

All dependent arising are completely blown off or extinguished.

No string attached, and nothing is left remaining.

Infinite, unchanging, permanent, and unconditional.

Exists beyond all conventional phenomena.

The ultimate realisation of emptiness by the mind would mean a phase of

perfect intermediation being accomplished by the mind. A perfect

intermediation would mean a comprehensive absence of any or all units under

consideration. It is also known as a complete neutralisation of conditional

phenomena. But an absence of any or all units under consideration is not

equivalent to nothingness of any or all units under consideration.

53.1 Samatha Meditation

The main purpose of samatha meditation is to calm or tranquil the mind or

more specifically, the subtle mind consciousness, by means of concentration.

The subtle mind consciousness would function like a roller coaster and flit all

the time. As such, there is a need to sedate the wilderness of subtle mind

consciousness before any development in the spiritual mind is made possible.

Besides, samatha meditation is crucial to invoke the state of jhāna. Jhāna is

an altered state of consciousness with profound stillness and concentration.

At the pinnacle of the jhānas, there is a transformation of the mind

consciousness into a potent black hole of emptiness that strongly attracts and

magnetises vibrational frequencies and this is the beginning of attaining psychic


powers among individuals. In other words, within the innate mind of all

individuals, there is a compelling black hole of emptiness and it is also known as

the Clear Light in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

A focused or concentrated mind is a stilled mind. And a stilled mind is a

balanced mind. A balanced mind is a mind that is in a state of equanimity and

it shapes a ground for wisdom and liberation. In other words, equanimity is all

about sustaining the mind that is exalted, radiant, abundant and compassionate

in a circumstance of not too tight, not too loose. Samatha meditation is a

necessary pre-requisite for the stilled mind to arise; without it, the state of

one-pointedness would be impossible. And a one-pointedness mind is a unique

state of mind that glimpses into the within of the within of things and it is

highly luminous, commanding and even sharper than a sword that can pierce

through the time stream, the space and the plane of existence. Therefore, it is

imperative for one to practise the samatha meditation because it would bring

forth the transformation of the mind from scatteredness into one-pointedness.

This would mean a chance of making inroads into realising the innate mind that

is pure, boundless, potent and luminous (the experiencing of the Buddha

nature) by individuals.

53.2 Vipassanā Meditation

The key objective of vipassanā meditation is to mould the mind into seeing all

things as they really are – an insight into the true nature of reality. For general

understanding, the pure nature of the mind is luminous and it is due to the

presence in the waves of dependent phenomena that has clouded it from

discerning the reality of circumstances i.e. ignorance arises. As such,

vipassanā meditation is a prerequisite for transforming an ignorant state of

mind into an enlightened one via thought liberation. An enlightened mind can

be described as prevailing mind consciousness with liberation from the

thoughts i.e. instead of being the thoughts; the perspective is shifted to

watching the thoughts churned out by subtle mind consciousness.

Therefore, the main focus of vipassanā meditation is to attain pure awareness

via mindfulness. In the dependent nature or samsāra, there is an element of

suffering or dukkha. Suffering means ‘bearing with’ in the Buddhist context

and ‘letting go’ is the antonym of it. Literally, there are no elements of


grasping when one practises letting go. When no grasping arises, the becoming

process would slow down. This is because everything in the dependent nature

is nothing but energy. And energy is nothing but mere vibration. When the

becoming process slows down, it means energy is vibrating at lower

frequencies. When the becoming process ceases, energy literally stops

vibrating. Energy just got ‘frozen.’ Zero vibration means zero becoming.

Zero becoming means an absolute cessation of any changing activities. Thus

an absolute stage of absence is achieved. Absence means a perfect state of

balance. Therefore, absence is not about nothingness but instead it is about

no-thing-ness. No thing means no becoming or no changing. No changing

means no suffering. No suffering means no mind. Mind is the forerunner of all

states. No mind means a completely neutralised state of affairs - that is

nibbāna. The state of nibbāna is inexplicable in conventional terms but still, it

can be tasted by the enlightened ones during deep meditation.

The Buddha has merely taught that one has to see all things as they really are,

to liberate from it and to be enlightened i.e. not to get entangled with it

ignorantly. And one of the basic footsteps to achieve enlightenment and reach

nibbāna is to practise ‘letting go’ via vipassanā meditation. To see it, know it

and let go – no need to grasp it – this is how one practises, ‘Seeing things as

they really are.’ See only with eyes and mind, don’t get into any involvement -

more importantly, let go the self and the ego factors. Be freed, be liberated, be

neutralised!

54.0 Meditation: Seeing Things As They Really Are

There are two types of meditation in Buddhism - one is samatha and the other

is vipassanā meditation. Samatha meditation is to calm or tranquil the mind by

means of concentration. Whereas, vipassanā meditation is to mould the mind

into seeing all things as they really are – an insight into the true nature of

reality. The main focus of vipassanā meditation is to attain pure awareness via

mindfulness. Vipassanā is often preceded by samatha but nonetheless, both

types are inter-dependable throughout the practices in order to achieve

favourable results in meditation.


Emptiness

Macroscopic analysis (Zoom out)

(Vipassanā meditation)

Macro perspective

(Uniformity & infinite)

Micro perspective

(Multiplicity & definite)

Microscopic analysis (Zoom in)

(Samatha meditation)

Emptiness

Microscopic analysis of things

If one were to zoom in the analysis of a solid ball by looking into the contents

and then its basic matters i.e. atoms, one could realise that the ultimate result

would yield to the absence of things (no things). At the end of the day, one

could declare that form is empty in the real sense because there is no core

essence within it except for the basic elements (energy, matter and space) that


In other words, one could mention that the form entity has a delusive nature

i.e. it is an appearance, though not illusive, but devoid of inherent existence and

constantly varies under the influence of conditional phenomena.

Macroscopic analysis of things

If one were to zoom out the analysis of a solid ball by receding into a long shot

distance indefinitely, the solid ball would appear to be shrinking into a tiniest

size and one could realise that the ultimate result would yield to the absence

MIND Jhāna

&

upekkhā


of things (no things). In other words, the broader the perspective that one

engages in, the lesser the multiplicity of things would appear to be. For

example, the viewing of the earth from far and near would yield a different

result to the observer’s perception altogether.

As a conclusion, the emptiness of phenomena is both the cause and

consequence of the dependent nature of phenomena. It is the inherent quality

of existence and is considered the ultimate truth because it inherently exists

exactly as it is perceived when it is perceived directly by an enlightened mind.

And discovering the ultimate truth is the key to overcoming the ignorant state

of mind. Transcending the mind via meditation would allow the dilution of

one’s personal ego under the light of pure awareness and subsequently, it

would give rise to the original source connection – the emptiness of all things.

More importantly, one should not confuse emptiness with nothingness.

Emptiness cannot be meant as nothingness but instead, it is more associated

with no-thing-ness. No thing can mean no becoming or no changing. No

changing means no suffering. No suffering means no mind. Mind is the

forerunner of all states. No mind means a completely neutralised state of

affairs - that is nibbāna. The state of nibbāna is inexplicable in conventional

terms but still, it can be tasted by the enlightened ones during deep meditation.

55.0 Vijja

Vijja refers to the higher or the pure knowledge obtained by the mind as a

result of attaining the various stages of jhāna (an altered state of

consciousness with profound stillness and concentration) via deep meditation.

An enlightened mind is a meditative mind that is luminous, highly commanding

and could see clearly through the time stream, the space and the plane of

existence. Basically, there are eight categories identified as below: -

1. Knowledge of contemplation.

- knowledge of mind and body interdependence (mentality-

materiality or nama-rupa).


2. Mind created body.

- astral projection (out-of-body experience).

3. Psychokinesis.

- the various workings of psychic power.

4. Clairaudience.

- ability to hear into the celestial conversation.

5. Knowledge of the other’s mind.

- ability to know what other people are thinking.

6. Knowledge of the past lives.

- ability to review into the events of past lives.

7. Clairvoyance.

- ability to see into devas, ghosts, spirits, etc. (heavenly eyes).

- not equivalent to yin-yang eyes.

8. Knowledge of the destruction of the āsavas.

- āsava refers to the uncontrolled mental outflow (consciousness).

- attainment of cessation (Nirodha Samāpatti).

- when consciousness ceases, all suffering and existences cease.

As a conclusion, vijja would serve as a reflection for the state of awakening

being achieved by the mind via meditation.

56.0 The Significance of Memory

What is memory? In psychology, memory is defined as an organism's ability to

store, retain, and recall information and experiences. But where is it stored?

Actually, the elements of memory are stored within the elements of

consciousness and it can be categorised into two terms i.e. prevailing memory

and subtle memory. The prevailing memory is also known as the ‘working’

memory. It is a short-term store and would exist alongside with the prevailing

mind consciousness and the physical body or more specifically, the brain.


Whereas, the subtle memory is a long-term or indefinite store and it would

exist concurrently with the subtle mind consciousness, and sustain with or

without the physical body.

Right now, let us analyse into part of the cycle of dependent origination shown

as below: -










Sensation leads to six sense bases. Six sense bases lead to conductivity, etc.

For general understanding, every existence would comprise with the three

basic elements - energy, matter and space. These basic elements would

subject to the cyclic influence of balanced and imbalanced phenomena. Under

a balanced phenomenon, these elements would start to integrate with each

other to create aggregation. Under an imbalanced phenomenon, these


During the process of aggregation, some sort of information would be produced,

stored and recalled in the integrated elements. This recorded information

would act as a reference for the present and the future consciousnesses.

Without any references deriving from the recorded past consciousness, the

present and the future consciousnesses could not begin at all i.e. the past

consciousness is linked to the present consciousness and the present

consciousness is linked to the future consciousness. In other words, memory

is a necessary pre-requisite for any consciousnesses to exist; without it, the

consciousness would be impossible.

Basically, the elements of memory would involve with two key functions i.e.

deposits and withdrawals of information – the act of retaining and recalling

facts. If the elements of memory are absent, the becoming or rebirth process


for all things would be deemed impossible. For example, ice, water and steam

are different appearances deriving from the orientation of H2O properties under

the influence of the external conditions. In fact, it is the orientation of H2O

properties that has taken place to conjure up the appearance i.e. the

momentary outcome of the process of aggregation that varies according to the

subjected conditions. And without the elements of subtle memory within the

H2O properties, it would be impossible for the ice, the water and the steam to

resurface into their respective appearances repeatedly under the varying

external conditions.

Also, it is interesting to note that the process of mutation taking place in the

beings or objects can be referred to as the ‘memory loss’ arising in the

nucleus of the cells or atoms of the beings or objects. For instance, cancer is

a class of diseases that refers to out-of-control cell growth. Normal cells in

the body would go along a regulated path of growth, division, and death. When

this process goes wrong or breaks down due to the memory loss in the regular

cells, a mass of abnormal cells would grow and divide uncontrollably to form

masses of tissue called tumors. And for general understanding, mutation is a

natural process just like the biological aspects of ageing. In other words, it is

an inevitable development among all the natural things; without it, the process

of evolution or the condition of multiplicity is impossible in the dependent

nature. Therefore, it is just plain impossible to obliterate the disease of cancer

from human beings, just like the kamma-vipāka (the law of kamma).

Besides, the elements of memory would bear with both the seeds and the fruits

of kamma. The seeds of kamma are comparable to deposits of information and

the fruits of kamma are comparable to withdrawals of the deposited information

upon maturity. Therefore, it is not correct to mention that a newborn being has

no memory of a previous life. Every single newborn being would surely bear

with the seeds of kamma deriving from the previous lives. The seeds of kamma

are comparable to deposits of information and the fruits of kamma are

comparable to withdrawals of the deposited information upon maturity. In other

words, it is not that the newborn being has no memory of a previous life but

rather the fruits of kamma have not ripened yet. Only upon maturity could the

newborn being start to recall events related to his or her previous lives.

Therefore, without the elements of subtle memory, the law of kamma would be

impossible in the realms of existence.


In addition, according to Buddhism, suffering arises out of ignorance. But

ignorance could not arise out of thin air. Definitely, it needs to arise out of

something that has happened beforehand. In this case, we would conclude that

ignorance arises out of the elements of memory. When one is proclaimed as an

ignorant being, it means the person is uneducated, unaware, uninformed of

some kind of things or happenings that arise beforehand and this would mean

the past events that have been retained and recalled as references for the

present and the future events. Without any references deriving from the

recorded past events, the present and the future events could not begin at all

i.e. the past event is linked to the present event and the present event is

linked to the future event.

Let us illustrate, for Ignorance 1 to link to Ignorance 1-1 and Ignorance 1-1 to

link to Ignorance 1-1-1, the memory involvement is inevitable. Without it, the

linking processes of the past, present and future could not take place at all. In

a layman term, this process is called the becoming and re-becoming within

beings or things. If the memory aspect is absent, the cycle of rising and falling

activities in the dependent nature would be deemed impossible because all the

things or happenings are inter-depending, inter-waving and inter-relating with

one another. Without the elements of memory, whatever information generated

from the past events would be instantly forgotten or erased and the

progression of becoming or rebirth process would be impossible across the

time stream (past, present and future). Therefore, the elements of ignorance

and memory are closely inter-dependent of each other – just like, shadow

follows the body.

As a conclusion, during the process of aggregation, some sort of information

would be produced, stored and recalled in the integrated elements. In a layman

term, this process is called the creation or pro-creation within beings or things.

If the elements of memory are absent, the process of replication could not

arise in the beings or things at all. Let us illustrate the learning of speeches

among young children. If a child has no ability of memorising, then whatever

lessons that were taught on would be forgotten or erased instantly and the

progression into the next advance level would be deemed impossible. However,

in Buddhism, there is a recommendation for one to always see and live in the

present; neither in the past nor in the future. When one lives well in the


present, one would lead to a cessation of memories of the past and this would

subsequently lead to a cessation of ignorance in the future.

57.0 Kamma-vipaka

In Buddhism, kamma is described as volitional action and vipaka refers to the

end result of any particular volitional actions. For general understanding,

kamma literally means action but in Buddhism, there is a focus on the

enthusiastic action (potent kamma) that would instigate discernible reaction

(potent vipaka). Therefore, it is imperative for one to tell apart the term

‘kamma’ as per Buddhism and the general definition of it in order to avoid any

conflicts of understanding that may arise later on.

Generally speaking, volition is referred to an act of making a choice or decision.

In other words, it is the act of making a ‘conscious’ choice or decision.

Therefore, we need to investigate into the state of mind while understanding

into the kamma-vipaka because mind is the forerunner of all states. Literally,

the mind is comprised with two terms i.e. prevailing consciousness and subtle

consciousness. Both the prevailing and subtle mind consciousnesses would

arise in the sentient beings but for other things, merely subtle mind

consciousness would arise. The role of prevailing conscious mind is like mind-

in-command i.e. the mind that can lead, take charge, concentrate, make

decision and convey action. However, subtle conscious mind is like herd of

wild horses - roaming in discrete directions and needed domestication. This

means the prevailing mind consciousness would act as a guarding chain to the

wild and monkey-like subtle mind consciousness.

In Buddhism, the focal point of kamma is the volitional thought or action and it

would arise concurrently with the existence of prevailing mind consciousness.

This means in the absence of prevailing mind consciousness, the term

‘volition’ would cease to exist. As such, the prevailing mind consciousness is

a prerequisite for the process of kamma-vipaka. Any thoughts or actions that

require the utilisation of prevailing mind consciousness would subject to the

law of kamma-vipaka as per Buddhism. This is because volitional human

thought or action would generate the most potent vibration that penetrate all

time, space and subsequently attracts what is desired or wished for. Just like


the swelling of big waves with the enormous waves of energy would require

longer time to fritter away and generate a visible and long-lasting implication to

the surroundings. In other words, all sentient beings are electro-magnetic

beings with the prevailing mind consciousness that generates potent kamma

and the subtle mind consciousness that acts as an antenna or a radar detector

constantly attracting and magnetising other similar vibrational frequencies

(discernible vipaka) within the cosmos.

As a conclusion, when we talk about the law of action, we talk about the law of

reaction. This scenario is basically due to the elements of attraction existing

in the cosmos and the universal law of attraction states that we attract what

we are sending out i.e. like attracts like, unlike repels unlike. Hence, favourable

energies attract favourable energies and unfavourable energies attract

unfavourable energies. In Buddhism, the initiation of new kamma (volitional

thought or action) arises mostly in the human realm if compared with the other

higher or lower realms of existence. This is because all the realms of existence

with the exception of human realm are merely reaping the end result of the

preceding kamma. The main reason is that humans are just one type of

sentient beings with both the prevailing and subtle conscious mind stream.

This means human realm is a plane of transition whereby it is a centric plane

for the process of kamma-vipaka with the faculty of choosing or resolving.

As such, one should be grateful for the destiny of being reborn as a human and

live it well with all the meaningful purposes. The ultimate purpose of human

beings is to attain the opportunity to learn to live wholesomely. It is regardless

whether one would live a good life, a luxurious life, a poor life or a pathetic life.

By being alive as humans, we have all the liberties or choices of pathway to

begin with. Therefore, it is crucial for one to live a life wholesomely at all times

– at least there would not be a regret factor arises in one’s life later. Living

wholesomely would mean living a healthy life with exploration and enjoyment to

the fullest extent with wisdom and not with ignorance.


58.0 Does ‘nothing’ exist?

If we were to split up the word ‘nothing’, it would turn up as ‘no thing’.

Literally, no thing means no becoming or no changing and it is not the same as

nothingness. Instead, no-thing-ness is the same as emptiness.

One needs to realise that everything in the cosmos is dependent on one

another. All things merely exist conditionally without an eternal essence i.e. all

things can never sustain in an absolute discrete orientation. For instance, from

direct experience, we know that humans and things cause pleasure and pain,

and that they can help and harm. Therefore, phenomena certainly do exist but

the question is how? They do not exist in their own quality but only have an

existence dependent upon many factors, including a consciousness that

conceptualises them. This means everything that exists is empty because

there is no essence to anything and nothing has ever existed in its own quality

– nothing is permanent and unchanging. All objects exist conditionally without

an eternal essence i.e. every existence is empty and emptiness is in every

existence.


becoming. This becoming process is the main reason for all the things that we

observe right here, right now. When there is a becoming process, there is a

changing process. The changing process would then conjure up an ability of

sorts that is known as ‘energy.’ Therefore, we shall be clear by now that





For general understanding, energy is nothing but mere vibration. When there

are opposing forces, there would be vibration. The alternate movement of the



activities that one could witness in the dependent nature. In other words, by

understanding well and observing thoroughly into the characteristics of energy,

one could gain insight into the nature and its orientation.


Literally, there are no elements of grasping when one practises the letting go of

things. When no grasping arises, the becoming process would slow down.

When the becoming process slows down, it means energy is vibrating at lower

frequencies. And when the becoming process ceases, energy literally stops

vibrating. Energy just got ‘frozen.’ Zero vibration means zero becoming.

Zero becoming means an absolute cessation of any changing activities. Thus

an absolute stage of absence is achieved. Absence means a perfect state of

balance. Therefore, absence is not about nothingness but instead it is about

no-thing-ness. No thing means no becoming or no changing. No changing

means no mind. No mind means no existence. And mind is the forerunner of

all states. No mind means a completely neutralised state of affairs.

For general understanding, mind is a pattern of consciousness which is born

from awareness. In fact, mind is known as consciousness in individuality and

consciousness is nothing but mere synergy. Therefore, the origin of

individuality is the same as the origin of the mind. Mind is something more

objective and involves clear discrimination – differentiates and understands the

characteristics of objects. And one utilises mind to understand things because

mind understands the manipulation of consciousness.

Now, we need to look at the definition of existence. What exists is defined as


exist. And conventionally, things can exist as in fallacy or in reality. But in the

ultimate reality, things do not exist in the ways that concepts and language

imply they do. Things would only exist as in deepest facts i.e. it is beyond mind

and beyond concepts and words in the sense that it is beyond our usual ways

of perceiving things.

So, how does something arise from nothing? Frankly speaking, something that

arises as in object is not out of nothing. In the material Universe, there are

plenty of existences or activities that cannot be discerned by our naked eyes.

When we mention that the elements of emptiness and energy are everywhere

in a system of dependent nature, it means that both of these qualities have

fully occupied such a system. Therefore, we could conclude that something as

in object would arise out of the elements of energy that exist in a system. This

is because energy and matter are simply two aspects of the same thing, both

reflected in different forms per se (as in Einstein’s formula, E = mc2). And


since we are unable to discern the elements of energy with our naked eyes, we

would name it as empty instead of nothing.

Then, what is the first cause for the start of the material Universe? Frankly

speaking, the ultimate first cause for anything or everything is the nature.

Without nature, nothing would ever exist – no things or happenings would arise.

Now, how does the material Universe begin? For general understanding,

dependent phenomenon is a necessary prerequisite for the material Universe

to exist; without it, the material Universe would be impossible. Dependent

phenomenon is also known as a conditional phenomenon – that consists of two

terms i.e. balance and imbalance. Under a balanced phenomenon, aggregation

would arise and one could witness multiple shapes or forms. Under an

imbalanced phenomenon, segregation would arise and one could witness no

shapes or forms. The cycle of conditional phenomena continues repeatedly

depicting a continuum of rising and falling activities.

Therefore, the material Universe would start with the dependent phenomenon

that in turn conjures up the elements of energy. Since the dawn of time,

energy has been in existence within the system of dependent nature (inherent

existence). Under a balanced phenomenon, the elements of energy would turn

into the elements of matter through the process of aggregation. Likewise,

under an imbalanced phenomenon, the elements of matter would turn into the

elements of energy through the process of segregation (dependent arising). In

other words, the material Universe is merely a momentary appearance conjured

up from a continuum of orientating energy and matter in space under the

influence of conditional phenomena. Just like ice, water and steam are

different appearances deriving from the orientation of H2O properties under the

influence of the external conditions. In other words, it is the orientation of H2O

properties that has taken place to conjure up the momentary outcome of it.

As a conclusion, one could summarise that dependent nature is nothing but

merely a continuum of orientating flux of energy. No duality or multiplicity

would arise in the non-existence of the mind. This is because there is no

subject to ponder on the object or matter. When there is no mind arising, no

phenomenon would arise. When there is no phenomenon arising, no dependent

nature would arise. When there is no dependent nature, there would be no


perception, no conception, no label, no boundary, no name, no activity, no

shape, no relation, no description, no stereotyping, no beginning, no ending, etc.

Mind is the forerunner of all states. In the absence of the mind, all things

would be poised in a completely neutralised state of affairs. A completely

neutralised state of affairs would mean a state of no-thing-ness, a state of

perfect intermediation, a state of absence of any or all units under consideration.

It is not equivalent to a state of annihilation but merely a blown-off state of all things.

59.0 How to look at the mechanism of Dependent Origination correctly?

In Buddhism, the introduction of the cardinal doctrine of Dependent Origination

is imperative for one to understand well on the principle of emptiness that

influences the continuing and repeating cycle of rising and falling of all things in

the dependent nature (also known as the vicious cycle of samsāra). Thus far,

it has always been shown forth in a rather simplistic causal linkage and this has

fueled for additional confusion among novices who are literally unacquainted

with the system.

Firstly, one needs to make out a correct understanding on the mechanism of

Dependent Origination in order to get hold of the proper perspective from the

beginning stage. In Buddhism, the Dependent Origination is literally a principle

of interdependent causation. Right now, the key argument here is the prefix

‘inter-’. In other words, it is not appropriate for one to emphasise excessively

on the word ‘dependence’ as against with ‘inter-dependence’. Let us

ponder at the cycle of dependent origination shown as below: -



















leads to diffusion. Diffusion leads to imbalance. Imbalance leads to adjustment.

Adjustment leads to alignment. Alignment leads to new balance.

For general understanding, Buddhism basically touches on the scenario of

cause and condition more than the case of cause and effect. Frankly speaking,

all phenomenal existences are products of the proper combination of causes

and conditions. Each of the causes would need other causes to be present

together with their respective conditions. Just like for a new house to exist

(as the result), we need bricks, cement, wood, iron rods, roof tiles, plastic pipes

and other materials. The construction can only be completed when one has all

the essential materials (as the causes) and all the prerequisites are met (as the

conditions), such as the skillfulness of the workers, the time allocation, etc.

The wood needs the forest, the sunshine, the rain, etc. The workers need their

parents, their meals, their clothing, their shelters, etc.

If we were to observe these scenarios in its entirety, we could realise that

everything in the cosmos attributed to the existence of the new house; without

it, the new house would be impossible. The clear fact here is that one cause is

never enough to bring about an effect. A cause must, at the same time, be an

effect, and every effect must also be the cause of something else.






.., etc.


Therefore, cause and effect are simply two aspects of the same thing i.e. both

of it are inter-be. The only difference between these two aspects is the time

of event. In other words, cause and effect are inter-changing, inter-relating

and inter-waving with one another. This is the modus operandi of the

conventional reality i.e. not in-linear but in interdependence, inter-woven and

inter-relation since the dawn of time in a very comprehensive and complicated

network of existence. On this pretext, the coordination of Dependent

Origination cannot be referred independently in a linear point of reference and

therefore, no first cause, no first effect can be found within the dependent

nature. Instead, there is only inter-dependent co-arising of all things or

matters.

As a conclusion, we could mention that everything is a matrix of everything in

the dependent nature. But the dependent nature per se is an inherent

existence that is uncaused, indestructible and eternal. The main reason for

the arising of duality or multiplicity in the dependent nature is due to the mind.

But, why is there mind arising in the dependent nature? It is because there are

elements of energy. Why are there elements of energy in the dependent

nature? It is because there is emptiness. Why is there emptiness in the

dependent nature? It is because there is emptiness of emptiness. In other

words, the emptiness of phenomena is both the cause and consequence of the

dependent nature of phenomena.

For example, let us place a solid ball in front for you to gaze at it effortlessly: -

If you were to zoom in the analysis of a solid ball by looking into the contents

and then its basic matters i.e. atoms, you could realise that the ultimate result

would yield to the absence of things (no things). This is because in a real

sense there is no core essence within it except for the basic elements (energy,

matter and space) that orientate and evolve constantly under the influence of

the external conditions. In other words, one could mention that the form entity

has a delusive nature i.e. it is an appearance, though not illusive, but devoid of

inherent existence and constantly varies under the influence of conditional

phenomena.

On the other hand, if you were to zoom out the analysis of a solid ball by

receding into a long shot distance indefinitely, the solid ball would appear to be


shrinking into a tiniest size and you could realise that the ultimate result would

yield to the absence of things (no things). In other words, the broader the

perspective that one engages in, the lesser the multiplicity of things would

appear to be. For example, the viewing of the earth from far and near would

yield a different result to the observer’s perception altogether.

Emptiness Microscopic analysis (samatha) MIND Macroscopic

analysis (vipassanā) Emptiness

From the above analysis, we could conclude that the emptiness of phenomena

is both the cause and consequence of the dependent nature of phenomena. It

is the inherent quality of existence and is considered the ultimate truth

because it inherently exists exactly as it is perceived when it is perceived

directly by an enlightened mind. And discovering the ultimate truth is the key

to overcoming the ignorant state of mind. Transcending the mind via

meditation would allow the dilution of one’s personal ego under the light of

pure awareness and subsequently, it would give rise to the original source

connection – the emptiness of all things. And the emptiness of inherent


‘Life itself is prison,

The instincts are prisons,

The senses are prisons,

Superstition is prison,

Sacred institutions are prisons,

Teachers are prisons,

Holy things are prisons,

Goodness is prison,

Views are prisons,

Purity is the highest prison,

Voidness is not prison,

Freedom is salvation from prison.’

～ Buddhadāsa ～


60.0 Energy is Space in Tango, Space is Energy in Play

By nature, we exist in a system whereby everything is interconnected and

balanced. If we were to ponder at the dependent nature intently, our mind

would discover the circumstances of duality or multiplicity in all things.

Conventionally, there is a beginning and an ending of all things or matters i.e.

when there is a rising, there will be a falling or vice versa. In other words,

there’s no two ways about it i.e. one factor is always being balanced off with

another factor, without exception. This conclusion would bring us to an

understanding that nature is functioning in a feature that is constant – a

situation that does not change i.e. the characteristic of an inherent existence.

Therefore, we could mention that nature is a system that is universal i.e. it is

inherent existing and dependent arising concurrently.

Right now, we would realise that every of our intention or action on things or

matters would bear with its respective consequences; regardless of timeline.

And it is commonly known that we would need energy to initiate our desires or

motions. Therefore, energy is a fundamental element in the dependent nature

and it is nothing but mere vibration. When there are opposing forces, there

would be vibration. The alternate movement of the opposing forces would

generate a continuum of wavy pattern oscillating up and down. This is the main

reason for all the repeating cycle of rising and falling activities that one could

witness in the dependent nature or samsāra. In other words, by understanding


insight into the nature and its orientation. So energy starts with vibration and

in turn, vibration starts with opposing forces. These opposing forces would

function as a constant factor and it fits well into the category of inherent

existence.

In order to understand profoundly into the characteristics of energy, we could

begin with a scientific study on the basic elements of life existence i.e. energy,

matter and space. For general understanding, energy means the ability to do

work. Such ability can be elucidated by a partaking of tango dance (a partner

dance) in space due to its wavy nature. In other words, space can be

described as energy in play on a dance floor. And the intersection of low

frequency waves of energy or so-called the crystallisation of low frequency

waves of energy in space is known as matter. It is an element that occupies


space due to the conversion from travelling waves of energy into standing

waves of energy. In other words, energy and matter are simply two aspects of

the same thing - both reflected in a different form under the influence of the

surrounding conditions. Let us ponder at the following illustrations: -

The Travelling Wave Lines of Energy


The Crystallisation of Energy into Matter


The conversion from Travelling Waves into Standing Waves of Energy (1)

Act

1

Act

2

Act

3


The conversion from Travelling waves into Standing waves of Energy (2)

Act

4

Act

5


The conversion from Travelling waves into Standing waves of Energy (3)

Act

6


E = mc2

m = E/c2

Energy (J) = Mass (kg) x Speed of Light (m2/s2)

The above illustration depicts that one quantum of energy is defined as the diffusion

of one mass at the speed of light squared. Comparatively, in an electrical circuit, one

watt is defined as the current flow of one ampere with voltage of one volt.

Mass-energy Equivalence

c

c

m m c

c

c c m

One quantum of

energy released,

E = mc2

1W = 1V x 1A «« »» 1E = 1m x (1c) 2


The Network of Existence

Key: -

Point of friction = a communion of the two opposite forces.

= a balanced point.

For example,

The Structure of Human Skin

FA1

FA2

FA1-2 = FA2-1

FA3

FA4

FA3-2 = FA1-1

FA3-1 = FA4-2

FA2-2 = FXX-X

F(A3-1=A4-2)-1 = FXXXX-XXXX

F(A3-1-A4-2)-2 = F(A3-2-A1-1)-1

F(A3-2=A1-1)-2 = F(A1-2=A2-1)-1

F(A1-2=A2-1)-2 = F(A2-2=XX-X)-1

Cause-Effect

Effect-Cause


The Curvature of Spacetime

Key: -

Rotational synergic force Fabric of energy

Nodule of matter Gravitational force /

The relationship between

nodules of matter


The Bonding of Atoms as in Object

Key: -

Standing waves of electron

Proton and neutron

A single atom

e -

e - e -

e -

p+, n

A

B

C

D


Transformation of Atoms into Molecules

B

B

A C

A

B

C

D

A

D

B

C

D

C

B

A

GRAVITATIONAL FORCE

As per Bernoulli’s principle

– when the speed of

substance increases, the

pressure decreases.

D

A C

B

A

B

C

D E

F

G R

S H

I

J

K

L

M N

O

P

Q

The congregating path of atoms as

in object (a spiral-like pattern).


Chemical bond

Gravitational bonds

The strong chemical bonds and the gravitational forces between atoms

(In accordance with Bernoulli’s principle)

Low

High High

High High


Chronology: -

1. Firstly, through the crystallising process of low frequency waves of energy, atom A

is formed and followed by atom B and then atom C and atom D.

2. The natural path of flowing waves of energy along atom A and atom B has resulted

in a rotational force between the gap of atom A and atom B. Thus a clockwise

rotational force is conjured up and it is also known as the gravitational force. Both

atom A and atom B would then rotate in anti-clockwise directions respectively.

3. When atom C is formed, it would be drawn to either one of the existing atoms due

to the natural path of flowing waves of energy, let’s say - atom B. A chemical bond

is then originated between atom B and atom C. It is a strong bond due to the

confronting direction in the natural path of flowing waves of energy, just like the

kissing of a pair of rubber cymbals. Thus a new molecule is formed – molecule B-C.

4. When atom D is formed, it would be drawn to either one of the existing atoms due

to the natural path of flowing waves of energy, let’s say - atom A, to form into

molecule A-D. A newly confined rotational bond (gravitational force) is conjured up

between molecule A-D and molecule B-C.

5. Thereafter, these molecules would be magnetised or attracted to one another in

accordance with Bernoulli’s principle that says when the speed of substance around

the objects increases, the pressure reduces. Thus the molecule A-D and molecule

B-C would move or travel in accelerating motions toward one another.

6. Concurrently, the atoms in the molecules would cease to self-rotate; instead it

would vibrate in standing wave patterns respectively. The newly bonded molecules

would then assume an anti-clockwise rotation with a new synergic force that gives

rise to an enormous potency that is also known as the gravitational line force.

7. At the end of the day, a new spiral-like gravitational line wave is configured in a

diffusing pattern due to the natural aerodynamic flows i.e. the outer wave line is

curling at a higher speed than the inner wave line with the illustration depicted as

below: -


For example,

The spiral-like orientation of Human Hair

M2

M1

M1

M2

Outer wave line moving at a higher

speed – a low pressure condition

A gradual outward

expanding force

Inner wave line moving at a lower

speed – a high pressure condition


How does gravity work?

1. For general understanding, the gravitational force would begin with at least three

arising atoms. Gravity is directly influenced by the mass of atoms or molecules in an

object (the amount of matter in an object); not the volume size. In other words, an

increase in the density of the mass of atoms would conjure up a higher gravitational

force between the objects or vice versa.

2. On the other hand, the rotation of an object does not affect its gravitational force.

However, in terms of the surface gravity, it has a minor influence whereby when the

centrifugal force increases the surface gravity would reduce slightly. For example,

the Earth’s rotation causes a slight bulging at the equator and a slight flattening at

the poles. As such, one would weigh slightly less at the equator and more at the

poles. Let us ponder at the following illustration: -

When centrifugal force accelerating, centripetal force decelerates

3. All objects have a force that attracts them toward each other. Even we attract

other objects to us because of gravity but our mass is too insignificant for the force

to come into effect.

4. For general understanding, weight is a force caused by the gravitational attraction.

The weight of an object is the gravitational force between the object and the earth.

The more mass the object has, the greater its weight will be. The principle-in-effect:

-

Weight (N) = Mass (kg) x Gravity (m/s2)

Also, the mass of an object stays the same wherever it is, but its weight may vary in

line with the variance of the gravitational force on it, such as the Earth and the Moon.

Centrifugal force

accelerates

Centripetal force

decelerates


Let us ponder at the following illustration: -

Key: -

The downward pushing force is vigorous due to large masses and the narrow

gap between the conveyor belts of gravity.

The upward pushing force is weak due to small masses and the wide gap

between the conveyor belts of gravity.

Object B

GF1

GF2

1.5V

1.5V

1.5V

Gravity ≈ Voltage

-ve

+ve

GF1

GF2

Object A

Object C


5. The above illustration would depict that gravitational force arises when the

conveyor belts of gravity begin to rotate in the respective clockwise and anti-

clockwise directions concurrently with the arising of atoms or molecules.

6. An object with a larger mass would induce a more vigorous pushing force toward

the other side of another object with a smaller mass. In other words, it is the amount

of matter in an object that determines the strength of its gravitational force.

Therefore, gravitational force increases when the masses of the objects are larger;

instead of the volume size.

7. As a general reference, gravity between atoms is akin to voltage in an electrical

circuit. When batteries are connected in series, the total amount of voltage in the

circuit would be represented by the total sum of each battery’s capacity.

Supposedly, one battery would bring about 1.5V then the overall two batteries would

bring about 3.0V respectively. Therefore, a larger mass would bring about a greater

gravitational force due to a higher number of conveyor belts of gravity rotating

simultaneously between the atoms. Just like a series of turbine engines operating

concurrently to generate a higher voltage that in turn brings about a higher

electromotive force in an electrical circuit.

8. Also, gravitational force increases when the objects are closer against one

another. In accordance with Bernoulli’s principle, a more confined space between the

atoms of the confronting objects would induce the conveyor belt of gravity to rotate

at a higher speed thus generating a much lower pressure condition to its vicinity.

Subsequently, the atoms between the confronting objects would be pushed toward

one another at a more intense accelerating speed.

9. Finally, the more mass an object has, the more inertia it has. Inertia is described

as the tendency of an object to resist change in its state of motion. It is mainly due

to the arising of larger momentum in the object with a larger mass. For general

understanding, translational momentum is solely dependent on the mass and the

velocity of the object. A larger mass would take a prolonged force to bring up the

object to the targeted speed and similarly, to bring it to a stop afterwards.

10. Supposedly, object A is the Earth, object B is the rock and object C is the

feather. In this case, the Earth would certainly contain much more masses than the

rock, and the rock would contain more masses than the feather. When these three

objects are closing in toward one another, the Earth with a much higher density of

masses would certainly inherit a much greater inertia i.e. a resistance to change in its


state of motion. This is despite the fact that these three objects are pushing against

one another simultaneously.

11. At the end of the day, the force in effect would be the objects with lesser

masses (object B and object C) moving toward the object with higher masses (object

A) at the same accelerating motions. Another example would be the gravitational

attraction between a human body and a tiny particle of dust. Certainly, the tiny

particle of dust would move toward the human body that encompasses a

comparatively higher mass and with greater inertia rather than the other way round.

With all the above illustrations and descriptions, one would realise that energy

is truly a fundamental element for the dependent nature to exist; without it, the

dependent nature would be impossible. In fact, energy is an element that

involves with basically the translational, the rotational and the vibrational

motions. And these motions are the key components for the proceeding of

universal laws such as the law of kamma, the law of attraction, the law of

vibration, etc.

Under a conventional circumstance, all minds, consciousnesses, things or

matters are part of the becoming processes with time as a tool for

quantification. This becoming process is the main reason for all the rising and

falling of things or matters that we observe right here, right now. This is what

the principle of emptiness is all about in accordance with Buddhism. Nothing

remains unchanging on any given moment i.e. all things or matters would evolve

from one configuration into another at all times. Just like the saying goes,

‘Now you see it, now you don’t.’ Also, no two minds are the same. Your past

mind is not the same as your present mind and your present mind is not the

same as your future mind.

When there is a becoming process, there is a changing process and when the

becoming process ceases, the changing process would cease together with

time. Thus the ambience of nibbāna would arise concurrently. In the Buddhist

context, nibbāna is a non-conventional phenomenon whereby nothing would

rise and fall under the absence of time. In other words, we could mention that

the elements of energy have been ‘frozen’ indefinitely without being

annihilated. It is considered being blown-off completely due to the absence of


vibrational motion. This means nibbāna is a neutralised state of affair that

would exist under the remaining translational and rotational motions per se.

In a way, there is still motion arising in nibbāna but it would be a homologous

one. And under such a circumstance, any new rising or falling activities would

cast no chance of emerging at all i.e. no light at the end of the tunnel for the

becoming process. When the becoming process cease to exist, the

consciousness or the mind would cease to exist as well. Subsequently, the

state of suffering would end in permanence.

As a conclusion, the ultimate goal in the Buddhist practice is to quest for an

everlasting happiness that is unconditional via enlightenment. As again,

Buddhism is not about circumstances but attitude to circumstances. The

Buddha has merely expounded the nature and its orientation, in particular, the

mind and body suffering and the ultimate way for the spiritual liberation.

And one of the key elements for the spiritual liberation is to see things or

happenings as they truly are; not delusively are. Just see the things or

happenings in direct perception - that is basically label-less, bound-less,

stereotype-less or colour-less, just like the pure nature of energy or

emptiness.

More importantly, one has to let go and blow away the mindset that is

associated with the ‘-ism’ or ‘-ology’, for it is a system of stereotyping,

pre-conditioning or prisoning. Liberation is the only right potion to the ultimate

truth discovery and with the inculcation of right determination, enlightenment

becomes achievable for everyone right here, right now. Those who see, read,

hear and evaluate for themselves can find the truth they seek. The role of

religion in this era is not as a blockage but to help explain and educate in a

mature manner. Once again, be bound-less, be stereotype-less, be label-less

and with the right attitude, it would open up a new horizon of wisdom. Just

change the way you see your surroundings and you may get a kind of insight

different from yesterday.


61.0 Levitation through Meditation, possible?

Yes, it is scientifically probable. In fact, levitation is a by-product of a deep

course of meditation whereby an individual would go through a series of mental

and physical transformation. A mind that is fully concentrated, balanced and

mindful would conjure up an ambience of tranquility that would subsequently

bring forth a blissful state of restfulness and lightness to the entire body

system. Basically, there has been a change in the intensity of flowing energy

that distributes through and across the atoms or the molecules which in turn

redefine the aura of the meditative body. Let us ponder at the following

illustration: -

1.5V

An inharmonious blend with

the forces of nature

Individual B

A harmonious blend with the

forces of nature

Repelling effects due

to opposing push

forces

Object A

Repelling effects due

to opposing push

forces have been

nullified by the

rotational synergic

force

Individual C


The repelling effects due to opposing push forces between atoms have been

nullified by the rotational synergic force a.k.a. the prevailing mind consciousness

For general understanding, the charged molecules or ions play a vital role in the

physical and the spiritual development of humans. Our frame of mind and body

conditions depend on the composition of the air that we breathe. Air is

electrically charged, which means it contains in definite proportions, positively

charged molecules (positive ions) and negatively charged molecules (negative

ions). It is charged due to the imbalanced number of electrons and the number

of protons in the atom or molecule. An atom can become a positive charge or

a negative charge depending on whether the number of electrons in an atom is

greater or lesser than the number of protons in the atom. Generally, negative

ions have much higher rates of mobility as compared with the positive ions due

to increase in the number of electrons that are constantly vibrating in standing

waves on the surface of the ions.

Supposedly, object A is the Earth, individual B is a stress overloaded person,

individual C is a master of meditation. Both individual B and individual C are

assumed to have the same amount of body masses (a fundamental measure of

the amount of matter in the body). For the case of individual B, there would be

symptoms of depression, sleeplessness, fatigue, lethargy, anxiety, body

aches/pains, etc. Indirectly, it is attributed to the high counts of positive ions

that have a negative effect on humans and animals. As such, individual B

would be overwhelmed with a heavy sensation due to the higher counts of

positive ions sustaining in the body. Besides, the stress condition would elicit

a more intense flowing of energy that distributes through and across the atoms

D

A C

B


or the molecules as shown in the above illustration. Subsequently, it would

bring forth an inharmonious ambience that is not in tandem with the forces of

nature.

As for the case of individual C, a stilled mind that is equanimous and luminous

is also known as a radiant mind. A radiant mind is a cosmic wave of energy

that could penetrate all time and space. Therefore, it is highly commanding and

has the capability of inducing more negative ions into the atmosphere, just like

the way negative ions are formed from the cosmic rays or ultraviolet rays.

Subsequently, the high concentration of negative ions with higher rates of

mobility than the positive ions would conjure up a sense of buoyancy i.e.

liveliness and lightheartedness to the body system - thus the ambience of

tranquility that is in tandem with the forces of nature. Let us ponder at the

following illustration: -

The intense flowing of energy along the atoms of Individual B

e -

e -

e -


The gentle flowing of energy along the atoms of Individual C

At the end of the day, we could mention that the gravitational attraction

between individual C and the Earth has somehow been moderated as compared

with individual B. This is mainly due to the dropping speed in the rotating

conveyor belts of gravity that in turn generates a slighter low pressure

condition to its vicinity. In a way, individual C as a skilled meditator has

managed to influence the yin-yang flow of energy that is basically based upon

the orientation of positive ions and negative ions in the surroundings. When

there is a balance in the definite proportion of ions, whereby the number of

positive ions (yin) is almost equal to the number of negative ions (yang), there

will be a harmonious ‘chi’ or energy in the surroundings and vice versa.

Ultimately, individual C would experience a blissful sensation of weightlessness

e -

e -

e -

e -

e -

e -


in the body, just like the lightweight cotton or feather due to the harmonious

blend between the body and the forces of nature.

62.0 The Principle of Absence, Balance, and Constant (ABC)

By nature, everything is a matrix of everything. Therefore, at times, there is a

need to link several scientific concepts together while expounding a particular

theoretical framework. If we were to examine into nature intently, our mind

would discover that everything is interconnected and balanced. The

circumstances of duality or multiplicity in all things would always exist in the

dependent nature.

Conventionally, there is a beginning and an ending of all things or matters i.e.

when there is a rising, there will be a falling or vice versa. In other words,

there’s no two ways about it i.e. one factor is always being balanced off with

another factor, without exception. This conclusion would bring us to an

understanding that nature is functioning in a feature that is constant – a

situation that does not change i.e. the characteristic of an inherent existence.

Therefore, we could mention that nature is a system that is universal i.e. it is

inherent existing and dependent arising concurrently.

Basically, all the workings of the universal scientific laws and equations would

fall within the principle of balance, constant and absence. For instance,

E = mc2 or E - mc2 = 0 or mc2 - E = 0

A = B or A - B = 0 or B - A = 0

62.1 Newton’s Law of Motion

1st Law of Motion

Every object in a state of consistent motion tends to remain in that state of

motion unless an external force applied to it. This circumstance denotes that

every object would naturally be in the state of balance and constant at all

times until it being influenced by the external force.


2nd Law of Motion

It is pertaining to the relationship between an object’s mass, its acceleration,

and the applied force. In this law, the direction of the force vector is the same

as the direction of the acceleration vector. For example, if the speed of the

car decreases, it is literal to speak of deceleration; mathematically, it is

acceleration in the opposite direction to that of motion and vice versa. This

circumstance denotes the state of balance and constant in all arising forces at

all times.

3rd Law of Motion

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. This circumstance

denotes the state of balance and constant in all arising forces at all times.

62.2 Bernoulli’s principle

Based on the experimental studies on moving fluid, it is a principle that states

as the speed of substance increases, the pressure decreases. By the law of

conservation of energy, this increase in kinetic energy must be balanced by a

decrease in the pressure-volume, or, since the volumes are equal, by a

decrease in pressure. However, this principle need not be limited solely on the

substance of liquid. At the end of the day, the key observation on this

principle is that all forces would reach a state of balance and constant at all

times.

62.3 The Law of Conservation

1. The law of conservation of charge – the net charge of an isolated system

remains constant.

2. The law of conservation of momentum – the total momentum of a collection

of objects (a system) is conserved i.e. the total amount of momentum is a

constant or unchanging value.

3. The law of conservation of mass – mass cannot be created or destroyed; it

is merely rearranged i.e. the sum of all masses is a constant.


4. The law of conservation of energy – energy cannot be created or destroyed

and the sum of all energies is a constant.

Right now, we would realise that every of our intention or action on things or

matters would bear with its respective consequences; regardless of timeline.

And it is commonly known that we would need energy to initiate our desires or

motions. Therefore, energy is a fundamental element in the dependent nature

and it is nothing but mere vibration. When there are opposing forces, there

would be vibration. The alternate movement of the opposing forces would

generate a continuum of wavy pattern oscillating up and down. This is the main

reason for all the repeating cycle of rising and falling activities that one could

witness in the dependent nature. In other words, by understanding well and


into the nature and its orientation. So energy starts with vibration and in turn,

vibration starts with opposing forces. These opposing forces would function as

a constant factor and it fits well into the category of inherent existence.

63.0 Nature and its Orientation

Generally speaking, nature bears with a comprehensive characteristic i.e. on

the one hand, it would bear with the conditions of beginning and ending and on

the other hand, it would bear with the conditions of beginning-less and end-

less. On this pretext, we could mention that nature is a system that is

universal i.e. it is inherent existing and dependent arising concurrently. When

we talk about nature, literally, we touch on the elements of energy and it is a

fundamental quality of nature because every single thing or happening would

involve with it, without exception.

As scientists have discovered, energy can neither be created nor be destroyed

and it is ever transforming and changing all the time. But the sum of all

energies in a system is a constant or never changes. So is energy a variable or

a constant element? Paradoxically, energy corresponds well to both of these

elements. As mentioned earlier, every subject matter can be viewed in two

different ways and each way is very closely related with one another although

they seem different. Therefore, energy is a constant element on one

perspective and concurrently, it is a variable element on another perspective.


By understanding well and observing thoroughly into the characteristics of

energy, one could gain insight into nature and its orientation.

Let’s now delve into the conditions of beginning and ending i.e. the

circumstances of duality and multiplicity. This scenario can be portrayed in a

continuum of rising and falling activities a.k.a. the wheel of life in the dependent

nature as follows: -





















and falling activities in the dependent nature, just like a continuum of wavy

pattern oscillating up and down. However, the wheel of life cannot be directly

translated as a linear point of reference because the conventional reality does

not work in-linear but in inter-dependence and inter-woven since the dawn of

time in a very comprehensive and complicated network of existence. In

addition, the above wheel of life has depicted a chain of events en route for a

state of balance as shown below: -


First section - A chain of activities in favour of balance i.e. congregating and

upturning events

Balance stability aggregation agitation information knowledge

representation memory compulsion ignorance blindness

disorientation confusion irrationality impulse sparkling inkling

volition awareness consciousness manas mind and body

sensation six sense bases conductivity contact stimulation

feeling experience craving grasping clinging unsettling

becoming creation birth energising mobility

Second section - A chain of activities in favour of imbalance i.e. dispersing and

downturning events

Mobility hauling aging draining death fragility segregation

diffusion imbalance

Third section - A chain of activities in favour of balance i.e. congregating and

upturning events

Imbalance adjustment alignment new balance

For general understanding, the basis of mechanism for the dependent nature is

absence and it tags along with a blueprint of constant. The two facets of

nature would always exist because nature is universal and it does not take

sides; she merely maintains the equilibrium in accordance with a system that

runs on perpetuity. Once again, every existence (sentient, non-sentient, or any

material things) consists of energy and matter that would orientate toward a

harmoniously balanced condition that is in accordance with the universal laws.

In other words, all things or matters would only exist in perpetual conditions

when there is a balanced circumstance. This is because when there is a

balanced circumstance, there is a chance for aggregation i.e. under a balanced

phenomenon, one could witness shapes or forms arising; under an imbalanced

phenomenon, one could witness no shapes or forms arising and the cycle of

conditional phenomena continues repeatedly.


An extract from the movie – Avatar: -

Neytiri: Our great mother does not take sides, Jake; she protects the balance

of life.

Therefore, balance does not mean a devoid of duality or multiplicty, just like

emptiness does not amount to nothingness. One clear example that can

exemplify the dependent nature would be the orientation of a compass – an

instrument used to indicate directions. The needle of a compass is magnetised

and would always point toward magnetic north under any varying

circusmstances. Moreover, the dependent nature of phenomena is a necessary

prerequisite for energy or matter to exist; without it, the energy or matter

would be impossible.

In the material Universe, the elements of energy become the main source for

the something that arises as in object; rather than the general perception of

nothingness. Everything in the material Universe is made up of energy. Atoms

and molecules are made up of energy. Our bodies, our clothes, our cars, our

houses are all made up of energy but what makes them different is their

vibration. Energy is always vibrating at a different frequency under the

influence of conditional phenomena. Everything has its own vibrational

frequency – our thoughts, our feelings, the rock, the table, the car, the animal,

the plant, the tree, etc. Even colours are merely expressions of certain

vibrational frequencies. These scenarios are guided by a system of universal

law known as the law of vibration. In fact, the law of vibration serves as the

foundation for the law of attraction.

The law of attraction states that we attract what we are sending out i.e. like

attracts like, unlike repels unlike. Hence, favourable energies attract favourable

energies and unfavourable energies attract unfavourable energies. Human

thoughts are cosmic waves of energy that penetrate all time and space and it

is the most potent vibration that can attracts what is desired or wished for. In

other words, all sentient beings are electro-magnetic beings with the subtle

mind consciousness that acts as an antenna or a radar detector constantly

attracting and magnetising vibrational frequencies. Human thoughts are

frequencies to which other similar frequencies are constantly resonating. This

resonance is the basis for a universal law – the law of attraction.


At the end of the day, the material Universe is merely a momentary appearance

conjured up from a continuum of orientating energy and matter in space under

the influence of conditional phenomena. Just like ice, water and steam are




The dependent nature is also an inherent existence whereby it is unchanging

when viewed externally, uncaused, indestructible and eternal. This can be

depicted in the repeating cycle of birth, life, death and re-birth as per the

wheel of life.

63.1 Space, Energy, Force and Motion

Space is actually an expression that energy exists and force refers to strength

or energy as an attribute of physical action or movement. In Bernoulli’s

principle, a moving fluid is akin to a force arising in liquid just like gravitational

force in the vaccum of space – both are referring to the flux of energy but in a

different mode of medium. At the end of the day, all the modes of medium are

in the state of conservation a.k.a. constant.

Basically, energy would involve three types of motion i.e. translational,

rotational and vibrational motions. This means without motion, there would be

no energy in existence. And energy is merely an expression of distinctive

attribute or characteristic possessed by nature. Without energy there can be

no space in existence. No phenomenon would arise in the absence of space i.e.

no subject and object/matter. In other words, space is a dimension i.e. an

indicator for energy just like time is an indicator for event; length, width and

height are indicators for size and volume.

63.2 Conventional Reality

Conventional reality is a subjective and a relative reality. This means the truth

orientation is dependent on the observer (i.e. the subject’s mind) to provide

with the description, definition, recognition, valuation, etc. on the other side of

the object or matter. And the truth conclusion varies among different

observers or minds. Just like the saying, ‘One man’s meat is another man’s

poison.’ For most of the time, humans are seeing things not as they truly are


but rather as they delusively are. For instance, the moon does rotate on its

own axis though it may seem contrary to what our naked eyes observe. In

another instance, the viewing of the earth from far and near would yield a

different result to the observer’s perception altogether. The broader the

perspective that one engages in, the lesser the multiplicity of things would

appear to be. This means both macro and micro perspectives would yield a

different end result to the observer all the time.

63.3 Static condition and Motion

As for the case of static condition, it does not mean the absence of

translational, rotational and vibrational motions. The flux of energy would

always present between atoms of the beings or objects under any means of

transmission and this outlines the basis for the universal law of vibration and

attraction in the dependent nature. Once again, space is an expression of

energy and in the dependent nature, nothing stays unchanging for a slightest

moment i.e. all created objects or things would inevitably go through all sorts of

processes such as aggregation, segregation, evolution, mutation, assimilation,

etc. under the influence of conditional phenomena all the time. By the time

you think who you are, you are already not the same ‘you’ seconds ago. So

where are you to find the original static of ‘you’ as you assume along every

passing of moments? At the end of the day, you could only see a stream of

you constantly passing by on every slightest moment - not the one stop entity

of you. Just like you could not step twice into the same river; for other waters

are ever flowing on to you. The stream of you would mean you are part of the

becoming processes that arise in the dependent nature.

63.4 What is like attracts like?

As the saying goes, ‘It looks like me, sounds like me, but it is still not me.’

Generally speaking, ‘like’ is equivalent to ‘similar.’ However, ‘similar’ is not

equivalent to ‘same.’ ‘Same’ is equivalent to ‘exactly similar’ i.e. a perfect

matching. When we describe the law of attraction i.e. like attracts like, we do

not literally induce a linkage between two or more objects or matters that

would bear with the ‘same’ characteristics.


Let’s revisit the illustrated two facets of nature as below: -

Facet 1 Facet 2

… (-2+2) + (-16+16) + (-22+22) + (-133+133) + (0) + (-54+54) …, etc. = 0

Key: -


... + (0) + ... = this ceasing, that ceases.

( .... ) = the law of balancing.


From the above illustration, one would notice that the law of attraction refers

to the same quantum of objects or magnitude of matters but with a difference

in the direction and the timeline (as in a vector quantity). This scenario of

balancing condition can be depicted in our daily act of giving and taking i.e.

The rise of unreserved taking or reward leads to the rise of accountable giving

or sacrifice (unfavourable energies attract unfavourable energies),

The rise of unreserved giving or sacrifice leads to the rise of unaccountable

taking or reward (favourable energies attract favourable energies).

Therefore the saying, ‘What goes around, comes around’, is pertinent to the

law of attraction as described above i.e. the results of things that one has done

will someday have an effect on the person who started the events (a

conditional phenomenon of this arising, that arises).


63.5 Electric charge

As for the case of electric charge, we are referring a scalar quantity in

relativity. Electric charge is the physical property of matter and basically,

there are two types of electric charges i.e. positive and negative. For

instance, an ion is a charged atom or molecule and it is charged due to the

imbalanced number of electrons and the number of protons in the atom or

molecule. An atom can become a positive charge or a negative charge

depending on whether the number of electrons in an atom is greater or lesser

than the number of protons in the atom. Therefore, a positively charged ion

would be balanced with the ‘jump’ of an electron from an atom elsewhere.

This scenario can be illustrated in the wheel of life appended below: -

Imbalance (a charged atom) adjustment alignment new balance (a

neutral atom)

As mentioned earlier, nature would orientate toward a state of balance,

intermediation or absence all the time. When things run off-balance in the

nature, the law that maintains equilibrium would take its course to balance it in

one way or another across time and the plane of existence. However,

positively charged atoms are repelled from other positively charged atoms, but

attracted to negatively charged atoms; negatively charged atoms are repelled

from negative and attracted to positive. It is rational to conclude that any

substances with the same characteristics would repel from one another and

any substances with the complementing characteristics would attract with one

another. Let’s take a look at the following illustrated mathematical equation: -

(-2+2) + (-16+16) + (-133+133) + (0) + (-54+54) = 0

Indirectly,

1. (-2+2) repels (-16+16), (-16+16) repels (-133+133), (-133+133) repels

(-54+54), etc.

2. -2 attracts +2, -16 attracts +16, -133 attracts +133, -54 attracts +54, etc.


The above development is consistent with the law of attraction that safeguards

a harmonious balance in the nature all the time.

63.6 What is Science?

Science is full of observable facts. And observable facts are observable facts

because it doesn’t matter who does the experiment or makes the

measurements. But who does the observation and the interpretation, by the

way? It is the observer’s mind as a non-physical faculty integrating with the

five physical faculties namely, eyes, ears, nose, tongue and body. In other

words, we could mention that observable facts are dependent on the

observer’s mind to to provide with the description, definition, recognition,

valuation, etc. on the other side of the object or matter – therefore, it is also

known as subjective facts.

However, an ultimate truth is a reality that exists beyond mind and beyond

concepts and words in the sense that it is beyond our usual ways of perceiving

things. Language and conception only imply that things exist in distinct

manners i.e. wise person, dumb person, saint, devil, etc. - in such well-defined

and independent categories. Perceiving ultimate reality is seeing that things do

not exist in these fantasised, impossible ways, in black and white categories.

Therefore, it is imperative for one to emphasise on seeing things or matters in

all angles while pursuing the ultimate truth or reality. Without it, any

conclusions made out of one’s observation would not be balanced or in a

wholesome nature.


64.0 The Emptiness of Emptiness

In the realm of emptiness, there is one forceful element known as the mind.

But what is mind and where does it derive from? Actually, the mind is a

pattern of consciousness that is born from awareness. Awareness is a ground

condition that ‘supports’ consciousness. The nature of awareness is

effulgence and it is in a not-knowing state before the appearance of object.

Consciousness, on the other hand, is appearance of objects in the mind. When



time. In addition, consciousness is synergy i.e. energy that expands through

cooperation. Synergy is a key to the geometric expansion of consciousness

and thus the arising of its two terms i.e. prevailing consciousness and subtle

consciousness. In fact, mind is known as consciousness in individuality.

Therefore, the origin of individuality is the same as the origin of the mind. Mind

is something more objective and involves clear discrimination – differentiates

and understands the characteristics of objects. One utilises mind to

understand things because mind understands the manipulation of

consciousness.

On the other hand, emptiness plays a key role in clarifying the dependent

nature. In fact, the emptiness of phenomena is both the cause and

consequence of the dependent nature of phenomena. For example,


If one were to zoom in the analysis of a solid ball by looking into the contents

and then its basic matters i.e. atoms, one could realise that the ultimate result

would yield to the absence of things (no things). At the end of the day, one

could declare that form is empty in the real sense because there is no core

essence within it except for the basic elements (energy, matter and space) that


In other words, one could mention that the form entity has a delusive nature

i.e. it is an appearance, though not illusive, but devoid of inherent existence and

constantly varies under the influence of conditional phenomena.



If one were to zoom out the analysis of a solid ball by receding into a long shot


size and one could realise that the ultimate result would yield to the absence

of things (no things). In other words, the broader the perspective that one




As a summary, we could mention that emptiness is the inherent quality of

existence and is considered the ultimate truth because it inherently exists



of mind. However, we need to be clear that what exists is defined as that

which can be known by the mind. Anything that cannot be known by the mind

does not exist and things or matters can exist as in fallacy or in reality.

Therefore, mind is the forerunner of all states in the dependent nature.

Transcending the mind via meditation would allow the dilution of one’s personal

ego under the light of pure awareness and subsequently, it would give rise to

the original source connection – the emptiness of all things.

More importantly, one should not confuse emptiness with nothingness.

Emptiness cannot be meant as nothingness but instead, it is more associated

with no-thing-ness. No thing can mean no becoming or no changing. No

changing means no suffering. No suffering means no mind. Mind is the

forerunner of all states. No mind means a completely neutralised state of

affairs - that is nibbāna. The state of nibbāna is inexplicable in conventional

terms but still, it can be tasted by the enlightened ones during deep meditation.

“Why is there mind arising in the dependent nature? It is because there are

elements of energy. Why are there elements of energy in the dependent

nature? It is because there is emptiness. Why is there emptiness in the

dependent nature? It is because there is emptiness of emptiness.”

～ Buddhitakso ～


65.0 Questions and Answers

Q1 In your illustrations you seem to be suggesting that there isn't an

individual stream of consciousness from life to life but a reformulation of

multiple fragments of consciousness. Is that right? And how do you square

that with the notion of kamma being passed on from one life to the next or a

path to nibbāna taking more than a single life?

A1 Dependent Origination

How does consciousness derive in the first place? Let us analyse into the law

of Dependent Origination, the way as I see it.

Every existence does contain with the three basic elements - energy, matter

and space. These basic elements would subject to the conditional phenomena.

Under a balanced phenomenon, these elements would start to integrate with

each other to create aggregation. Under an imbalanced phenomenon, these


The principle in effect: - A stream of balanced phenomena would conjure up aggregation,




















phenomenon.

From the above principle, we could notice that consciousness arises out of

volitional impulse, volitional impulse arises out of ignorance, ignorance arises

out of memory, memory arises out of information, information arises out of

aggregation and aggregation arises out of balanced phenomenon.

According to Buddhism, suffering arises out of ignorance. But ignorance could

not arise out of thin air. Definitely, it needs to arise out of something that has

happened beforehand. In this case, we would conclude that ignorance arises

out of the elements of memory. In psychology, memory is defined as an

organism's ability to store, retain, and recall information and experiences.


stored and recalled in the integrated elements. In a layman term, this process

is called the creation or pro-creation within beings or things. If the elements

of memory are absent, the process of replication could not arise in the beings

or things at all.

Let us illustrate the learning of speeches among young children. If a child has

no ability of memorising, then whatever lessons that were taught on would be

forgotten or erased instantly and the progression into the next advance level

would be deemed impossible. However, in Buddhism, there is a

recommendation for one to always see and live in the present; neither in the

past nor in the future. When one lives well in the present, one would lead to a

cessation of memories of the past and this would subsequently lead to a

cessation of ignorance in the future.


The seeing of ultimate truth leads to the cessation of balanced phenomenon,

The cessation of balanced phenomenon leads to the cessation of aggregation,

The cessation of aggregation leads to cessation of information,

The cessation of information leads to cessation of memory,

The cessation of memory leads to the cessation of ignorance,


The cessation of ignorance leads to the cessation of volitional impulse,

The cessation of volitional impulse leads to the cessation of consciousness,

The cessation of consciousness leads to the cessation of body and mind,

The cessation of body and mind lead to the cessation of six sense bases,

The cessation of six sense bases lead to the cessation of contact,

The cessation of contact leads to the cessation of feeling,

The cessation of feeling leads to the cessation of craving,

The cessation of craving leads to the cessation of clinging,

The cessation of clinging leads to the cessation of becoming,

The cessation of becoming leads to the cessation of birth,

The cessation of birth leads to the cessation of aging,

The cessation of aging leads to the cessation of death,

The cessation of death leads to the cessation of segregation,

The cessation of segregation leads to the cessation of imbalanced

phenomenon,

The cessation of imbalanced phenomenon leads to the cessation of conditional

phenomenon,

The cessation of conditional phenomenon leads to the cessation of time,

The cessation of time leads to the unconditional freedom of basic elements -

energy, matter and space.

Ultimately, the pure energy would freeze indefinitely in the absence of time –

this is the ambience of nibbāna.

The Law of Kamma

Now, let us analyse into kamma. What does kamma mean? In Buddhism,

kamma is translated as ‘volitional action.’ But the general meaning of kamma

is beyond that term. Kamma can be loosely translated as mere ‘action.’

Therefore, when we talk about the law of kamma, we talk about the law of

action. When we talk about the law of action, we talk about the law of reaction.

And these laws are part of the universal laws i.e. the natural phenomenon laws

– not shaped by someone else; no one owns it; neither Buddhism. It is merely

a law of balancing that helps to maintain equilibrium in the nature.

In the dependent nature, when a person is lying dead, the three basic elements

i.e. energy, matter and space would separate from each other. Precisely, both


the elements of prevailing and subtle consciousnesses would depart the body.

However, only the elements of subtle consciousness would sustain in a

liberated forms but not the elements of prevailing consciousness. The

elements of subtle consciousness would stay behind in a so-called soul or

spirit form and bears along the seeds of kamma. This is because within the

elements of subtle consciousness one would discover the elements of subtle

memory. Within the elements of subtle memory one would discover the

elements of subtle information. And the retained subtle information in each life

cycle would evolve into the so-called ‘seed treasures’ of kamma that were

accumulated throughout the series of one’s past lives.

Supposedly, the elements of subtle consciousness of: Individual A would bear

with ‘Kamma seed A’, Individual B would bear with ‘Kamma seed B’, Individual

C would bear with ‘Kamma seed C.’ When a new being is born i.e. Individual

ABC, this newly formed individual would bear with all the ‘Kamma seed A’,

‘Kamma seed B’ and ‘Kamma seed C’ during his or her present lifetime. This

is what the Buddha means by emptiness in all the things or happenings in the

dependent nature – nothing is absolute, nothing is well-defined and nothing is

independent.

Therefore, the law of kamma can never be deciphered as an eye for an eye

kind of principle because it is impossible for one to carry out a clear separation

of things or happenings. Every single thing or happening in this nature is

closely inter-depending, inter-waving and inter-relating with each other since

the dawn of time in a very comprehensive and complicated network of

existence. In short, every existence would not be totally the same or different

from each other and this is why we called it as ‘emptiness everywhere.’

The Fruits of Kamma

Right now, the next question is, ‘When would the seeds of kamma transform

into the fruits of kamma?’ The Buddha has mentioned that the working result

of kamma was one of the four unconjecturables and to speculate about it would

bring madness and vexation to anyone who conjectured about it. But why is it

so difficult for one, even the Buddha, to predict the timeline for the fruits of

kamma? Let us analyse into the following illustrations: -


We do know that cause and effect are two aspects of the same thing; both

reflected in a different time of events.

Cause = Effect





.., etc.

Action = Reaction

Action 1 conjures up Reaction 1,

Reaction 1 conjures up Action 1-1,

Action 1-1 conjures up Reaction 1-1,

.., etc.

If present,

Cause 1 > Effect 1,

Action 1 > Reaction 1

future will be,

Effect 1 > Cause 1-1,

Reaction 1 > Action 1-1*

* This is the typical scenario of a good person having to face with unfortunate

events; a bad person having to enjoy fortunate events in a lifetime.

For example,

Loan $100 = Repayment $100

If today,

Loan $100 > Repayment $100


tomorrow will be,

Repayment > new Loan $100

When we mention that a rising force of something would generate a new equal

opposing force (the law of balancing), we are actually referring to a process of

action and reaction under a phenomenon of constant motion. But under a

phenomenon of variable motion, the law of balancing would orientate in a

unique harmonising mechanism (as in Newton’s 2nd law of motion). Let us look

at the following illustrations: -

Under a circumstance of constant motion, come factor equals to become

factor: -


Acceleration


Come factor ↑, Become factor ↓

(End results: Mental and physical progresses slow down the circumstance of

time dilation in Einstein’s special theory of relativity. It means comparatively

an individual under an accelerating motion would grow old slower than an

individual under a constant motion.)

Deceleration


Come factor ↓, Become factor ↑

(End results: Mental and physical progresses speed up the ambience of deep

meditation. For now, we know that meditation is a way to speed up the

awakening process.)


Naturally, things or happenings do exist in motions that vary in frequencies

under the influence of conditional phenomena. Therefore, it is just plain

impossible for one to foresee the working result of kamma. So by now, we

would know the law of kamma is a comprehensive law that runs in a

phenomenon full of complexity and in a way beyond the straight forward

action-reaction principles being discovered by modern scientists.

Neutralising the Kamma

With all the above explanation on how the principle of kamma works, we have

come to an apex now on the approach to neutralise the fruits of kamma in

order for one to attain the eternal bliss of nibbāna. The first practical step to

neutralise the fruits of kamma is to ‘live in the present moment.’ When one

sees fully on the present moment, the elements of memory would eventually

vanish - for memory of the past would lead to new becoming process in the

future, and thus ignorance continues eventually across the plane of existence

and time.

For general understanding, we are part of the becoming processes and time is

merely a tool to quantify it. When the becoming process ceases, the time

would cease as well – thus the absence of time stream (past, present and

future). When we constantly sustain in the present moment, we leave behind

no traces for the past or future moment to arise - just like leaving behind no

seeds for the fruit bearing in every passing of moments. Under such a

circumstance, any new rising or falling activities would cast no chance of

emerging at all. At the end of the day, the vicious wheel of life would stop

rotating with the absence of conditional phenomena and the ambience of full

awakening would emerge concurrently.

The second step would be to practise ‘letting go.’ As again, Buddhism is not

about circumstances but attitude to circumstances. The only difference

between a good day and a bad day is your attitude. To ‘bear with’ is to suffer

and the antonym of it is to ‘let go.’ By not submitting oneself to the

conditional circumstances, one would be freed, be liberated and be neutralised.

Wisely one could see it, know it and let go – no need to grasp it and do not get

into any involvement on the other side of the object or matter.


The third step is to see things or happenings as they truly are; not delusively

are. Just see the things or happenings in direct perception - that is basically

label-less, bound-less, stereotype-less or colour-less. In other words, one has

to let go and blow away the mindset that is associated with the ‘-ism’ or ‘-

ology’, for it is a system of stereotyping or pre-conditioning. Liberation is the

only right potion to the ultimate truth discovery. As a summary, enlightenment

is not a far-fetched thing, achievable only by the privileged ones or the chosen

ones or the qualified ones sitting in ivory towers. Instead, it is such a profound

realisation that is achievable by anyone that inculcates with the right attitude

or determination.

In a layman term, enlightenment means graduation and liberation. Every

second, every minute, every hour, every day and night - we observe things, let

things pass by, learn on something, let go something and finally realise on

something. Somehow and somewhere, we have actually learned, graduated and

liberated out of something without much attention on it. In other words, every

one of us has actually tasted a ‘little’ awakening moment in one way or

another. This will be a good or sweet motivation for one to elevate up

spiritually and move forward until one is ready to fully liberate from the vicious

cycle of samsāra.

Remember - there is no mind, no memory, no becoming, no clinging, no desire,

no ignorance, no happiness, no sadness, no changing in the eternal bliss of

nibbāna. Meditate, meditate and meditate! Have boundless compassion and

loving-kindness along the way.


A stream of loving-kindness and compassion would conjure up empathy,







Q2 Your previous posts about kamma didn't really answer my questions they

just explained more of your views. Again, my question is how do you square

the notion of an individual kamma passing from life to life, in your description

people would be suffering from the effects of other’s actions? Also how can

one progress toward enlightenment if it takes more than one life? For example

a stream enterer is said to be certain to achieve liberation within 7 lifetimes, if

his kammic seeds are scattered at death and arise in others how could this be

so? How does one attain enlightenment across more than one life if the

kamma/merit is dispersed at death?

A2 On the kamma reaping among individuals, one needs an in-depth

understanding into the principle of emptiness. If truly one is only to one, an

eye is only for an eye, then, there is no need for rebirth, just trans-migration.

Can things be in absolute discrete orientation? Please refer to the real

meaning of emptiness described in accordance with Buddhism.

Stream-enterer (Sotāpanna)

It is also known as the first stage of enlightenment and is said to have ‘opened

the eye of the Dhamma’ and would reach arahantship within seven rebirths.

Let us look at the following illustration on the seven rebirths of stream-enterer:

-

For an ignorant being

During a disintegrating process, the elements of prevailing consciousness or

so-called the ‘chain of consciousness’ would die out and the force of

Ignorance (an outward tendency force) would overcome the force of Awakening

(an inward tendency force). Subsequently, the elements of subtle

consciousness would liberate into fragments. The amount of liberated


within the being.

For an ignorant being, the level of Ignorance would surpass the level of



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sot%C4%81panna



amount of liberated fragments.

For an awakened being

During a disintegrating process, the elements of prevailing consciousness or

so-called the ‘chain of consciousness’ would die out and the force of

Ignorance (an outward tendency force) would still overcome the force of

Awakening (an inward tendency force). Subsequently, the elements of subtle

consciousness would liberate into fragments. However, the amount of liberated

fragments is much lesser than an ignorant being because there is lower

intensity of Ignorance as compared with the intensity of Awakening. Also, the

dispersion of liberated fragments is more confined and restricted to much

fewer new individuals.

Supposedly, Individual A, Individual B, Individual C are three different beings

that have reached the stage of stream-enterer in the same or different

lifetime.

Let’s say, 65 points of the realised elements is a minimum benchmark for a

qualified stream-enterer,

100 points of the realised elements is for a qualified Arahant.

Note: -

RN = the elements of realisation

IG = the elements of ignorance

SC = the elements of subtle consciousness

[ORIGINAL BASE]

Individual A Individual B Individual C

RN65 IG35 RN65 IG35 RN65 IG35

SC-A1 rn20 ig5 SC-B1 rn20 ig5 SC-C1 rn20 ig5


SC-A3 rn10 ig10 SC-B3 rn10 ig10 SC-C3 rn10 ig10 END

SC-A4 rn10 ig5 SC-B4 rn10 ig5 SC-C4 rn10 ig5 CHAPTER



[1ST REBIRTH]

Individual A-B-C Individual B-A-C Individual C-A-B


SC-A1 rn20 ig5 SC-C1 rn20 ig5 SC-B1 rn20 ig5

SC-B2 rn20 ig5 SC-A2 rn20 ig5 SC-C2 rn20 ig5

SC-A3 rn10 ig10 SC-C3 rn10 ig10 SC-B3 rn10 ig10 EARLY

SC-C4 rn10 ig5 SC-B4 rn10 ig5 SC-A4 rn10 ig5 CHAPTER

SC-C5 rn5 ig10 SC-B5 rn5 ig10 SC-A5 rn5 ig10




SC-A3 rn10 ig10 SC-C3 rn10 ig10 SC-B3 rn10 ig10 END

SC-C4 rn10 ig5 SC-B4 rn10 ig5 SC-A4 rn10 ig5 CHAPTER


[2ND REBIRTH]

Individual A-C-B Individual B-C-A Individual C-B-A


SC-C1 rn20 ig5 SC-A1 rn20 ig5 SC-B1 rn20 ig5

SC-B2 rn20 ig5 SC-C2 rn20 ig5 SC-A2 rn20 ig5

SC-A3 rn10 ig10 SC-B3 rn10 ig10 SC-C3 rn10 ig10 EARLY




SC-C1 rn20 ig5 SC-A1 rn20 ig5 SC-B1 rn20 ig5


SC-A3 rn15 ig5 SC-B3 rn15 ig5 SC-C3 rn15 ig5 END



[3RD REBIRTH]

Individual A-BC Individual B-AC Individual C-AB




SC-C3 rn15 ig5 SC-A3 rn15 ig5 SC-B3 rn15 ig5 EARLY





SC-B2 rn25 SC-A2 rn25 SC-C2 rn25

SC-C3 rn15 ig5 SC-A3 rn15 ig5 SC-B3 rn15 ig5 END




[4TH REBIRTH]

Individual A-CB Individual B-CA Individual C-BA




SC-C3 rn15 ig5 SC-B3 rn15 ig5 SC-A3 rn15 ig5 EARLY

SC-A4 rn10 ig5 SC-C4 rn10 ig5 SC-B4 rn10 ig5 CHAPTER





SC-C3 rn15 ig5 SC-B3 rn15 ig5 SC-A3 rn15 ig5 END

SC-A4 rn15 SC-C4 rn15 SC-B4 rn15 CHAPTER


[5TH REBIRTH]

Individual AB-C Individual BA-C Individual CA-B



SC-B2 rn25 SC-C2 rn25 SC-A2 rn25

SC-C3 rn15 ig5 SC-B3 rn15 ig5 SC-A3 rn15 ig5 EARLY

SC-C4 rn15 SC-A4 rn15 SC-B4 rn15 CHAPTER





SC-C3 rn20 SC-B3 rn20 SC-A3 rn20 END



[6TH REBIRTH]

Individual BC-A Individual CB-A Individual AC-B




SC-A3 rn20 SC-B3 rn20 SC-C3 rn20 EARLY





SC-A1 rn25 SC-B1 rn25 SC-C1 rn25


SC-A3 rn20 SC-B3 rn20 SC-C3 rn20 END



[LAST REBIRTH]

Individual A-E Individual B-E Individual C-E


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the same person (the new person) is neither identical to, nor entirely different

from, the old consciousness, but forms part of a causal continuum or stream

with it. The basic cause for this persistent re-arising of personality is the

abiding of consciousness in ignorance; when ignorance is uprooted, rebirth

ceases.

Q3 In your illustration of how a stream enterer would attain liberation across

lives you claim that the fragmented consciousness would only recombine with

other fragments at the same stage of kamma. Is that how it works for

everyone that our fragments can only combine with those with the same kind

of kamma?

A3 Perhaps, you have heard of the natural law of attraction i.e. like attracts

like, unlike repels unlike. Our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions produce


energies which, in turn, attract like energies. For instance, if you initiate with

positive thoughts all the time, it would attract favourable energies and things or

happenings would turn out positively. This is how the calling of prayers onto

someone works – transference of merit via the influence of mind over matter.

The natural law of attraction also spells out the orientation of the law of

kamma i.e. on how the seeds of kamma would transform into the fruits of

kamma. For example, Seed A would emit energy A which, in turn, attract like

energies elsewhere. Upon maturity, Seed A would attract sufficient like

energies and subsequently transform Seed A into Fruit A.

Like energies

Therefore, similar characteristics of subtle conscious fragments among

different individuals would attract with each other – just like the phrase,

‘Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.’

Q4 Another question is why doesn't consciousness disperse entirely at

death, why into discrete fragments?

A4 Why disperse in discrete fragments? It is because there is an element of

grasping among ignorant beings. As a living being, we have intact with both the

prevailing and subtle mind consciousness within our physical body. When we

perform concentration on an object or a matter, we engage with our prevailing

mind consciousness. When the mind is in roaming state as in daydreaming, we

engage with the subtle mind consciousness. The prevailing conscious mind is

like mind-in-command i.e. the mind that can lead and convey action. However,

subtle conscious mind is like herd of wild horses - roaming in discrete

Seed A

Fruit A


directions and needed domestication. In a departed being, the prevailing

conscious mind that acts as a guarding chain to the wild subtle conscious mind

would die out and one would notice a final burst of energy taking place before

death. Subsequently, the subtle conscious mind would liberate and roam freely

in discrete directions.

In other words, while being alive, we make use of our prevailing conscious mind

to take charge, to lead, to make decision, to concentrate and to contain our

subtle conscious mind but not after the demise period of time. By then, the

subtle mind consciousness that remains as souls or spirits would continue with

its wilderness characteristics. Only when one has progressed into a more

awakening state while being alive could the wilderness be tamed i.e. less

dispersion into more discrete directions or new individuals.

Q5 Regarding beginning-less, the problem is positing a first cause. In your

model, what is the very first cause for phenomena to come into balance? In

terms of the material Universe, what is the first cause for the start of the

Universe, or how does something arise from nothing?

A5 Let us regard the world of nature as universal that bears with both the

inherent and the dependent qualities – on whether it is a fact or otherwise, I’ll

leave it for you to investigate. Anything that inherently exists would not

involve change and created objects cannot inherently exist since that would

involve change. An enlightened mind would see and realise into this fact

without hesitation.

Buddhism advocates emptiness as a quality that exists everywhere in the

dependent nature. Whereas, modern scientists acknowledge that energy is a

quality that can neither be created nor destroyed and the sum of all energies in

a system is a constant or never changes. In other words, energy is everywhere

as well because it has always been in existence within a system. Therefore, we

could conclude that both emptiness and energy are fundamental qualities

because every single thing or happening would involve with the elements of

emptiness and energy in the dependent nature. For general understanding,

conditional phenomenon is a necessary prerequisite for energy to exist; without

it, the existence would be impossible. On another front, emptiness is a


necessary prerequisite for any objects to exist; without it, the object would be

impossible.

Now, how does something arise from nothing? Frankly speaking, something

that arises as in object is not out of nothing. In the material Universe, there

are plenty of existences or activities that cannot be discerned by our naked

eyes. When we mention that the elements of emptiness and energy are

everywhere in a system of dependent nature, it means that both of these

qualities have fully occupied such a system. Therefore, we could conclude that

something as in object would arise out of the elements of energy that exist in a

system. This is because energy and matter are simply two aspects of the

same thing, both reflected in different forms per se (as in Einstein’s formula, E

= mc2). And since we are unable to discern the elements of energy with our

naked eyes, we would name it as empty instead of nothing.








terms i.e. balance and imbalance. Under a balanced phenomenon, aggregation

would arise and one could witness multiple shapes or forms. Under an

imbalanced phenomenon, segregation would arise and one could witness no




that in turn conjures up the elements of energy. Since the dawn of time,

energy has been in existence within the system of dependent nature (inherent

existence). Under a balanced phenomenon, the elements of energy would turn

into the elements of matter through the process of aggregation. Likewise,

under an imbalanced phenomenon, the elements of matter would turn into the

elements of energy through the process of segregation (dependent arising). In

other words, the material Universe is merely a momentary appearance conjured

up from a continuum of orientating energy and matter in space under the


influence of conditional phenomena. Just like ice, water and steam are




In the nature, there would be a multiple of material Universes existing under

the influence of conditional phenomena. The material Universe in itself is never

stagnant; instead it is very much alive – continuously contracting and

expanding (in extrapolating manner). As a conclusion, the earliest existence

since the dawn of time would be the first cause in the dependent nature.

Q6 Can you explain more about what you mean here about the dawn of time

and the first cause? Earlier you said that energy and emptiness don’t have a

beginning. There is a logic problem with positing a first cause. I don’t really

understand what your view is here?

A6 The dawn of time means the earliest period of time. Now, let us analyse

into time. Some people may say time is an illusion and does not exist after all.

So what is time? Frankly speaking, time is something that is created, not born

(a non-natural existence). Time is an indicator for event; whereas length, width

and height are indicators for size and volume. All of these indicators belong to

a category named as dimension. In other words, dimension is created for the

task of measurement per se and therefore, not something that arises out

naturally. Also, time is a scalar factor. A scalar refers to a quantity or

phenomenon that exhibits magnitude only, with no specific direction. Example

of scalars include speed, mass, electrical resistance, and hard-drive storage

capacity. Any interval of time is also scalar - it has magnitude only.

Time dilation?

When an object is set under an accelerating motion, the becoming process of

the object would be stretched as compared with a relative object that is set

under a constant or a decelerating motion. In other words, the becoming

process of the object has been slowed down comparatively and not the time

that has been dilated or slowed down. Time would only assume the expression

that the becoming process has slowed down and not the other way round.


Literally, the slowing down of the becoming process would mean the slowing

down of the aging process for a sentient being. This is the correct

understanding behind the thought experiment of twin paradox which concerns a

twin who flies off in a spaceship traveling near the speed of light and returns to

discover that his or her twin sibling has aged much more.

Similarly, the word of time has been used frequently for expressing different

scenario of becoming processes, such as follows: -

NO TIME = an expression of no opportunity for a new becoming process to

begin.

TIME TO TIME = an expression of moving from the past to the present

becoming process; the present to the future becoming process.

TIME PASSED SLOWLY = an expression of hoping for a faster becoming

process.

TIME DILATION = an expression that the becoming process slows down.

Time arising in the Dependent Nature

There is time in the dependent nature but not in the inherent nature. This is

because there is a continuum of rising and falling events in the dependent

nature. As for the inherent nature, there is non-existence of time because

nothing has ever changed i.e. beginning-less and end-less. Right now, is there

a first cause in the dependent nature? Yes, there is. The first cause in the

dependent nature is the dependent nature itself. Without the dependent

nature, no things or events would arise. In other words, dependent nature is

the earliest existence since the dawn of time.

The two sides of Truth

We have to realise that there are two sides of truth in existence i.e. the

conventional truth and the ultimate truth. When addressing a problem, in the

first place, we need to ensure whether our point of view is from the

conventional or the ultimate perspective. For example, from the conventional


perspective, we would agree that duality or multiplicity does exist. Therefore,

nibbāna is a phenomenon because we are speaking as a subject on the other

side of the object or matter. In other words, the subject is pondering on the

object or matter - phenomenon arises. However, from the ultimate

perspective, we would then agree that no duality or multiplicity

arises. Therefore, nibbāna is not a phenomenon (also applies on all other

things) because there is no subject to ponder on the object or matter. In other

words, no phenomenon arises if we speak from the ultimate perspective.

Conventional truth is a subjective and a relative truth. This means the truth




observers or minds. Whereas, an ultimate truth is a reality that exists beyond

mind and beyond concepts and words in the sense that it is beyond our usual

ways of perceiving things. Language and conception only imply that things

exist in distinct manners i.e. wise person, dumb person, saint, devil, etc. - in

such well-defined and independent categories. Perceiving ultimate reality is

seeing that things do not exist in these fantasised, impossible ways, in black

and white categories.


If one stays on with seeing the conventional truth only, one would remain in

samsāra,

If one stays on with seeing both the conventional and the ultimate truth, one

has the choice of remaining either in samsāra or nibbāna,

If one stays on with seeing the ultimate truth only, one would remain in nibbāna.

The Characteristics of Emptiness and Energy

Both emptiness and energy are universal qualities. It means that emptiness

and energy are inherent existing and dependent arising concurrently. Firstly,

let us analyse into emptiness. Emptiness corresponds to two distinct

scenarios:




It means that if we focus purely on seeing emptiness, it cannot be

segmented or dissected further to see the real origin. Emptiness exists

in the way it appears in direct perception and does not constitute some

false appearances concealing a lack of inherent existence. Therefore,

it has an unchanging nature that all conventional phenomena lack.

This conclusion is made from the ultimate perspective - seeing into the

within of the within.




It means that emptiness would not exist without a dependent partner. If

there were no objects to analyse, then emptiness as such could not be

realised. Without objects, there can be no emptiness - a

circumstance that points to emptiness of emptiness. This conclusion is

made from the conventional perspective - seeing as a subject on the

other side of the object or matter.

As for energy, it corresponds to the same distinct scenarios: -

1. It corresponds to the inherent existence (due to unchanging nature) –

the sum of all energies in a system is a constant or never changes. This

phenomenon would give rise to no becoming process i.e. no beginning

and no ending processes.

2. It corresponds to the dependent arising (a conditional phenomenon) –

energy is ever transforming (changing nature). This phenomenon would

give rise to becoming process i.e. beginning and ending processes.

In summary, the Buddha has laid emphasis that one should see in all angles of

things or matters while pursuing the ultimate truth or reality. Without it, any

conclusions made out of one’s observation would not be balanced or in a

wholesome nature. Be wise, be wholesome, be neutralised!


Q7 Thanks for the explanation, really well thought out. I think the question

still remains to me, what was the cause for the first moment of ignorance to

arise? Or maybe in your scenario, balanced phenomena. Doesn't everything

have a cause? Therefore what is the cause for the very first moment of

dependent phenomena, why didn't it arise earlier or later than it did?

A7 Ignorance in the Dependent Origination

Now, let us analyse more into ignorance. Ignorance means the condition of

being uneducated, unaware, uninformed or lack of knowledge, education,

awareness. So what is being uneducated, unaware, uninformed of? The answer

is the mind. For general understanding, mind is a necessary prerequisite for

ignorance to exist; without it, the ignorance would be impossible. Therefore,

both the ignorance and the mind are empty because each element is inter-

dependent on one another to arise. According to the principle of emptiness, all

objects exist conditionally without an eternal essence. They only exist in

relation to each other as appearances that in turn vary as per the perceptions

of the beholders.

What the Buddha has mentioned is that mind is the forerunner of all states.

And with ignorance blindfolding the mind since the dawn of time, suffering

arises and continues to arise in the dependent nature. As such, the first link

i.e. ignorance in the doctrine of Dependent Origination as taught by the Buddha

cannot be translated as the first cause in the dependent nature. This doctrine

did not stress the importance of the first cause in the dependent nature but

rather focus on the first cause of suffering. Suffering arises because there is

mind arising - with ignorance as the key factor that clouded the mind from

seeing the reality of things or happenings. The wise Buddha has merely seen

the urgency to put a complete end to dukkha - right here, right now. All other

matters are considered as trivial if compared with the reality of dukkha arising

in the samsāra.

In the Buddhist context, we do know that the dependent nature is known as

samsāra. Samsāra literally means ‘continuous flow’- referring to a repeating

cycle of birth, life, death and re-birth. In other words, there is a repeating

cycle of rising and falling activities that in turn would give rise to the balanced

and the imbalanced phenomena as being observed by the mind. Therefore, the


doctrine of Dependent Origination that outlines part of the Buddha’s teachings

on the nature of existence cannot be directly translated as a linear point of

reference. This is because the conventional reality does not work in-linear but

in inter-dependence, inter-woven and inter-relation since the dawn of time in a

very comprehensive and complicated network of existence.

The discovery of reality cannot be limited by words, be it written or spoken. A

single word could spell out a thousand and one interpretations. Nowadays, the

essence of the Buddhadhamma still remains intact but not its interpretation

and this is one of the biggest challenges faced by Buddhism. As again, one

should see the ultimate reality through direct experience and not through blind

faith. Be moderated, be balanced and be kind to your mind. Once the mind is

at ease and in a perfectly still condition, the truth would arise concurrently.

Have a lot of patience and compassion along the way. More importantly, have

a nice day!

Mind and Natural phenomenon

Nature is a phenomenon. Phenomenon is thing that appears to or is perceived

by senses. Therefore, natural phenomenon is thing that appears to or is

perceived by the mind senses. When there is no mind arising, no natural

phenomenon would arise. When there is mind arising, the natural phenomenon

would arise. In other words, the mind is closely related to the phenomenon,

and the phenomenon is closely related to the mind - just like shadow follows

the body.

Inherent or dependent nature is a classification being performed by the mind.

Without the mind, the classification of natural phenomenon is impossible.

Therefore, the mind and the natural phenomenon are inter-dependent of each

other. There is no separate case of cause, no separate case of effect. Both

the mind and the natural phenomenon are cause and effect at the same time.

In fact, cause and effect are simply two aspects of the same thing, both

reflected in a different time of events. And the reality does not exist in a linear

orientation - therefore, there is no real first cause, no real first effect. Cause

and effect are inter-depending, inter-waving and inter-relating with each other.

This is how the conventional reality works!


Q8 I find your latest explanation here spot on. I think where I disagree is

where you say that a moment of ignorance arises from memory. I don't see

why a memory can't be free of ignorance and why one moment of ignorance

can't be simply said to arise from a previous moment of ignorance. The 12

links of Dependent Origination do have a circular causality and not a linear

one. In your initial presentations you talk about a start and even a dawn of

time, maybe you're just using these in a loose way and they're throwing me off.

A8 Memory and Ignorance

Ignorance means the condition of being uneducated, unaware, uninformed or

lack of knowledge, education, awareness. Whereas, memory refers to the act

of retaining and recalling impressions, facts, etc.; remembrance; recollection;

recognising previous experiences or past events or knowledge.

When one is proclaimed as an ignorant being, it means the person is

uneducated, unaware, uninformed of some kind of things or happenings that

arise beforehand and this would mean the past events that have been retained

and recalled as references for the present and the future events. Without any

references deriving from the recorded past events, the present and the future

events could not begin at all i.e. the past event is linked to the present event

and the present event is linked to the future event.

Let us illustrate, for Ignorance 1 to link to Ignorance 1-1 and Ignorance 1-1 to

link to Ignorance 1-1-1, the memory involvement is inevitable. Without it, the

linking processes of the past, present and future could not take place at all. In

a layman term, this process is called the becoming and re-becoming within

beings or things. If the memory aspect is absent, the cycle of rising and falling

activities in the dependent nature would be deemed impossible because all the

things or happenings are inter-depending, inter-waving and inter-relating with

one another.

Without the elements of memory, whatever information generated from the

past events would be instantly forgotten or erased and the progression of

becoming or rebirth process would be impossible across the time stream (past,

present and future). Therefore, the elements of ignorance and memory are


closely inter-dependent of each other – just like, shadow follows the body.


…




Effect 1-1-1 conjures up Cause 1-1-1-1,

…, etc.

…

Memory 1 conjures up Ignorance 1,

Ignorance 1 conjures up Memory 1-1,

Memory 1-1 conjures up Ignorance 1-1-1,

Ignorance 1-1-1 conjures up Memory 1-1-1-1,

…, etc.

Q9 Ignorance isn't merely incorrect intellectual knowledge, it also includes

misconception. I can easily imagine someone with severe Alzheimer's still

grasping at an innately existing self. A newborn being has no memory of a

previous life but still has the ignorance of an ‘I.’ Insects are considered

sentient beings but do they have a memory or do they act merely upon

instinct, and do they have ignorance or are they enlightened?

A9 Let us analyse more into the elements of memory. Memory refers to the

act of retaining and recalling impressions, facts, etc.; remembrance;

recollection; recognising previous experiences or past events or knowledge. In

psychology, memory is defined as an organism's ability to store, retain, and

recall information and experiences.


stored and recalled in the integrated elements. This recorded information

would act as a reference for the present and the future events. Without any

references deriving from the recorded past events, the present and the future


events could not begin at all i.e. the past event is linked to the present event

and the present event is linked to the future event.

Basically, the elements of memory would involve with two key functions i.e.

deposits and withdrawals of information – the act of retaining and recalling

facts. If the elements of memory are absent, the process of replication could

not arise in beings or things at all. When we mention the replicating process

could not arise in all beings or things, it means the elements of memory would

also involve with non-living things.

For example, ice, water and steam are different appearances deriving from the

orientation of H2O properties under the influence of the external conditions. In

other words, it is the orientation of H2O properties that has taken place to

conjure up the momentary outcome of it. Without the elements of memory

within the H2O properties, it would be impossible for the ice, the water and the

steam to resurface into their respective appearances repeatedly under the

varying external conditions. Also, the elements of memory would bear with

both the seeds and the fruits of kamma. The seeds of kamma are comparable

to deposits of information and the fruits of kamma are comparable to

withdrawals of the deposited information upon maturity. Now, let us analyse

into your three mentioned cases: -

Case 1

Misconception is defined as a mistaken thought, idea, or notion; a

misunderstanding. Therefore, misconception is part of ignorance that arises

within beings. However, a mistaken thought, idea, notion or a misunderstanding

could not arise out of thin air. Definitely, it has to arise out of some kind of

references, namely, the previous events that have taken place beforehand.

Therefore, the elements of ignorance and memory are closely inter-dependent

of each other – just like shadow follows the body. Once again, ignorance

cannot stand alone. The rise of ignorance has to depend on the withdrawal of

deposited information from the previous events and the deposited information

can only be redeemed from the elements of memory.


Case 2

It is not correct to mention that a newborn being has no memory of a previous

life. Remember, the elements of memory have two main functions i.e. deposits

and withdrawals of information – the act of retaining and recalling facts. Every

single newborn being would surely bear with the seeds of kamma deriving from

the previous lives. The seeds of kamma are comparable to deposits of

information and the fruits of kamma are comparable to withdrawals of the

deposited information upon maturity.

In other words, it is not that the newborn being has no memory of a previous

life but rather the fruits of kamma have not ripened yet. Only upon maturity

could the newborn being start to recall events related to his or her previous

lives. As again, the elements of ignorance and memory are closely inter-

dependent of each other – just like shadow follows the body.

Case 3

Instinct refers to a natural or innate impulse, inclination, or tendency; inborn

pattern of behaviour often responsive to specific stimuli. In other words, the

so-called natural, innate impulse or inborn pattern of behaviour can be referred

as the seeds of kamma or inheritance from the previous lives. As again, the

elements of memory involve with two key functions i.e. deposits and

withdrawals of information – the act of retaining and recalling facts. The seeds

of kamma are comparable to deposits of information and the fruits of kamma

are comparable to withdrawals of the deposited information upon maturity.

In other words, instinct would give rise to the seeds of kamma and the seeds of

kamma would give rise to ignorance. As such, there would be no enlightenment

until all the seeds and fruits of kamma are neutralised completely.


Q10 My question is simply, the metaphor of the spilled coffee is interesting,

but are you saying that because some of the component parts are being

reused, that's rebirth? In the metaphor you put the cup of coffee back

together. So I am made of atoms born in the heart of an exploding star. Does

that make me a reborn star? If so, what is being reborn?

A10 The short answer is energy. No one can kill energy. Energy can neither

be created nor destroyed and the total sum of all energies in a system is a

constant or never changes as per the Law of Conservation of Energy being

acknowledged by modern scientists. Energy would only transform. To

transform is to change. To change is to become. To become is to reborn. So

energy is ever ‘reborn’ all the time in the dependent nature.

All consciousnesses, mental activities, minds, souls, spirits, ghosts, memories,

dreams, illusions, emotions, affections are part of the elements of energy.

When we talk about energy, we talk about the ability to change or do work. So

without energy, there is no chance for such ability to arise and no chance for

change at all.

Q11 And does then an enlightened person has no memory?

A11 When the Buddha has gained enlightenment at age 35, he still has his

awakened mind working for the next 45 years i.e. the Buddha still has his mind,

memory and body remaining intact until one last time of disintegrating process

i.e. the passing into parinibbāna. Only then, could the mind be liberated

ultimately. In other words, when one has gained enlightenment while sustaining

with a living body, the mind would still exist but with a paradigm shift toward

seeing all the things or happenings in the ultimate perspectives without

delusion or hesitation. The mind has not gained with a complete liberation yet

and this circumstance is also known as cessation with remainder. The ultimate

liberation or cessation without remainder can only be achieved without

sustaining a living body. Arahant is the fourth stage of enlightenment that is

also known as the stage of cessation with remainder in contrast with

parinibbāna that is known as cessation without remainder.


Q12 I need some guidance on this - Whenever I meditate, I reached the

'falling off a step' point.....then it is really very tranquil. Are you familiar with

this? There is only the breath at that point. The only thing is that I can’t

sustain it, maybe for a minute or so. I have heard it is one pointed-ness, but

not sure, any advice?

A12 As you are aware, there are two types of meditation in Buddhism. One

is samatha and the other is vipassanā meditation. Samatha meditation is to

calm or tranquil the mind by means of concentration. Whereas, vipassanā

meditation is to mould the mind into seeing all things as they really are – an

insight into the true nature of reality. The main focus of vipassanā meditation

is to attain pure awareness via mindfulness. Vipassanā is often preceded by

samatha but nonetheless, both types are inter-dependable throughout the

practices in order to achieve favourable results in meditation.

Right now, let us analyse into the mind. For general understanding, the mind is

comprised with two terms i.e. prevailing consciousness and subtle

consciousness. The prevailing mind consciousness would separate from the

subtle mind consciousness when one enters deeply into a meditative state (in

full concentration), thus the sensation of 'falling off a step' as per your

mentioned experience. The main reason for engaging samatha meditation is to

calm or tranquil the wilderness of the subtle conscious mind. Thereafter, the




Q13 I’d like to get your views on the true nature or true self as mentioned

somewhere in the Dhamma. I think it is the eight consciousnesses, ‘memory’

or storehouse, any inputs?

A13 Well, my short responses would be: the true nature is the Buddha nature

and the true self is the non-self. In order for one to search the truth in all

things, one would need to see through the origin of all things. One of the more

direct ways of searching or seeing it is to refer to the doctrine of Dependent

Origination. Append below, please find the version of Dependent Origination

from my perspectives on the true nature: -






















A stream of balanced phenomena would conjure up aggregation,




















phenomenon.


and the falling activities in the dependent nature.

Basically, the term ‘self’ that is used in our daily conversation is merely an

expression for our minds to comprehend on our day-to-day communication

with the rest of individuals. However, this expression does not grant us with an

unchanging or a permanent ownership of our minds and bodies. The ‘I’ or

‘you’ or ‘we’ (five khandhas) is purely part of the becoming processes in the

dependent nature. Both our minds and bodies would constantly orientate and

evolve in accordance with the subjected conditions. In fact, mind and body are

simply two aspects of the same thing.

If you refer to the above cycle of Dependent Origination, manas that unfolds

against the backdrop of consciousness (preliminary) is an architect that

activates mind and body creations. Manas would vibrate in a certain unique

frequency – a wave of collated high and low vibrations. This blueprint of

vibrations would subsequently bring forth the conflation of mind and body.

The principle in effect: the lower the frequency, the slower the vibration; the

higher the frequency, the faster the vibration. Slower vibration would lead to

the body and the sense bases formation and faster vibration would lead to the

mind formation. Collectively, it brings about a new life existence with a unique

individuality that would not allow the disruption by any kind of external

interference; thus it maintains a self-identity.

In other words, mind and body are present in every created thing as one

integrated whole. Even an atom has a kind of mind that is unique or




person or as one thing is different from another thing.


The physical body is shaped up as an appearance due to the existence of

matter and it is basically concerted, aggregated or concentrated or wrapped

energy. In other words, appearance is merely a momentary outcome of the

process of aggregation that varies according to the subjected conditions. For

example, ice, water and steam are different appearances deriving from the



conjure up the momentary outcome of it. As for the mind, it is also originated

from the process of aggregation that conjures up the elements of memory and

consciousness and varies under the influence of conditional phenomena.

So right now, let us see into the relationships between awareness,

consciousness and mind. Awareness is a ground condition that ‘supports’

consciousness. The nature of awareness is effulgence and it is in a not-

knowing state before the appearance of object. Pure nature of awareness is

also known as the Buddha nature. Consciousness, on the other hand, is

appearance of objects in the mind. When awareness touches on objects,

consciousness would arise simultaneously. Consciousness is naturally looking

outward to objects and it is flitting all the time. In addition, consciousness is

synergy i.e. energy that expands through cooperation. Synergy is a key to the

geometric expansion of consciousness and thus the arising of its two terms i.e.

prevailing consciousness and subtle consciousness.

On the other hand, mind is a pattern of consciousness which is born from

awareness. In fact, mind is known as consciousness in individuality. Therefore,

the origin of individuality is the same as the origin of the mind. Mind is

something more objective and involves clear discrimination – differentiates and

understands the characteristics of objects. One utilises mind to understand

things because mind understands the manipulation of consciousness. Thus the

delusion of self entity arises among the sentient beings in the dependent

nature.

In the dependent nature, everything or anything (physical or non-physical) that

exists is nothing but energy. And energy is nothing but a mere element of

vibration. The basic level of a matter is energy. The basic level of energy is

vibration. Therefore, matter is a vibrating mass of energy in which the different

frequency of vibration would determine the shape and the size of it. So energy


and matter are both referring to the same thing - both reflected in different

forms per se. Just like cause and effect are the same things - both reflected

in a different time of events.

No duality or multiplicity would arise in the non-existence of the mind. This is

because there is no subject to ponder on the object or matter. When there is

no mind arising, no phenomenon would arise. When there is no phenomenon

arising, no dependent nature would arise. When there is no dependent nature,

there would be no perception, no conception, no label, no boundary, no name,

no activity, no shape, no relation, no description, no stereotyping, no beginning,

no ending, etc. An ultimate reality is a truth that exists beyond mind and

beyond concepts and words in the sense that it is beyond our usual ways of

perceiving things. Language and conception only imply that things exist in

distinct manners i.e. wise person, dumb person, saint, devil, etc. - in such well-

defined and independent categories. Perceiving ultimate reality is seeing that

things do not exist in these fantasised, impossible ways, in black and white

categories.




The ultimate truth does not require any labels for its revelations and therefore,

one has to let go and blow away the mindset that is associated with the ‘-ism’

or ‘-ology’, for it is a system of stereotyping or pre-conditioning. Liberation is

the only right potion to the ultimate truth discovery. In other words, an

ultimate reality is such label-less, bound-less, stereotype-less, colour-less,

beginning-less, end-less and for the ease of our expression, we could

summarise it as the ‘deepest fact about things.’ An enlightened mind is able

to discern the deepest fact about things in crystal clear and without hesitation

after getting rid of the waves of dependent phenomena.

So when we talk about Buddhism, it is all about transforming an ignorant state

of mind into a realised one – a process of enlightenment. To begin with, one






Buddha. Once again, a fully awakened state of mind would not require any

labeling, colouring, stereotyping, beginning, ending, etc. All subjects and objects

are in completely neutralised state of affairs - when this arising, that arises;

when this ceasing, that ceases.

Q14 Buddhitakso, I am curious as to why these laws exist, and what

regulates them? What initiates thoughts? Why are thoughts more powerful

than other vibrations? Why does magnetism exist? How did you come to

know this?

A14 Please find my responses as below: -

Why are there universal laws arising in the dependent nature?

It is purely because of the emptiness arising. Emptiness represents a quality

i.e. a characteristic property. Emptiness is generally understood as absence in

the static entity and devoid of inherent existence for all created objects or

things. In fact, emptiness is a universal quality that corresponds to the

dependent arising and the inherent existence concurrently in a place named as

nature.

So let us dwell on a bit into nature. Nature is originally referred to essential

qualities or innate disposition; related to the intrinsic characteristics that

plants, animals, and other features of the world develop of their own accord.

These essential qualities of nature can be divided into two categories i.e.

inherence and dependence. Both of these qualities as observed by the mind

would exist concurrently in a harmonious orientation. Therefore, it is

imperative for one to understand that nature is sufficiently universal and

infinite in its original disposition and is governed by the universal laws. In other

words, there are two aspects of nature - the dependence and the inherence.

These two aspects would exist concurrently and can be illustrated in a

mathematical equation as below: -


Two Facets of Nature

Facet 1 --> ...(-2+2) + (-16+16) + (-832+832) + (-133+133) + (0) + (-54+54) +

...., etc. = 0 <-- Facet 2

References: -

Facet 1


= the existence of mind - that conjures up perceptions, conceptions, labels,

names, descriptions, shapes, values, languages, etc.





Facet 2


= the absence of mind to conjure up perceptions, conceptions, labels,













= a stage of perfect intermediation = a stage of absence = a complete


realisation of emptiness.

(....) = the law of kamma = the universal law of balancing.


Note : Anything that inherently exists would not involve change and created

objects cannot inherently exist since that would involve change.

What regulates these universal laws?

From the above mathematical equation, one could see that nature would

orientate toward a state of balance, intermediation or absence at all times.

Every existence (sentient, non-sentient, or any material things) consists of

energy and matter that would orientate toward a balanced condition and in

accordance with the equilibrium law of nature. In other words, all things would

only exist in perpetual conditions when there is a balanced circumstance.





or elements, as in a design.

Thus when things run off-balance or when one stirs up in any circumstances

the natural law that maintains equilibrium would take its course to balance it in

one way or another across time and the plane of existence. This natural law is

also known as the law of balancing. In the Buddhist context, the law of

balancing can also be classified as the law of kamma that exists across time

and the plane of existence. The law of kamma is a natural phenomenon law

that is not shaped by someone else; no one owns it; neither Buddhism. It is

merely a law of balancing for all things in order to attain equilibrium in the

nature.

Right now, one may put up with some intriguing questions such as, ‘Why are

we here - breathing, thinking and talking, right now? Why is there the beginning

and then the ending? Why something, why not nothing? Why the law of

kamma?, etc.’ For one to see into the ultimate truth, one has to unwind


everything back to the moment of the origin. We do know things and

happenings exist because it can be known and felt by our senses. And our

minds interpret event or happening as a condition that one has to go through,

to persevere with, to soldier on with, to carry on with or to undertake with,

inevitably. In other words, what exists is defined as that which can be known.

If it cannot be known by the mind, then it does not exist and things can exist

as in fallacy or in reality. Since things and happenings existed long before we

have a slightest opportunity to recognise and understand it well, we are bound

to suffer ignorantly. However, as human beings, we have the wisdom to make

recognition on the entire cycle of events or happenings.


becoming. This becoming process is the main reason for all the things or

happenings that we observe right here, right now, then or later. When there is

a becoming process, there is a changing process. When there is a changing

process, there is a circumstance that shapes up some sort of abilities in this

dependent nature - that is known as ‘energy.’ As such, we are clear now that










energy is a fundamental element in this dependent nature because every single











balanced circumstance, there is a chance for the process of formation i.e.

under a balanced phenomenon, one could witness shapes or forms arising;

under an imbalanced phenomenon, one could witness no shapes or forms

arising - and the cycle of conditional phenomena continues repeatedly.














Buddhism is all about transformation from an ignorant state of mind into a

realised one. And an enlightened mind is able to discern the deepest fact

about things in crystal clear and without hesitation after getting rid of the

waves of dependent phenomena.

What initiates thoughts?

Let us ponder at the cycle of dependent origination shown as below: -





















The elements of consciousness within the sentient beings would initiate

thoughts or acts that are devoid of inherent existence. For every rising force

of thoughts or acts, a new equal opposing force would arise as well across the

time stream (past, present and future) and the plane of existence. Continuous

rising and falling of thoughts or acts would shape the wheel of life.

Why are thoughts more powerful than other vibrations?

It is because of the mind arising. For general understanding, awareness is a

ground condition that ‘supports’ consciousness. The nature of awareness is


Pure nature of awareness is also known as the Buddha nature. Consciousness,

on the other hand, is appearance of objects in the mind. When awareness

touches on objects, consciousness would arise simultaneously. Consciousness

is naturally looking outward to objects and it is flitting all the time. In addition,

consciousness is synergy i.e. energy that expands through cooperation.

Synergy is a key to the geometric expansion of consciousness and thus the

arising of its two terms i.e. prevailing consciousness and subtle consciousness.






things because mind understands the manipulation of consciousness - thus the


delusion of self entity arises among the sentient beings in the dependent

nature.

Besides, no duality or multiplicity would arise in the non-existence of the

mind. This is because there is no subject to ponder on the object or







beyond our usual ways of perceiving things. Language and conception only





In absence of the mind, things would appear as in the deepest facts per se i.e.

no label, no boundary, no name, no activity, no shape, no description, etc. This

is because there is no existence in relative to each other as appearances. The

ultimate truth does not require any labels for its revelations and therefore, one

has to let go and blow away the mindset that is associated with the ‘-ism’ or

‘-ology’, for it is a system of stereotyping or pre-conditioning. Liberation is







Why does magnetism exist?

It is due to the workings of the law of balancing in the dependent nature. As

mentioned earlier, nature is a system of constant with a factor of

intermediation or absence. If one stirs up in any phenomena of existence

under volitional or non-volitional term, the natural law that maintains

equilibrium would take its course to balance it in one way or another across


time and the plane of existence. Otherwise, a constant factor cannot be

achieved at all in the nature.

How did you come to know this?

It is all from my direct experiences and insights on the nature and its

orientation with some co-inputs from the general science and Buddhism. I

have deep interest in the teachings of the Buddha but nowadays, what I could

see is only the rising of a popular culture known as ‘stamped’ Buddhism.

Perhaps, Gautama Buddha was visionary in seeing the rising of Dhamma-Ending

Age (the rare attaining of Enlightenment Age) after 1,500 years of his passing

into parinibbāna.

Q15 Personally, I don't know what enlightenment is? Any advice?

A15 Enlightenment means a complete realisation of emptiness, a stage of

perfect intermediation, a stage of absence, and a cessation of suffering in the

dependent nature.

Suffering means to ‘bear with.’ To ‘let go’ is the antonym of it. When no

grasping arises, the becoming process would slow down. This is because

everything in the dependent nature is nothing but energy. Energy is nothing

but mere vibration. When the becoming process slows down, it means energy

is vibrating at lower frequencies. When the becoming process ceases, energy

literally stops vibrating. Energy just got frozen. Zero vibration means zero

becoming. Zero becoming means an absolute cessation of any changing

processes. Thus an absolute stage of absence is achieved. Absence means a

perfect state of balance. Therefore, absence is not about nothingness but

instead it is about no-thing-ness. No thing means no becoming or no changing.

No changing means no suffering. No suffering means no mind.

Mind is the forerunner of all states. No mind means a completely neutralised

state of affairs - that is nibbāna.


Q16 Correction - In the physical world, nothing stops completely. In

physics, we have something called zero-point energy or the lowest level which

energy could exist. Scientists have discovered that Hydrogen (the smallest

molecule in the Universe with a single atom) cannot freeze completely (which

means it will stop moving or vibrating). It will cool down to a specific

temperature and then, continue to vibrate and doesn't freeze anymore. This is

why the Universe doesn't just freeze itself in the coldest region - there is

always energy which vibrates in space. Therefore, metaphysically speaking -

as long as there is consciousness, you and I exist.

It is a very interesting point here. Yes, I do concur with you that energy can

neither be stationary nor be created nor be destroyed in the scientific

sense. But how then could we best describe a scenario of 'frozen' energy

here? Let us look at the case of a black hole in the material Universe. Black

holes were originally called frozen stars because they appear to 'freeze' at a

size just slightly bigger than the Schwarzschild radius - the distance at which

all matter within that distance will collapse into the singularity. Around the

black hole, there is a surface called event horizon that marks the point of no

return. Any objects that fall and cross the event horizon would appear to

freeze from the perspective of an observer who is stationary at great distance

from the event horizon. Just as in Einstein’s special theory of relativity, if you

were to enter a black hole, you would find your watch ticking along at the same

rate as it always had but someone else at great distance from the black hole

would see a different ticking rate on your watch than the usual, and you would

see their watch to be ticking at a different than normal rate.

For instance, if you were to station yourself just outside a black hole, while you

would find your own watch ticking at the normal rate, you would see the watch

of a friend at great distance from the hole to be ticking at a much faster rate

than yours. Your friend would see his own watch ticking at a normal rate, but

see your watch to be ticking at a much slower rate. Thus if you stayed just

outside the black hole for a while, then went back to join your friend, you would

find that the friend had aged more than you had during your separation. At the

end of the day, if you were to cross into the event horizon, you appear to

freeze, as seen by your friend and it is only an ‘optical’ illusion that makes

your friend think that you never cross the horizon when in actual fact you did.


Once again, when one talks about energy, one talks about vibration. And

energy can never be stationary at any point of time but it can appear to freeze

under a special circumstance described as above. In other words, when there

are opposing forces, there would be vibration. In the absence of opposing

forces, vibration would cease to exist i.e. it is considered to be blown-off but

not annihilated. This means in the absence of vibration, energy would still exist

but it seems to freeze due to the homologous force arising.

In the Buddhist context, there are two opposing forces arising in the dependent

nature i.e. the force of Awakening (an inward tendency force) and the force of

Ignorance (an outward tendency force). For an ignorant being, during a

disintegrating process, the elements of prevailing consciousness or so-called

the ‘chain of consciousness’ would die out and the force of Ignorance would

overcome the force of Awakening. The elements of subtle consciousness

would then liberate into fragments. The amount of liberated fragments is very

much dependent on the level of Ignorance or Awakening within the being. And

for an ignorant being, the level of Ignorance would surpass the level of




amount of liberated fragments. On the other hand, for a fully awakened being,

the force of Ignorance would be blown-off completely. The remaining force of

Awakening i.e. an inward tendency force would conquest in full scale and thus

conjuring up a circumstance named as the black hole of emptiness i.e. the

eternal bliss of nibbāna.

Q17 I have one question - If a monk wishes to be achieve enlightenment,

does it means that he has desires (to be enlightened)? Is such desire an

awakening force or an ignorant force?

Desire is a mere intention of building castles in the air. Enlightenment can

never be achieved through desire. If a monk tells someone that he wishes or

desires for enlightenment, then it is an ignorant force arising. If the same monk

realises later and tells someone that he is determined to attain enlightenment,

then it is an awakening force arising.


Q18 You are trying to create a difference where there is none. It does not

matter whether the monk uses the word ‘desires’ or ‘determined.’ Desire is

desire – and if a monk meditates and performs spiritual training with

enlightenment in mind, that by it can be considered as desire (to achieve

something).

Yes, I do agree it is rather tricky to define these words clearly for the case of

enlightenment. Perhaps, one could replace the word ‘enlightenment’ with

‘wisdom.’ If one is wise, then one is wise. There can never be a desire to be

wise. Likewise, if one is stupid, then one is stupid. There can never be a

desire to be stupid.

Q19 And yet, wise can lead to ego. Is to know all things consider you are

wise? Or to accept that you know nothing is considered to be wise?

No, I hope you don’t get me wrong on saying enlightenment is equivalent to

wisdom. I am just applying a simile comparison whereby there is no way to

desire for enlightenment, just the same as, there is no way to desire for

wisdom or stupidity. In fact, wisdom is the after-effect of enlightenment, if one

may say so.

While enlightenment is about realisation, wisdom is about applying it into one’s

daily perspectives and decision making, wholesomely. As again, one has to

gain the knowledge first and then apply the understanding and the experience

with common sense and insight – that is wisdom. Meanwhile, stupidity is about

- knowing the truth, seeing the truth but still believing the untruth.

Q20 If there is no way to desire for enlightenment or wisdom, then why

commit spiritual acts or practices? It is obvious that not everyone can

become enlightened, or we all could become enlightened. So, what are the

criteria of a person who can become enlightened over the course of time?

As again, enlightenment and wisdom start with one’s resolute determination

and not one’s strong desire. If you want to gain enlightenment and wisdom,


you’ll need to walk the walk and not talk the talk – that’s the difference

between determination and desire.

Q21 I don’t see a difference between determination and desire. How can

one differentiate between them? A monk can say he is determined to achieve

enlightenment and unknowingly, change that into desire to seek enlightenment

so much so that he refuses everything worldly (including compassion and

mercy toward other less fortunate souls). It is a very thin line between

determination and desire.

As I have mentioned earlier, it is rather tricky to differentiate these words for

any ordinary persons. In fact, there is no absolute condition in every single

thing or circumstance that arises. Just like, the yin-yang concept – each

contains the seed of the other, which is why we see a black spot of Yin in the

white Yang and vice versa. Likewise, a saint can turn into a devil and a devil

can turn into a saint merely by a moment of thought. So, in one moment, a

monk harbours the thought of wishing or desiring for enlightenment, then it is

an ignorant force arising. And on the very next moment, he realises and

inculcates a resolute determination to attain enlightenment, then it is an

awakening force arising.

Q22 Have any Buddhist writers explored whether lack of attachment might

be a bad thing? Personally, I don’t mind enduring some suffering from time to

time that comes with attachment, because I would not want to miss out on the

joys that come from attachment. I don’t see completely ending all of my

suffering as a good thing. It think it takes courage to take risk – to enter into

and develop attachment because you know you may experience suffering, but

the joy of the attachment is worth the risk. I believe it is better to have loved

and lost than never to have loved at all. Could someone point me in the

direction of a discourse or dialogue discussing this exact issue?

In Buddhism, it is mentioned that all mundane desires or attachments would

lead to suffering, ultimately. And desire or attachment is not something that is

sinful or something weird that arises in our existence. As humans, we naturally

have desires or attachments and there is nothing to be shameful about.


What Buddhism has taught is that one should realise the ultimate reality i.e.

desire or attachment would lead to suffering. This is the second Noble Truth

i.e. recognising the cause of suffering. Therefore, if one wishes to stop the

suffering, one needs the determination to see through the origin of the

suffering and work diligently on the correct path to end the state of suffering.

However, if one chooses to recognise the cause of suffering and let the state

of suffering continues in one’s life, then so be it. There is no sin in this

decision.

At the end of the day, Buddhism is an alternate approach for one who needs it

for solace and spiritual liberation. Buddhism may not be acceptable to

individuals who can’t make do without the dependent aspects in life. As again,

there is no right or wrong element here, but simply a personal choice.

Q23 Buddhism hasn't lived up to its promise for me. I haven't devoted my

life to the Dhamma, but I've invested a significant amount of time in studying

as much as I'm able to and invested a significant amount of time into

meditating. I'm not seeking some some profound religious experience or even

jhāna. I'm just seeking peace. Do I need to join a monastery to find it?

I suppose you got it all wrong about Buddhism. Buddhism doesn’t promise you

anything superficial. The earth would still rotate at 24 hours a day as per the

cosmic laws even if you have had attained enlightenment. The first thing that

needed adjustment is your attitude. You just need to see things from the

profound or inner perspectives rather than the conventional or superficial

perspectives. In other words, Buddhism is not about circumstances but

attitude to circumstances. Just change the way you see your surroundings

and you may get a kind of insight different from yesterday.


Q24 There is a “Big Logical Flaw” in saying everything is changing or

impermanent. Please see...

A motion is always with reference to something that is not moving.

A change means with reference to something that is not changing.

So earth is moving with reference to...the sun/stars.

Earth cannot be moving without a “Frame of Reference” that is stationary.

So when I say, ‘Everything is moving...who recognises that change? If the

recogniser is also changing...who recognises this change in the recogniser?

A change...or a movement...is always with reference to changeless entity. So

with reference to what is this changing? “Change is the only thing that is

constant”...is a logical flaw...because what about the truth value of this

statement then?

Please allow me to share with you on some matters pertaining to Buddhism and

the circumstances of nature: -

What is Buddha Nature?

Buddha nature is literally referring to the pure awareness per se. Awareness is

a ground condition that ‘supports’ consciousness. The nature of awareness is





time. In addition, consciousness is synergy i.e. energy that expands through

cooperation. Synergy is a key to the geometric expansion of consciousness

and thus the arising of its two terms i.e. prevailing consciousness and subtle

consciousness. On the other hand, mind is a pattern of consciousness which is

born from awareness. In fact, mind is known as consciousness in individuality.

Therefore, the origin of individuality is the same as the origin of the mind. Mind

is something more objective and involves clear discrimination – differentiates

and understands the characteristics of objects. One utilises mind to

understand things because mind understands the manipulation of

consciousness. In Hindusim, the Self or Ātman is similar to the Buddha nature


arising within individuals – perhaps, the difference merely lies in the word

expression.

Middle Path

In Buddhism, all thoughts and actions are considered as wholesome or

unwholesome only. There is no holy or sinful thought or act in the eyes of the

Buddha. The meaning of wholesome would be in totality of perspective (skillful)

and unwholesome would be in non-totality of perspective (unskillful). In fact,

the Buddha has recommended Middle Path as an ideal approach when

addressing a problem. Middle Path is all about focusing on core, neutral,






According to Buddhism, there two sides of truth in existence i.e. the

conventional truth and the ultimate truth. When addressing a problem, in the

first place, we need to ensure whether our point of view is from the

conventional or ultimate perspective. For example, from the conventional perspective, we would agree that duality or multiplicity does exist. Therefore,

nibbāna is a phenomenon because we are speaking as a subject on the other

side of the object or matter. In other words, the subject is pondering on the

object or matter - phenomenon arises. However, from the ultimate

perspective, we would then agree that no duality or multiplicity

arises. Therefore, nibbāna is not a phenomenon (also applies on all other

things) because there is no subject to ponder on the object or matter. In other

words, no phenomenon arises if we speak from the ultimate perspective.

Conventional Truth





observers or minds. Duality or multiplicity would arise in the presence of the


mind. This is because there is a subject pondering on the object or matter -

phenomenon arises. The subject is mainly the mind. Phenomenon is thing that

appears to or is perceived by senses. In other words, phenomenon is thing that

appears to or is perceived by the mind senses. When there is a mind arising,

the phenomenon would arise. When there is a phenomenon arising, the

dependent nature would arise. In other words, the mind is closely related to

the phenomenon, and the phenomenon is closely related to the dependent

nature - just like shadow follows the body. This is what the conventional

reality is all about.

The Perceiver and the Perceived




of time, suffering arises and continues to arise in the dependent nature i.e. with

the rise of perceptions, conceptions, labels, boundaries, names, activities,

shapes, relations, descriptions, stereotyping, beginning, ending, etc.

In the dependent nature, the mind is also known as the perceiver, whereas, the

object or matter is known as the perceived. And everything that exists is

empty because there is no essence to anything and nothing has ever existed in

its own quality – nothing is permanent and unchanging. All objects exist

conditionally without an eternal essence. They only exist in relation to each

other as appearances that in turn vary as per the perceptions of the beholders.

Let us analyse into the following illustration: -

50 years ago Present Day

Perceiver Perceived Perceiver Perceived

A B A B (E.g. boy - David Smith) (E.g. toy - Ultraman) (E.g. man – David Smith) (E.g. toy – Ultraman)

Remark : As a young boy, Mr. David Smith has a yearning for an Ultraman toy. But

50 years later, Mr. David Smith has grown up to become a matured adult and no

longer yearns for the Ultraman toy. There has been a change in the mindset of Mr.

David Smith throughout the time span of 50 years as well as the Ultraman toy. In


fact, Mr. David Smith has gone through the rebirth process in each given moment for

the past 50 years or so.

In Buddhism, rebirth refers to evolving consciousness or stream of consciousness of

a person (upon death) and the new consciousness arising in the same person (in the

new person) is neither identical to, nor entirely different from, the old consciousness,

but forms part of a causal continuum or stream with it. The basic cause for this

persistent re-arising of personality is the abiding of consciousness in ignorance; when

ignorance is uprooted, rebirth ceases.

The Circumstances of Nature

Naturally, we do know things and happenings exist because it can be known and

felt by our senses. And our minds interpret event or happening as a condition

that one has to go through, to persevere with, to soldier on with, to carry on

with or to undertake with, inevitably. In other words, what exists is defined as


exist and conventionally, things can exist as in fallacy or in reality. Since

things and happenings existed long before we have a slightest opportunity to

recognise and understand it well, we are bound to suffer ignorantly. However,

as human beings, we have the wisdom to make recognition on the entire cycle

of events or happenings.






dependent nature - that is also known as ‘energy.’ As such, we are clear now

that energy is something that has always been in existence and remaining as




















balanced circumstance, there is a process of formation i.e. under a balanced


phenomenon, one could witness no shapes or forms arising - and the cycle of


Ultimate Truth














Buddhism is all about transformation from an ignorant state of mind into a

realised state of mind. And an enlightened mind is able to discern the deepest


fact about things in crystal clear and without hesitation after getting rid of the

waves of dependent phenomena.

Generally, nature is referred to essential qualities or innate disposition; related

to the intrinsic characteristics that plants, animals, and other features of the

world develop of their own accord. These essential qualities of nature can be

divided into two categories i.e. inherence and dependence. Both of these

qualities as observed by the mind would exist concurrently in a harmonious

orientation. Therefore, it is imperative for one to understand that nature is

sufficiently universal and infinite in its original disposition and is governed by

the universal laws. In other words, there are two aspects of nature - the

dependence and the inherence. These two aspects would exist concurrently

and can be illustrated in a mathematical equation as below: -


Facet 1 --> ...(-2+2) + (-16+16) + (-832+832) + (-133+133) + (0) + (-54+54) +

...., etc. = 0 <-- Facet 2

References: -

Facet 1








Facet 2




















Remark : Nature is a system of constant with a factor of intermediation or

absence. Anything that inherently exists would not involve change and created


As a conclusion, we shall know by now that nature is universal that bears with

the inherent and the dependent qualities concurrently. The ultimate truth

would remain unshaken no matter how one interprets it and one should not

waste time trying to prove who is right, who is wrong, which school teaches

more truths, etc. Trivial arguments would make one looks more foolish among

all the other ignorant beings. And the world is not a closed one. Those who

see, read, hear and evaluate for themselves can find the truth they seek. The

role of religion in this era is not as a blockage but to help explain and educate

in a mature manner. Be bound-less, be stereotype-less, be label-less. Mould

a right attitude and it would open up a new horizon of things.

Have a nice day!


Q25 Do you know anyone who has found spiritual liberation / complete

enlightenment? In this life?

If I meet the Buddha on the highway, shall I kill him?

And the inevitable rhetorical question: If I need a thousand lifetimes to be

liberated, is Buddhism not deflecting any real solutions to the by-and-by

where it’s conveniently unfalsifiable? Just like any other belief-system does?

Yes, I do...personally, I have been there, done that.

I really wonder why should you kill a Buddha? By the way, how can one kill a

Buddha? Buddha is merely a title attributed to someone who has fully

awakened to the ultimate reality of things, just like doctorate in the academic

fields.

Well, you do know the expression that Rome wasn’t built in a day. At any

given moment, all things would go through a continuum of rebirth processes.

The wonder of nature is that nothing stays unchanging for a slightest moment

i.e. all created objects would inevitably go through all sorts of processes such

as aggregation, segregation, evolution, mutation, assimilation, etc. under the

influence of conditional phenomena all the time.

So, you are right here, right now – thinking, analysing, writing, talking, etc. not

because you just appeared out of nowhere suddenly. You, I, he, she, we, they

and every single object are part of the becoming (rebirth) processes and

subject to the rising and falling phenomena, just like a continuum of wavy

pattern oscillating up and down.

And Buddhism promises you nothing. Yes, nothing!. The Buddha did not lay

any promises that one would certainly go to heaven with holy thoughts or acts

and vice versa. The Buddha has merely clarified the ultimate reality of things

and not to get entangle with it ignorantly. In other words, Buddhism upholds

direct experience and recognition. Therefore, a leap of faith scenario can

never be found in Buddhism.


Q26 I feel constrained to point out that I find myself existing and obliged to

deal with the implications of existence – you can say it isn’t ‘my’ problem

and I’d eager to agree, however, there are various people lined up who’d beg

to disagree: spouse, children, clients, various bill collectors, etc. Unless one

can stop eating, urinating and defecating, have no need for shelter, and stop

interacting with anything, all this talk about ‘there is only states’ seems like

kicking a can down the road. It’s a can that won’t go away.

Buddhism doesn’t promise one with anything superficial. The earth would still

rotate at 24 hours a day as per the cosmic laws even if one has had attained

enlightenment. The first thing that needed adjustment is our attitude. We just

need to see things from the profound or inner perspectives rather than the

conventional or superficial one. In other words, Buddhism is not about

circumstances but attitude to circumstances. Just change the way you see

your surroundings and you may get a kind of insight different from yesterday.

The Buddha has merely taught that one has to see all things as they really are,

to liberate from it and to be enlightened i.e. not to get entangled with it

ignorantly. And one of the basic footsteps to achieve enlightenment and reach

nibbāna is to practise ‘letting go.’ Letting go is not the same as giving up

hope - a frustrated expression. Not to hope is not to become, not to become

is not to cling and suffer. So the choice is yours ultimately.

Q27 Interesting...I was given to understand this was exceedingly rare. I’m

sure you have heard the old saying (Zen in origin, if I recall correctly) that if

you see the Buddha on the way, kill him. The implication being that anyone

claiming enlightenment is lying. Certainly, some of your fellow Buddhists would

not approve of your claim to know fully enlightened persons, much less to be

one. I don’t judge it myself, I don’t know you and have no basis to do so. It

is unusual to hear a Buddhist openly admit to enlightenment.

Well, if one has graduated, then one has graduated. There is no need to brag

about one’s achievement here – just call a spade a spade. But Buddhism has

got nothing to do with witch-hunting the enlightened ones for all of these

unwholesome thoughts or acts are reserved for the ignorant followers per se.

Any wise followers would heed the Buddha’s golden advice as below: -


“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe

in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe

in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not

believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not

believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many

generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything

agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all,

then accept it and live up to it.”

Therefore, one could see that Buddhism has got nothing to do with believes or

witch-hunting the others. The rule of thumb here is that we shall not reject

something just because initially we do not understand it. By patiently learning

and investigating, something that we previously did not understand can start to

make sense. In other words, one has to gain the knowledge first and then apply

the understanding and the experience with common sense and insight – that is

wisdom.

‘It only takes one person to change your life: YOU’ ～Ruth Casey～

Q28 It seems in the first quoted sentence you are saying that letting go is

good and not the same as giving up hope. In the next breath you’re saying

that not hoping is to stop clinging/suffering. These seem contradictory. In

your final sentence you are saying that the choice is to hope and not to hope.

The only conclusion I can draw is that you’re making some kind of distinction

between ‘not hoping’ and ‘giving up hope.’ Would you care to elaborate on

that? Because I don’t off-hand see a substantive difference, given that hope

is by its very nature, wishing for what we care about. I don’t know that it can

be turned off like a switch, with no sense of loss, unless you consider 100% of

human hopes, dreams and aspirations to be unworthy and ignorable.

First of all, Buddhism did not stress on the argument whether suffering is good

or bad for individuals. The Buddha has merely clarified that there is an element

of suffering in the dependent nature and there is a chance to end it - right

here, right now. Perhaps, Buddhism should reverse the emphasis by saying

there is happiness in life and there are ways to find an everlasting happiness.


Generally speaking, unconditional happiness is perpetual and conditional

happiness is not permanent. In other words, Buddhism is a philosophy about

finding the ultimate happiness that is unconditional and permanent instead of

the conventional happiness that is conditional and subject to change at all

times.

Right now, let us analyse more details into the element of suffering. But what

is suffering about? Generally, one would tend to associate suffering with pain,

agony, sadness, dissatisfaction and all sorts of negativity in one’s lifetime.

Unfortunately, this is not the case in the eyes of the Buddha. In the Buddhist

context, the dependent nature is known as samsāra. Samsāra literally means

‘continuous flow’- referring to a repeating cycle of birth, life, death and re-

birth. When there is samsāra arising, dukkha would arise concurrently. And the

meaning of dukkha or suffering would be to ‘bear with’ in the Buddhist

context.

Any circumstances that would involve one to continue with; to persevere with;

to soldier on with; to carry on with; to undertake with; to go through with would

mean suffering. Literally, it is not correct for one to put much attention onto

the conditions of pain, agony, dissatisfaction, joyfulness or happiness - for

these conditions merely reflected as the consequences of dukkha arising. In

other words, it is primarily important for one to cure the cause, not the

symptoms!

The first practical step to end suffering in order to attain freedom, liberation

and neutralisation in life is to ‘live in the present moment.’ When one sees

fully on the present moment, the elements of memory would eventually vanish

- for memory of the past would lead to new becoming process in the future,

and thus ignorance continues eventually across the plane of existence and

time. For general understanding, we are part of the becoming processes and

time is merely a tool to quantify it. When the becoming process ceases, the

time would cease as well – thus the absence of time stream (past, present and

future). When we constantly sustain in the present moment, we leave behind

no traces for the past or future moment to arise - just like leaving behind no

seeds for the fruit bearing in every passing of moments. Under such a

circumstance, any new rising or falling activities would cast no chance of

emerging at all. At the end of the day, the vicious wheel of life would stop


rotating with the absence of conditional phenomena and the ambience of full

awakening would emerge concurrently.

The second step would be to practise ‘letting go.’ As again, Buddhism is not

about circumstances but attitude to circumstances. The only difference

between a good day and a bad day is your attitude. To ‘bear with’ is to suffer

and the antonym of it is to ‘let go.’ By practising ‘letting go’, one could find

unconditional balance and peace of mind i.e. no strings attached. Wisely one

could see it, know it and let go – no need to grasp it and do not get into any

involvement on the other side of the object or matter.

The third step is to see things or happenings as they truly are; not delusively

are. Just see the things or happenings in direct perception - that is basically

label-less, bound-less, stereotype-less or colour-less. In other words, one has

to let go and blow away the mindset that is associated with the ‘-ism’ or ‘-

ology’, for it is a system of stereotyping or pre-conditioning. Liberation is the

only right potion to the ultimate truth discovery.

For general understanding, enlightenment is not a far-fetched thing, achievable

only by the privileged ones or the chosen ones or the qualified ones sitting in

ivory towers. Instead, it is such a profound realisation that is achievable by

anyone that inculcates with the right attitude or determination. In a layman

term, enlightenment means graduation and liberation. Every second, every

minute, every hour, every day and night - we observe things, let things pass by,

learn on something, let go something and finally realise on something.

Somehow and somewhere, we have actually learned, graduated and liberated

out of something without much attention on it. In other words, every one of us

has actually tasted a ‘little’ awakening moment in one way or another. This

will be a good or sweet motivation for one to elevate up spiritually and move

forward until one is ready to fully liberate from the vicious cycle of samsāra.

Remember - there is no mind, no memory, no becoming, no clinging, no desire,

no ignorance, no happiness, no sadness, no changing in the eternal bliss of

nibbāna. Meditate, meditate and meditate! Have boundless compassion and

loving-kindness along the way.



A stream of loving-kindness and compassion would conjure up empathy,






Surely, it is not easy to make a complete paradigm shift in life from the

conventional to the ultimate way of thinking or action overnight. At least, one

should be honest in all thoughts or acts while striking a balance in life with a

complete peace of mind. As again, you have a choice in life – just stay put

with the notion you are comfortable with. Taste the food, not eat the menu –

that is the true practice of Buddhism.

Q29 Could there ever have been an absolute first cause? For a few reasons

I don’t think so but please don’t take that to mean I am completely atheistic

because that’s not the case. There could never have been nothing because

there must always have been the potential for change. If there is potential, a

process is unfolding. Even empty space is not a nothing because something is

pulled out of space itself preventing absolute vaccum.

When certain conditions come together a thing will arise or manifest...Cause

and effect. No thing can predate its own potential to manifest...All effects

need their causes. There must have always been conditions or there would be

no causes...All causes are also effects. Manifestation is precisely potential

and potential is precisely manifestation.

Just a thought.

The dependent nature is an inherent nature. Anything that inherently exists

would not involve change. Within the dependent nature, there are cause and

effect. Actually, cause and effect are two different aspects of the same thing.

Cause is effect and effect is cause i.e. Cause 1 conjures up Effect 1, Effect 1

conjures up Cause 1-1, etc.


As such, cause and effect are inter-changing and inter-waving with one

another in a complicated network of existence known as dependent nature.

This is how the conventional reality works. In other words, cause and effect

cannot be referred independently in a linear point of reference. Therefore,

within the dependent nature, no first cause and no first effect can be found.

Nevertheless, if one insisted on the first cause in the dependent nature, then

the answer should be dependent nature itself since it is also an inherent

nature.

Q30 How does nothingness become everything? Spirituality and more

specifically, Buddhism emphasises on awaking from the dimension of mind and

reaching nothingness with the promise that if one can reach this point they

will realise eternal oneness and reach nibbāna. However since it is beyond the

scope of mind how can one deal with this impossible mission?

The answer lies in the understanding on the nature and its orientation by

individuals.

What is nature? Nature is originally referred to essential qualities or innate

disposition; related to the intrinsic characteristics that plants, animals, and

other features of the world develop of their own accord. These essential

qualities of nature can be divided into two categories i.e. inherence and

dependence. Both of these qualities as observed by the mind would exist

concurrently in a harmonious orientation. Therefore, it is imperative for one to

understand that nature is sufficiently universal and infinite in its original

disposition and is governed by the universal laws.

In other words, there are two aspects of nature - the dependence and the

inherence. These two aspects would exist concurrently and can be illustrated

in a mathematical equation as below: -


Facet 1 --> ...(-2+2) + (-16+16) + (-832+832) + (-133+133) + (0) + (-54+54) +

...., etc. = 0 <-- Facet 2


References: -

Facet 1








Facet 2


= the absence of mind to conjure up perceptions, conceptions, labels,


















From the above mathematical equation, one could summarise the conclusions

as below: -

1. Nature is a system of constant with a factor of intermediation or absence.

It means that nature would orientate toward a state of balance, intermediation

or absence at all times.

2. When things run off-balance or when one stirs up in the nature - be it in

volitional or non-volitional sense, the natural law that maintains equilibrium

would take its course to balance it in one way or another across time and the

plane of existence.

3. Anything that inherently exists would not involve change and created


4. The dependent nature is similar to the inherent nature.

Dependent Nature



death and re-birth. When there is samsāra arising, dukkha would arise

concurrently. And the meaning of dukkha or suffering would be to ‘bear with’

or ‘contemptible emptiness.’ Any circumstances that would involve one to

continue with; to persevere with; to soldier on with; to carry on with; to

undertake with; to go through with would mean suffering.

Within the dependent nature, there is mind arising that conjures up perceptions,

conceptions, labels, boundaries, names, activities, shapes, relations,

descriptions, stereotyping, beginning, ending, etc. According to the Buddha,

mind is the forerunner of all states. The presence in the waves of dependent



of time, suffering arises and continues to arise in the dependent nature.





In other words, duality or multiplicity would arise in the presence of the










For general understanding, Buddhism advocates emptiness as a quality that

exists everywhere in the dependent nature. Whereas, modern scientists

acknowledge that energy is a quality that can neither be created nor destroyed

and the sum of all energies in a system is a constant or never changes. In

other words, energy is everywhere as well because it has always been in

existence within a system. Therefore, we could conclude that both emptiness

and energy are fundamental qualities because every single thing or happening

would involve with the elements of emptiness and energy in the dependent

nature. For general understanding, conditional phenomenon is a necessary

prerequisite for energy to exist; without it, the existence would be impossible.

On another front, emptiness is a necessary prerequisite for any objects to

exist; without it, the object would be impossible.

Now, how does something arise from nothing? Frankly speaking, something

that arises as in object is not out of nothing. In the material Universe, there

are plenty of existences or activities that cannot be discerned by our naked

eyes. When we mention that the elements of emptiness and energy are

everywhere in a system of dependent nature, it means that both of these

qualities have fully occupied such a system. Therefore, we could conclude that

something as in object would arise out of the elements of energy that exist in a

system. This is because energy and matter are simply two aspects of the


same thing, both reflected in different forms per se (as in Einstein’s formula, E

= mc2). And since we are unable to discern the elements of energy with our

naked eyes, we would name it as empty instead of nothing.








terms i.e. balance and imbalance. Under a balanced phenomenon, aggregating

activities would arise and one could witness multiple shapes or forms. Under

an imbalanced phenomenon, segregation would arise and one could see no




that in turn conjures up the elements of energy. Since the dawn of time, the

elements of energy have been in existence within the system of dependent

nature (inherent existence). Under a balanced phenomenon, the elements of

energy would turn into the elements of matter through the activity of

aggregation and under an imbalanced phenomenon, the elements of matter

would turn into the elements of energy through the activity of segregation

(dependent arising). In other words, the material Universe is merely a

momentary appearance conjured up from a continuum of orientating elements

of energy and matter in space under the influence of conditional phenomena.

Just like ice, water and steam are different appearances deriving from the



conjure up the momentary outcome of it.

In the nature, there would be multiple of material Universes existing under the

influence of conditional phenomena. The material Universe in itself is never

stagnant; instead it is very much alive – continuously contracting and

expanding (in extrapolating manner). As a conclusion, the earliest existence


since the dawn of time would be the first cause in the dependent nature and

the answer is dependent nature itself.

Inherent Nature

What constitutes a non-dependent nature? A non-dependent nature is also

known as an inherent nature of existence. Anything that inherently exists

would not involve change and created objects cannot inherently exist since

that would involve change. Therefore, we could conclude that all the things or

happenings in the dependent nature cannot inherently exist because the

changing process is the key element of it.

Within the non-dependent nature, there would be absence of mind arising. And

with no mind arising, no circumstance of duality or multiplicity would

arise. This is because there is no subject to ponder on the object or


































that ceases.

Q31 Is space conscious?

In the dependent nature, there would be elements of energy, matter, space and

time. Thus, there is a continuum of rising and falling activities i.e. the beginning

and ending processes. Space is merely a place for the arising of activities in

the nature and activities are mainly comprised with the stream of

consciousness. In other words, without consciousness, there can be no space

and vice versa. Both the space and consciousness are inter-depending, inter-

relating and inter-waving with each other – this is how the conventional reality

works.

Q32 I’m so confused...what connects us all, what is ‘passed’ kammically

from one life to the next, if not the essence of an eternal cosmic force? I

believe the Universe and everything within it is subject to change, yes, but I

don’t believe its existence came out of non-existence. Our kamma influences

our future lives, but how can this be so if the self does not exist, and nothing

of a past self remains? Your thoughts, Dhamma brothers and sisters?

The self refers to one’s individuality. Buddhism teaches non-self instead of

no-self. Non-self means the non-ownership of self. Buddhism merely sees in

the non-existence of a ‘fixed’ self. This is what the principle of emptiness is


all about. Nothing remains unchanging on any given moment. Just like the

saying goes, ‘Now you see it, now you don’t.’ Also, no two minds are the

same. Your past mind is not the same as your present mind and your present

mind is not the same as your future mind. The flux of your mind continues on

beyond the grave but there is no transmigration of your mind happening.

Q33 How come there is no transmigration? Of course, you can say that

mind does not transmigrate but when we perceive with our mind to be this

body, ‘I am’, we could say that the mind has transmigrated into this body, and

if we are in this delusion when we die, it will happen again.

Well, Buddhism rejects the term ‘transmigration’ or ‘reincarnation’ altogether,

but why? Literally, ‘trans-’is a prefix meaning through or across. And

transmigration denotes the movement or conveyance from place to place. If

we mention that a soul would transmigrate from a body to another new body, it

means the same ‘unchanging’ soul does the movement or conveyance

throughout the time stream (past, present and future).

However, in the conventional reality, no ‘unchanging’ soul would transmigrate

from one body to another and on this pretext, Buddhism upholds the term

‘rebirth’ or ‘re-arising.’ The Buddha sees in no transmigration of all things or

matters but instead, in the constant and continuous transformation of all things

or matters via the process of permeation (diffusion). Just like the orientation

of energy in the cosmos i.e. energy would only transform - to transform is to

change, to change is to become, and to become is to reborn. So energy is ever

‘reborn’ all the time in the dependent nature. By understanding well and


into the nature and its orientation.

In the case of rebirth, an individual soul does not migrate from a physical body

into another one. No, it just won’t fit at all. Every individual or thing that

exists would not be the same - it could only be in a similar condition e.g. twins

are similar but never the same individuals (likewise, no two minds are the

same). Every individual is unique respectively and no individuals would be the

same even though they do share some sort of the same genes before time.

For example, you may have heard in various stories whereby a spirit or ghost


has the ability to possess into the body of an individual but it never absolutely

overtakes the soul of the possessed individual. This is because one cannot

simply exchange the soul at one’s whim and fancy. Even individuals with the

most powerful magic charm could not perform this feat. Another example will

be the human organ transplant cases, whereby the new recipients need to take

immunosuppressive drugs to treat any transplant rejections – live long.

















know with the relevant beings and not the other non-relevant beings (as per

the law of attraction).

Ultimately, it is the wonder of nature that every created object or thing is

neither identical to, nor entirely different from each other. This is how the



complicated network of existence. At the end of the day, the inter-

connectedness of all things in the nature is what the principle of emptiness is

all about - as per the teachings of the Buddha.


Q34 The Self doesn’t refer to individuality or personality. There are

different words in Pali and Sanskrit for those terms. The Self described in

Buddhism can be found in the Nirvana Sutta – Chapter 3.

Perhaps, you need to notice that the ‘self’ and the ‘Self’ denote a different

meaning all together.

Q35 Could someone please explain to me, in clear simple words, the

Naharjuna/Madhyamaka meaning of emptiness and the two truths?

Emptiness is a universal quality and it is a necessary prerequisite for any

objects to exist; without it, the object would be impossible. Upon in-depth

analysis, we could discover that emptiness corresponds to two distinct

scenarios:



It means that if we focus purely on seeing emptiness, it cannot be

segmented or dissected further to see the real origin. Emptiness exists

in the way it appears in direct perception and does not constitute some

false appearances concealing a lack of inherent existence. Therefore,

it has an unchanging nature that all conventional phenomena lack.

This conclusion is made from the ultimate perspective - seeing into the

within of the within.




It means that emptiness would not exist without a dependent partner. If

there were no objects to analyse, then emptiness as such could not be

realised. Without objects, there can be no emptiness - a

circumstance that points to emptiness of emptiness. This conclusion is

made from the conventional perspective - seeing as a subject on the

other side of the object or matter.


In addition, the emptiness of phenomena is both the cause and consequence of

the dependent nature of phenomena. Emptiness of phenomena exists in the

way it appears in direct perception and without the need to reference of any

other entity. It is completely defined by its own nature. In other words,

emptiness of phenomena is an inherent existence that is uncaused. It is

indestructible and eternal. It is unchanging when viewed externally and cannot

undergo any internal changes of state. It has no constituent parts and nothing

can be thrown out or removed from it. Nothing can be added to it and no

change in the external conditions can affect it.

As a summary, we could see that emptiness exists in all conditional

phenomena. Without emptiness, the potential movement of the mind from non-

enlightenment toward a state of enlightenment would not be possible – that is

to say if the mind itself existed inherently. The emptiness of inherent


Q36 Do we choose our lives/parents? How is kamma involved?

In Buddhism, kamma refers to volitional action. And how does the volitional

action arise?

Let’s refer to the following cycle of dependent origination: -

Balance stability aggregation agitation information knowledge

representation memory compulsion ignorance blindness

disorientation confusion irrationality impulse sparkling inkling

volition awareness consciousness manas mind and body, etc.

Volitional action would set forth some kind of tracks or directions to the

becoming processes. This means no input, no output – this arising, that arises;

this ceasing, that ceases.


Q37 Do you think that the river of awareness that permeates everything has

substance? Is it purely consciousness/modes of mind/energy? I don’t think

we can conceive of it with our limited perceptions, but isn’t mind-stream

ultimately synonymous with what we Buddhists call anatta? Isn’t the

selflessness in and of itself a form of being? I know that I’m getting attached

to the labels and the forms, but I do understand there is equilibrium of

existence and non existence to all of it, just to clarify.

The mind is dependent arising and anything that is dependent arising is lacking

of the core substance i.e. the state of emptiness. There is another label for

the mind i.e. the consciousness of individuality that is born from awareness.

Therefore, the origin of individuality is the same as the origin of the mind. And

consciousness is actually synergy and it is a key to the geometric expansion of

consciousness – thus the arising of prevailing and subtle consciousnesses.

Right now, what exists is defined as that which can be known. If it cannot be

known by the mind, then it does not exist. The fact is that things can exist as

in fallacy or in reality. In other words, the arising of the mind would conjure up

the circumstances of duality or multiplicity. Therefore, the mind is the key

source for all the perceptions, conceptions, delusions, imaginations, etc. This

means in the absence of the mind, there would be no state of ignorance and

suffering.

Q38 I don’t think reincarnation works, theologically speaking. A thousand

years ago the world’s population was 500 million – pretty much the same for

the previous 5,000 years. Today, we are pushing 7 billions – explain where all

of these humans came from? Must have been some very well behaved dogs,

cows, fish, flies and so forth – all of whom achieved a higher level rather

quickly. I mean in 1900 we only had a tad under 1.5 million humans.

Buddhism speaks of 31 planes of existence. These 31 planes are divided into

three types of worlds: -



a. Kāmaduggati Bhūmi

- Four states of deprivation (apāya) : Niraya (Hell), Tiracchana Yoni

(Animals), Peta Loka (Hungry ghosts) and Asura (Demons).

b. Kāmasugati Bhūmi

- Manussa Loka (Human beings) and Cātumahārājika Heaven,

Tāvatimsa Heaven, Yāma Heaven, Tusita Heaven, Nimmānarati

Heaven and Paranimmita-vasavatti Heaven (six other planes of

heavenly gods).


The different planes of devas: -

a. Pārisajja Brahma – Retinue/Servants of Mahā Brahma.

b. Purohita Brahma – Ministers/Advisors of Mahā Brahma.

c. Mahā Brahma – Great Brahmas.

d. Parittābha Deva – Devas of Limited Radiance.

e. Appamāņābha Deva – Devas of Unbounded Radiance.

f. Ābhassara Deva – Devas of Streaming Radiance.

g. Parittāsubha Deva – Devas of Limited Glory.

h. Appamāņāsubha Deva – Devas of Unbounded Glory.

i. Subhakiņņa Deva – Devas of Radiant Glory.

j. Vehappala Deva – Very Fruitful Devas.

k. Asaňňa Sattā – Mindless beings.

l. Aviha Deva – Devas not Falling Away.

m. Atappa Deva – Untroubled Devas.

n. Sudassa Deva – Beautiful Devas.

o. Sudassi Deva – Clear-sighted Devas.

p. Akanitta Deva – Peerless Devas.


The pure abodes of four realms (the purest of the 31 planes of existence): -

a. Ākāsānaňcāyatanupaga Deva – Sphere of Infinite Space.

b. Viňňaņaňcāyatanupaga Deva – Sphere of Infinite Consciousness.

c. Ākiňcaňňāyatanupaga Deva – Sphere of Nothingness.

d. Nevasaňňānāsaňňāyatanupaga Deva – Sphere of Neither - perception

nor non-perception.


In Buddhism, human realm is merely one of the above-mentioned 31 planes of

existence and these different planes would exist only with the mind arising. For

instance, heaven or hell is not a plane of existence waiting for exclusive










And finally, one could notice that nibbāna does not belong to any of the 31

planes of existence. In an ultimate sense, nibbāna does not exist at all. This is







Q39 Sorry, I always get this way with Buddhism articles. Sorta blank stare.

Basically, you’re saying it’s not a transmigration of souls, because

circumstances in life change who we are? Like my girlfriend in one life could

be a military guy in (his) former life, then have to stay home in this one? Or

am I reading this wrong?

No, you are right. Buddhism basically touches on the scenario of cause and

condition more than the case of cause and effect. Frankly speaking, all

phenomenal existences are products of the proper combination of causes and


together with their respective conditions. Just like for a new house to exist

(as the result), we need bricks, cement, wood, iron rods, roof tiles, plastic pipes

and other materials. The construction can only be completed when one has all

the essential materials (as the causes) and all the prerequisites are met (as the


conditions), such as the skillfulness of the workers, the time allocation, etc.

The wood needs the forest, the sunshine, the rain, etc. The workers need their

parents, their meals, their clothing, their shelters, etc. If we were to observe

these scenarios in its entirety, we could realise that everything in the cosmos

attributed to the existence of the new house; without it, the new house would

be impossible. The clear fact here is that one cause is never enough to bring

about an effect. A cause must, at the same time, be an effect, and every

effect must also be the cause of something else.






.., etc.





interdependence, inter-woven and inter-relation since the dawn of time in a





things or matters.

The human realm is merely one of the recognised 31 planes of existence and

these different planes would exist only with the mind arising. For instance,

heaven or hell is not a plane of existence waiting for any exclusive





‘down-there’ yearning for the so-called rightful elements.


For instance, it is correct to say that good begets good, evil begets evil. When

one pays to live a hell-like condition in the present lifetime, one would be

repaid in the next phase of existence as in hell plane. Just as sow apple seeds,

reap apple fruits; sow orange seeds, reap orange fruits or Action 1 conjures up

Reaction 1; Action 2 conjures up Reaction 2. The elements of subtle

consciousness would retain the so-called ‘hellish’ information that would carry

on and surpassing the demise period of time. The ‘hellish’ retention could

only be weakened through conscientious goodwill prayers or persuasions being

performed by third parties (transference of merit).

Once again, the fate in one’s subsequent life is very much dependent on the

characteristics of one’s subtle mind consciousness i.e. it is the architect for

the 31 planes of existence. Therefore, please be mindful on the nature of

circumstances that you are exposed to or associated with during your lifetime.

And if possible, it is beneficial to create a heaven-like ambience at all times;

more importantly during the closing chapter of your present lifetime. This is

because where you would end up to in the next phase of existence is very

much dependent on the retained information in your subtle conscious mind.






Q40 I read that all five aggregates (form, feelings, perception, mental

formations, and consciousness) are annihilated upon attaining nibbāna. If

consciousness is annihilated, isn't that basically the same as death, since

there is no awareness of anything? I'm also confused because I have seen

nibbāna described as ultimate happiness, but how can there be happiness if

there is no perception or consciousness?

The ultimate goal in the Buddhist practice is to quest for an everlasting

happiness that is unconditional via enlightenment. For general understanding,

nibbāna is a completely neutralised state of affairs that is boundless, timeless


and permanent. The wise Buddha has merely seen the urgency to put a

complete end to dukkha that arises in samsāra - right here, right now. All

other matters are considered as trivial if compared with the reality of dukkha

arising in the samsāra. And the only way to end the dukkha permanently is to

get through to the state of nibbāna via enlightenment. All other states of

paradise or heavenly realms could promise one with merely conventional

happiness that is conditional and impermanent. So the choice in the way of life

is yours ultimately – to pursue an ultimate happiness that is non-conditional

and permanent or a conventional happiness that is conditional and

impermanent.

However, nibbāna does not exist at all in an ultimate sense, but why? This is


perceptions, names, shapes, etc. within the state of nibbāna. Generally, there

is another label for the mind i.e. the consciousness of individuality that is born

from awareness. And consciousness is actually synergy and it is a key to the

geometric expansion of consciousness – thus the arising of prevailing and

subtle consciousnesses. Therefore, the origin of individuality is the same as

the origin of the mind. Mind is something more objective and involves clear


One utilises mind to understand things because mind understands the

manipulation of consciousness. Thus the delusion of self entity arises among

the sentient beings in the dependent nature. In addition, mind is dependent

arising but nibbāna is a non-dependent arising state of affairs i.e. with no rising

and falling activities taking place. In other words, nibbāna is a completely

neutralised state of affairs – in contrast with the conventional phenomenon

that would subject to the conditional influences i.e. in a continuous and

constantly changing state of affairs.



















Q41 Energy - is it a form of consciousness?

Consciousness is not just energy but synergy. Within the cosmos, energy is a

fundamental element because every single thing or happening would involve

with it, without exception. Energy denotes the ability to change or become and

all things or happenings that exist are dependent on one another via the

various orientation or transformation of energy. For instance, we know that

humans and things cause pleasure and pain, and that they can help and harm.

Therefore, phenomena certainly do exist but the question is how? They do not

exist in their own quality but only have an existence dependent upon many

factors, including a consciousness that conceptualises them.

But how does consciousness derive? Consciousness is actually the end result

of several natural activities of energy taken place in the dependent nature.

Let’s refer to the following linkage of dependent origination: -

Balance leads to stability, stability leads to aggregation, aggregation leads to

agitation, agitation leads to information, information leads to knowledge,

knowledge leads to representation, representation leads to memory, memory

leads to compulsion, compulsion leads to ignorance, ignorance leads to

blindness, blindness leads to disorientation, disorientation leads to confusion,

confusion leads to irrationality, irrationality leads to impulse, impulse leads to

sparkling, sparkling leads to inkling, inkling leads to volition, volition leads to

awareness, awareness leads to consciousness, consciousness leads to mind

and body, etc.


From the above illustration, one could notice that awareness is a ground

condition that ‘supports’ consciousness. The nature of awareness is




Therefore, consciousness is synergy that arises through the several activities

of energy taken place beforehand. Synergy means energy that expands

through cooperation and it becomes a key to the geometric expansion of

consciousness and thus the arising of its two terms i.e. prevailing

consciousness and subtle consciousness. Consciousness is naturally looking

outward to objects and it is flitting all the time.






things because mind understands the manipulation of consciousness.

Q42 Could you provide an example or two of the distinction you wish to

make. An example or two of a proposition that intends to be a relative truth

and an example or two of a proposition that intends to be an absolute truth?

The two sides of truth can also be known as the two sides of the same coin.

Frankly speaking, one should see in all angles of things or matters while

pursuing the truth. Without it, any conclusions made out of one’s observation

would not be balanced or in a wholesome (thorough) nature. Any investigations

must commence based on unbiased grounds i.e. on neutral and upright

positions. In other words, one needs to investigate the problem from various

angles, analyse the findings, understand the truth thoroughly, and find a

reasonable conclusion.

For general understanding, every subject matter can be viewed in two different

ways. Literally, it means all things or matters are very closely related although

they seem different. For example, one could declare a glass of water is half full

and at the same time half empty – for both are referring to the same end


result. Now, let us analyse further into the conventional and the ultimate

truths as below: -

Conventional Truth





observers or minds. Duality or multiplicity would arise in the presence of the










The Perceiver and the Perceived



i.e. ignorance arises. Naturally, we do know things and happenings exist

because it can be known and felt by our senses. And our minds interpret event

or happening as a condition that one has to go through, to persevere with, to

soldier on with, to carry on with or to undertake with, inevitably. In other

words, what exists is defined as that which can be known. If it cannot be

known by the mind, then it does not exist and conventionally, things can exist

as in fallacy or in reality. Since things and happenings existed long before we

have a slightest opportunity to recognise and understand it well, we are bound

to suffer ignorantly. However, as human beings, we have the wisdom to make

recognition on the entire cycle of events or happenings.

In the dependent nature, the mind is also known as the perceiver, whereas, the

object or matter is known as the perceived. And everything that exists is


empty because there is no essence to anything and nothing has ever existed in

its own quality – nothing is permanent and unchanging. All objects exist

conditionally without an eternal essence. They only exist in relation to each

other as appearances that in turn vary as per the perceptions of the beholders.

Let us analyse into the following illustration: -

50 years ago Present Day

Perceiver Perceived Perceiver Perceived

A B A B (E.g. boy - David Smith) (E.g. toy - Ultraman) (E.g. man – David Smith) (E.g. toy – Ultraman)

Remark : As a young boy, Mr. David Smith has a yearning for an Ultraman toy. But

50 years later, Mr. David Smith has grown up to become a matured adult and no

longer yearns for the Ultraman toy. In other words, the Ultraman toy can be a

valuable object and at the same time, a piece of junk. At the end of the day, it all

depends on the perception of Mr. David Smith (the beholder).

Case Study 1

Right now, let us study into the elements of energy. As scientists have

discovered, energy can neither be created nor be destroyed and it is ever

transforming and changing all the time. But the sum of all energies in a system

is a constant or never changes. So is energy a variable or a constant element?

Paradoxically, energy corresponds well to both of these elements. As

mentioned earlier, every subject matter can be viewed in two different ways

and each way is very closely related with one another although they seem

different. Therefore, energy is a constant element on one perspective and

concurrently, it is a variable element on another perspective. By understanding


insight into the nature and its orientation.

Case Study 2

Let’s take a look at another example. On one hand, the nature would bear

with the conditions of beginning and ending and on the other hand, it would

bear with the conditions of beginning-less and end-less. In other words, nature


is a system that is universal i.e. it is inherent existing and dependent arising

concurrently.






dependent nature - that is also known as ‘energy.’ As such, we are clear now

that energy is something that has always been in existence and remaining as










thing or happening would involve with it, without exception. Even the so-called

souls, spirits, ghosts - are all part of the elements of energy because they can

be detected by electromagnetic devices.







balanced circumstance, there is a process of formation i.e. under a balanced


phenomenon, one could witness no shapes or forms arising - and the cycle of



Ultimate Truth













end-less.

Generally, nature is referred to essential qualities or innate disposition; related





orientation.

Therefore, it is imperative for one to understand that the nature is sufficiently

universal and infinite in its original disposition and is governed by the universal

laws. In other words, there are two aspects of nature - the dependence and

the inherence. These two aspects would exist concurrently and can be

illustrated in a mathematical equation as below: -


Facet 1 --> ...(-2+2) + (-16+16) + (-832+832) + (-133+133) + (0) + (-54+54) +

...., etc. = 0 <-- Facet 2


References: -

Facet 1







Facet 2



















Remark : Nature is a system of constant with a factor of intermediation or

absence. Anything that inherently exists would not involve change and created


As a conclusion, we shall know by now that all subject matters can be viewed

in two different ways. The truth (be it conventional or ultimate) would remain

unshaken no matter how one interprets it and one should not waste time trying

to prove who is right, who is wrong, which school teaches more truths, etc.

Trivial arguments would make one looks more foolish among all the other

ignorant beings. At the end of the day, one should contemplate the principle of

‘two sides of the same coin’ at all times in order to understand the truth

thoroughly.

Q43 Incidentally, have scientists discovered what inertia is? For example,

why doesn’t a bowling ball stop dead when it leaves our hand? We know it

rolls onward because of the inertia in it, but what is inertia? Is inertia some

kind of energy in the ball?

Inertia generally refers to an object’s amount of resistance to change in

velocity.

Everything or anything (physical or non-physical) that exists is nothing but

energy. And energy is nothing but a mere element of vibration. The basic level

of a matter is energy. The basic level of energy is vibration. Therefore, matter

is a vibrating mass of energy in which the different frequency of vibration would

determine the shape and the size of it.

According to the Chinese philosophy, everything has both the yin and yang

aspects. Yin and yang are actually complementary but opposing forces

interacting to form a whole greater than either separate part; thus bringing

forth a dynamic system existing in harmony. In other words, when there are

opposing forces, there would be vibration. The alternate movement of the



activities that one could witness in the dependent nature.


Every existence (sentient, non-sentient, or any material things) consists of

energy and matter that would orientate toward a balanced condition and in

accordance with the equilibrium law of nature. In other words, all things would

only exist in perpetual conditions when there is a balanced circumstance.





or elements, as in a design.

Thus when things run off-balance or when one stirs up in any circumstances

the natural law that maintains equilibrium would take its course to balance it in

one way or another across time and the plane of existence. This natural law is

also known as the law of balancing - a natural phenomenon law that is not

shaped by someone else; no one owns it. It is merely a law of balancing for all

things in order to attain the circumstance of equilibrium in the nature.

Q44 I’ve read many Chinese books on Buddhism and a lot of them

suggested that many of us who suffer a lot in this life or die young from

accidents or illnesses were due to the bad stuff we did in our previous lives. I

really have troubles with that idea. Does it mean people who died of cancer in

their 20s or 30s, 40s, 50s or worse, death of babies and children are due to

their own faults in their previous lives?

In Buddhism, kamma is described as volitional action and vipaka refers to the

end result of any particular volitional actions. Generally speaking, volition is

referred to an act of making a choice or decision. In other words, it is the act

of making a ‘conscious’ choice or decision. Therefore, we need to investigate

into the state of mind while understanding into the kamma-vipaka because

mind is the forerunner of all states. Literally, the mind is comprised with two

terms i.e. prevailing consciousness and subtle consciousness. Both the

prevailing and subtle mind consciousnesses would arise in the sentient beings

but for other things, merely subtle mind consciousness would arise. The role of

prevailing conscious mind is like mind-in-command i.e. the mind that can lead,

take charge, concentrate, make decision and convey action. However, subtle

conscious mind is like herd of wild horses - roaming in discrete directions and


needed domestication. This means the prevailing mind consciousness would

act as a guarding chain to the wild and monkey-like subtle mind consciousness.

Therefore, the focal point of kamma in accordance with Buddhism is the

volitional thought or action and it would arise concurrently with the existence

of prevailing mind consciousness. This means in the absence of prevailing mind

consciousness, the term ‘volition’ would cease to exist. As such, the

prevailing mind consciousness is a prerequisite for the process of kamma-

vipaka. Any thoughts or actions that require the utilisation of prevailing mind

consciousness would subject to the law of kamma-vipaka as per Buddhism.

This is because volitional human thought or action would generate the most

potent vibration that penetrate all time, space and subsequently attracts what

is desired or wished for. Just like the swelling of big waves with the enormous

waves of energy would require longer time to fritter away and generate a visible

and long-lasting implication to the surroundings. In other words, all sentient

beings are electro-magnetic beings with the prevailing mind consciousness that

generates potent kamma and the subtle mind consciousness that acts as an

antenna or a radar detector constantly attracting and magnetising other similar

vibrational frequencies (discernible vipaka) within the cosmos.

On the same front, Buddhism basically touches on the scenario of cause and

condition more than the case of cause and effect. Frankly speaking, all

phenomenal existences are products of the proper combination of causes and

conditions. For example, according to the philosophy of yin-yang, our bodies

are made up of the combination of four great elements of earth, water, fire and

wind and if any of these elements are not in a harmonious orientation, we

would be taken ill physically. These four elements would represent the causes

and the conditions would be the need for it to orientate with one another

harmoniously at all times or otherwise, our bodies would fall sick as the result.




In other words, everything that exists is the result of multiple causes and



together with their respective conditions. Just like for a new house to exist,

we need the bricks, cement, wood, iron rods, roof tiles, plastic pipes and other

materials. The construction can only be completed when one has all the

essential materials and all the prerequisites are met, such as the skillfulness of

the workers, the time allocation, etc. The wood needs the forest, the sunshine,

the rain, etc. The workers need their parents, their meals, their clothing, their

shelters, etc. If we were to observe these scenarios in its entirety, we could

realise that everything in the cosmos attributed to the existence of the new

house; without it, the new house would be impossible. The clear fact here is

that one cause is never enough to bring about an effect. A cause must, at the

same time, be an effect, and every effect must also be the cause of something

else.





Effect 1-1 conjures up Cause 1-1-1, .., etc.





inter-dependence, inter-woven and inter-relation since the dawn of time in a





things or matters. This means everything that exists is empty because there is

no essence to anything and nothing has ever existed in its own quality –

nothing is permanent and unchanging. All objects exist conditionally without an

eternal essence i.e. every existence is empty and emptiness is in every

existence.

As a conclusion, when we talk about the law of action, we talk about the law of

reaction. This scenario is basically due to the elements of attraction existing


in the cosmos and the universal law of attraction states that we attract what

we are sending out i.e. like attracts like, unlike repels unlike. Hence, favourable

energies attract favourable energies and unfavourable energies attract

unfavourable energies. In Buddhism, the initiation of new kamma (volitional

thought or action) arises mostly in the human realm if compared with the other

higher or lower realms of existence. This is because all the realms of existence

with the exception of human realm are merely reaping the end result of the

preceding kamma. The main reason is that humans are just one type of

sentient beings with both the prevailing and subtle conscious mind stream.

This means human realm is a plane of transition whereby it is a centric plane

for the process of kamma-vipaka with the faculty of choosing or resolving.

As such, one should be grateful for the destiny of being reborn as a human and

live it well with all the meaningful purposes. The ultimate purpose of human

beings is to attain the opportunity to learn to live wholesomely. It is regardless

whether one would live a good life, a luxurious life, a poor life or a pathetic life.

By being alive as humans, we have all the liberties or choices of pathway to

begin with. Therefore, it is crucial for one to live a life wholesomely at all times

– at least there would not be a regret factor arises in one’s life later. Living

wholesomely would mean living a healthy life with exploration and enjoyment to

the fullest extent with wisdom and not with ignorance.

Q45 So is Buddhahood the cause of ignorance demise? Or is ignorance the

cause of Buddhahood unmanifest? Is emptiness form or form emptiness?

Good thought so. It’s basically the two sides of the same coin or duality

versus non-duality.

Q46 So, do you think that someone who is born physically disabled or with

Down syndrome has anything to do with their past kamma?

The essence of emptiness is that one cause is never enough to bring about an

effect. All things are neither identical to, nor entirely different from one

another. The circumstances of duality or multiplicity are merely the end result

of various activities of aggregation being observed by the mind under the


influence of multiple causes and conditions. In other words, we could say our

present condition is being influenced by our preceding kamma but it should not

be taken in as a single or direct source. We shall realize that everything in the

cosmos attributed to the existence of our kamma-vipaka; without it, our

kamma-vipaka would be impossible.

Q47 What do you do with your thoughts and emotions during meditation?

What do you envision or imagine? What image or scene is in your mind? I’ve

heard and found things about the physical process but how would you describe

the mental and emotional in details?

Before going into a deep state of meditation, it is always good to unwind the

engrossed mind by chanting: -

What is thought? ...is not be,

what is pain? ...is not be,

what is emotion? ...is not be,

what is upsetting? ...is not be,

what is pleasing? ...is not be,

what is rising? ...is not be,

what is falling? ...is not be,

what is feeling? ...is not be,

what is smelling? ...is not be,

what is hearing? ...is not be,

what is touching? ...is not be,

what is consciousness? ...is not be,

what is sensation? ...is not be, etc.

Over the next few moments, the mind would be framed to focus purely on the

chant of letting go and nothing else. This is called the state of one-

pointedness (full concentration). When the mind is set into a full mode of

letting go, the state of mental liberation (mindfulness) would conquest.

Thereafter, the ambience of serenity sets in and the mind is subsequently put

at ease with equanimity and would be fully withdrawn from the external

distractions. This is called the state of blissfulness that one could experience

during meditation.


Q48 I have been contemplating this question for a little while now. My wife's

Gran (who sadly passed last year at the ripe old age of 96) used to say when

she was about 90-ish, ‘I still feel like I did when I was 20!’ That got me

thinking: All material phenomena arise (or are born), age (quickly or slowly)

then die. But does the mind? Is this some kind of proof that the mind carries

on after death? It would be interesting to hear the perspective of others.

Basically, there are two types of mind in existence. The first type is conscious

mind and the second type is subtle conscious mind. The conscious mind is

linked directly with our physical body or specifically, our brain. Therefore, it

would age alongside with the physical body. In other words, without a physical

body, there is no chance for the conscious mind to arise.

On the other hand, the subtle conscious mind is somehow independent from

the physical body and can exist beyond the demise of the physical body. Just

like energy, it can neither be created nor destroyed but would carry on to

transform at all times into different forms based on the influencing conditions.

Therefore, the subtle conscious mind would remain not as a scale unit but

would diffuse into other new forms or conditions based on the principle of

kamma-vipaka.

Q49 I believe you are confusing the subtle body as commonly understood in

Buddhist philosophy (and as you describe as the subtle conscious mind) with

the physical or material body which is the projection of our self that appears

to everyone else who interacts with it. My view is that they are actually

interdependent, which I know contradicts your statement. The reason for me

stating my view is that by you stating 'the subtle conscious mind' is

independent of the physical body is raising the spectre that there is a 'soul' or

'something esoterically spiritual' that goes beyond the human incarnation. This

is not IMHO a Buddhist perspective. I am happy to be corrected.

Thanks for your further comments. I suppose 'somehow' independence is not

the same as 'absolute' independence. Yes, it is understood that all things that

exist in the cosmos are inter-relating, inter-depending and inter-waving with

one another. The principle of emptiness denounces any absolute discrete

orientation of created things.


Simply, mind and body arising are analogous to the origination of fire. From an

article pulled out from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, the origin of fire is

described as follows: -

‘Fires start when a flammable and/or a combustible material, in combination

with a sufficient quantity of an oxidizer such as oxygen gas or another oxygen-

rich compound (though non-oxygen oxidizers exist that can replace oxygen), is

exposed to a source of heat or ambient temperature above the flash point for

the fuel/oxidizer mix, and is able to sustain a rate of rapid oxidation that

produces a chain reaction. This is commonly called the fire tetrahedron. Fire

cannot exist without all of these elements in place and in the right proportions.

For example, a flammable liquid will start burning only if the fuel and oxygen are

in the right proportions. Some fuel-oxygen mixes may require a catalyst, a

substance that is not directly involved in any chemical reaction during

combustion, but which enables the reactants to combust more readily. Once

ignited, a chain reaction must take place whereby fires can sustain their own

heat by the further release of heat energy in the process of combustion and

may propagate, provided there is a continuous supply of an oxidizer and fuel.’

The mentioned comparison can be depicted as below: -

Combustion Sparkling process

Fire Sentient being

Flame Prevailing mind consciousness

Fuel/combustible material Sentient body

Oxidiser Oxygen intake

Heat Subtle mind consciousness

Chain reaction Electrochemical impulse/transmission

Catalyst ‘Free-flow’ subtle mind consciousness

The principle in effect: When the flame is blown off, the chain reaction stops

and the fire would be vanished. However, the ambient temperature (heat)

remains temporarily but below the flash point for fuel/oxidiser mix and waiting

for all the right elements in place and on the right proportions. Likewise, when

a sentient being has passed on, the prevailing mind consciousness dies out and

the electrochemical impulse/transmission would lapse. However, the subtle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flammable

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Material

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxidizer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperature

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_point

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_reaction

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_triangle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalyst

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical


mind consciousness still remains temporarily in liberated forms before

subscribing to the next becoming process under a balanced phenomenon.

Q50 Can someone tell me the Buddhist perspective upon God, Nibbāna and

the Truth? How is Nibbāna connected to God, the Truth, and what is the

Truth?

What is God?

According to Buddhism, there are 31 planes of existence in the nature and the

deities/devas (the namesake of God) are placed at a higher level of existence

than the human realm: -




In Buddhism, the human realm is merely one of the above-mentioned 31 planes

of existence and these different planes would exist only with the mind arising.

For instance, heaven or hell is not a plane of existence waiting for exclusive










What is Nibbāna?

For your information, nibbāna does not belong to any of the 31 planes of

existence. In an ultimate sense, nibbāna does not exist at all. This is because

there is non-existence of the mind to provide with the descriptions,







What is the Truth?

Basically, there are two sides of truth in existence i.e. the conventional truth

and the ultimate truth. When addressing a problem, in the first place, we need

to ensure whether our point of view is from the conventional or the ultimate perspective. For example, from the conventional perspective, we would agree

that duality or multiplicity does exist. Therefore, nibbāna is a phenomenon

because we are speaking as a subject on the other side of the object or

matter. In other words, the subject is pondering on the object or matter -

phenomenon arises. However, from the ultimate perspective, we would then

agree that no duality or multiplicity arises. Therefore, nibbāna is not a

phenomenon (also applies on all other things) because there is no subject to

ponder on the object or matter. In other words, no phenomenon arises if we

speak from the ultimate perspective.





observers or minds. Whereas, an ultimate truth is a reality that exists beyond

mind and beyond concepts and words in the sense that it is beyond our usual

ways of perceiving things. Language and conception only imply that things

exist in distinct manners i.e. wise person, dumb person, saint, devil, etc. - in

such well-defined and independent categories. Perceiving ultimate reality is

seeing that things do not exist in these fantasised, impossible ways, in black

and white categories.

The Orientation of Nature and Nibbāna

What is nature? Nature is originally referred to essential qualities or innate

disposition; related to the intrinsic characteristics that plants, animals, and

other features of the world develop of their own accord. These essential


qualities of nature can be divided into two categories i.e. inherence and

dependence. Both of these qualities as observed by the mind would exist

concurrently in a harmonious orientation. Therefore, it is imperative for one to

understand that nature is sufficiently universal and infinite in its original

disposition and is governed by the universal laws.

Dependent Nature



death and re-birth. When there is samsāra arising, dukkha would arise

concurrently. And the meaning of dukkha or suffering would be to ‘bear with’

or ‘contemptible emptiness.’ Any circumstances that would involve one to

continue with; to persevere with; to soldier on with; to carry on with; to

undertake with; to go through with would mean suffering.

Within the dependent nature, there is mind arising that conjures up perceptions,

conceptions, labels, boundaries, names, activities, shapes, relations,

descriptions, stereotyping, beginning, ending, etc. According to the Buddha,

mind is the forerunner of all states. The presence in the waves of dependent



of time, suffering arises and continues to arise in the dependent nature.




In other words, duality or multiplicity would arise in the presence of the











Inherent Nature

What constitutes a non-dependent nature? A non-dependent nature is also

known as an inherent nature of existence. Anything that inherently exists

would not involve change and created objects cannot inherently exist since

that would involve change. Therefore, we could conclude that all the things or

happenings in the dependent nature cannot inherently exist because the

changing process is the key element of it.

Within the non-dependent nature, there would be absence of mind arising. And

with no mind arising, no circumstance of duality or multiplicity would

arise. This is because there is no subject to ponder on the object or


































that ceases.

Nibbāna – a state of paradise?

For general understanding, nibbāna is not a state of paradise or some sort of

heavenly realms that can be found alongside the planes of existence within the

cosmos. Nibbāna is a non-dependent arising state of affairs i.e. with no rising

and falling activities taking place. In other words, nibbāna is a completely

neutralised state of affairs – in contrast with the conventional phenomenon

that would subject to the conditional influences i.e. in a continuous and

constantly changing state of affairs.



















Q51 Nibbāna does not exist when there is no arahant or Buddha in the world

to experience it. If (A) Nibbāna does not exist when there is no arahant or

Buddha in the world to experience it, then (B) Nibbāna is subjective, a

psychological phenomenon. If (B) Nibbāna is subjective, a psychological

phenomenon, then (C) Nibbāna is a mental fabrication, which being dependent

on another cannot be permanent. If (C) Nibbāna cannot be permanent, then

(D) There is no true liberation from suffering. So, does nibbāna exist when

there is no arahant or Buddha in the world or not? Where is the flaw in the

argument?

In an ultimate sense, nibbāna does not exist at all. What exists is defined as

that which can be known by the mind. Anything that cannot be known by the

mind does not exist. And conventionally, things can exist as in fallacy or in

reality. But in the ultimate reality, things do not exist in the ways that

concepts and language imply they do. Things would only exist as in deepest

facts i.e. it is beyond mind and beyond concepts and words in the sense that it

is beyond our usual ways of perceiving things.

Nibbāna can be known as the ultimate cessation of events - a non-dependent

nature. Whereas, samsāra literally means ‘continuous flow’- referring to a

repeating cycle of birth, life, death and re-birth. In other words, there would be

plentiful of events within samsāra - a dependent nature, but why is it so? It is

because of the mind arising. As the Buddha has mentioned, mind is the

forerunner of all states. This means the truth orientation within samsāra is

dependent on the observer (i.e. the subject’s mind) to provide with the

description, definition, recognition, valuation, etc. on the other side of the

object or matter. And the truth conclusion varies among different observers or

minds.

The conclusion is that nibbāna exists under the conventional perspective and


does not exist under the ultimate perspective.

The principle-in-effect: - No mind, no dependent nature, no existence - the eternal bliss of nibbāna.

Q52 Can anyone share some meditation methods for cultivating

concentration? The mind is a bit too frantic for just observing lately and I

want to try something new. Besides focusing on each in breath and out

breath or sensations of body what techniques are there? Thanks.

There are two ways to assume concentration in meditation: -

(1) Microscopic analysis of things.

(2) Macroscopic analysis of things.

For a start, place a solid ball in front of you and gaze at it effortlessly: -


If you were to zoom in the analysis of a solid ball by looking into the contents

and then its basic matters i.e. atoms, you could realise that the ultimate result

would yield to the absence of things (no things). This is because in a real

sense there is no core essence within it except for the basic elements (energy,

matter and space) that orientate and evolve constantly under the influence of

the external conditions. In other words, one could mention that the form entity

has a delusive nature i.e. it is an appearance, though not illusive, but devoid of

inherent existence and constantly varies under the influence of conditional

phenomena.


If you were to zoom out the analysis of a solid ball by receding into a long shot


size and you could realise that the ultimate result would yield to the absence of

things (no things). In other words, the broader the perspective that one





Emptiness Microscopic analysis (samatha) MIND Macroscopic

analysis (vipassanā) Emptiness

Basically, samatha meditation is to calm or tranquil the mind by means of

concentration. Whereas, vipassanā meditation is to mould the mind into seeing

all things as they really are – an insight into the true nature of reality. The

main focus of vipassanā meditation is to attain pure awareness via mindfulness.


dependable throughout the practices in order to achieve favourable results in

meditation.

As a conclusion, the emptiness of phenomena is both the cause and

consequence of the dependent nature of phenomena. It is the inherent quality

of existence and is considered the ultimate truth because it inherently exists



of mind. Transcending the mind via meditation would allow the dilution of

one’s personal ego under the light of pure awareness and subsequently, it

would give rise to the original source connection – the emptiness of all things.

Q53 Why is there suffering? I was thinking more from a question of why the

universe has suffering. From the nuts and bolts of the mind the answer is

craving. But why is it there? If you take craving and suffering as pieces of

the puzzle then my asking why there is suffering includes the question ‘why is

there craving’?

Why is there suffering? It is because of the mind arising.

When we profoundly explore into the mind, we could discover the respective

elements of information, knowledge, representation, memory, compulsion,

ignorance, blindness, disorientation, confusion, irrationality, impulse, volition,

awareness, and consciousness. The interdependence and interwoven of these


elements are the necessary prerequisite for suffering to exist; without it, the

suffering would be impossible.

In other words, the mind is dependent arising and the dependent nature per se

is an inherent existence with emptiness becoming its central influence. In

other words, the dependent nature can never be eliminated by whatsoever

means because what is becoming is due to emptiness and what is unbecoming

is also due to emptiness.

66.0 Intriguing Questions

Q1 Which one comes first – the chicken or the egg?

A1 The true answer is neither of both. This question in itself is incomplete

from a practical point of view. Both the chicken and the egg could not pop out

of thin air in a sudden phenomenon. Scientifically, we need to view this

process in a thorough perspective rather than a limited view scope.

To start with, we need to look at the basic elements – energy, matter and

space. These three elements would interact together to initiate the very first

dot of integrating process. These same elements would disintegrate from each

other at any time of maturity to initiate the segregating process. The whole

process of integration and segregation would create myriad of activities in a

fully occupied realms of existence. Therefore, to answer correctly on this

question, one would need to look at the process of evolution and mutation. It

is inevitable that every existence would need to go through some kind of

evolving and mutating processes. There is no permanency in any realms of

existence due to the conditional law of circumstances that dictates the natural

processes.

If you were to work in a product manufacturing environment, it would be clearly

understood that before the process of initiating any new items, you would need

to deploy with the research and development. The eventual outcome of it

would be the formation of a near perfect sample. However, samples are not

permanent and would subject to various trials and modifications until a stage of

perfection. Only then could the next process of mass production or duplication


commence - just like producing the chicken and the egg. As such, it is neither

the chicken nor the egg that comes first but some kind of life-form samples

that become the predecessors for both the chicken and the egg.

On the other hand, we could view it from another perspective i.e. the category

of perpetual and non-perpetual. Sample would belong to the non-perpetual

category, whereas, the chicken or the egg would belong to the perpetual

category. At the end of the day, only the perpetuating process would last for

some period of time (not permanently) and the non-perpetuating process would

disappear over a short period of time. In other words, it is the evolving and

mutating processes that dictate part of the rising and the falling activities in

the realms of existence.

Q2 Perhaps, you have heard of destiny; you are my other half; we are

destined to meet with each other; we seemed to share with common

chemistry; why I happen to meet and love you - not your neighbour? What are

all these about?

A2 The explanation lies in the wonder of nature again. When the three basic

elements interact together, the very first dot of integrating process begins.

When the billion and trillion dots come together, it would manifest into some

sort of beings – let’s say human beings. Respectively, each dot of integrating

process would contain a sort of genetic information that is unique and the

aggregate of multiple dots would subsequently develop into a pool of behaviour.

Such a unique pool of behaviour would enfold within the same being until the

next disintegrating process begins upon a specific time of maturity. During the

disintegrating process, these same basic elements within the billion and trillion

dots would liberate from each other and sustain a freedom of sorts. When

more different beings go through the same disintegrating processes, more

different basic elements within the billion and trillion dots would sustain

freedom and thus assimilate among each other in the realms of existence.

Let’s say there are three different beings i.e. Person H, Person O and Person

R. Within Person H, let’s say there are element-dots of h1, h2, h3, h4 and the

same manner goes for the other two persons respectively. When Person H,

Person O, Person R go through the disintegrating processes, all of their

respective element-dots i.e. h1……h4, o1…o4, r1…r4 would liberate and


assimilate with each other. Upon a specific conducive time period, the same

fragmented and assimilated element-dots would go through the integrating and

the copulating processes via Person S and Person E (father and mother), thus

forming a new being, let’s say Person HORSE. As such, Person HORSE would

carry with the genetic information deriving not only from Person S and Person

E but also Person H, Person O and Person R. Supposedly, Person HORSE

would carry with the fragmented and assimilated element-dots of h1, o2, r1, s3,

e2.

In a second scenario, the remaining fragmented and assimilated element-dots

of Person H, Person O and Person R would go through the integrating and the

copulating processes via Person N and Person Y (father and mother), thus

forming a new being, let’s say Person HORNY. Supposedly, Person HORNY

would carry with the fragmented and assimilated element-dots of h2, o1, r2, n2,

y2. Now, in a third scenario, the other remaining fragmented and assimilated

element-dots of Person H, Person O and Person R would go through the

integrating and the copulating processes via Person T and Person I (father and

mother), thus forming a new being, let’s say Person HORTI. Supposedly,

Person HORTI would carry with the fragmented and assimilated element-dots

of h3, o3, r3, t2, i3.

Inevitably, under the natural law of attraction, anything that belongs to the

same ancestry would somehow attract with each other no matter how far or

near distance and how long or short time period. Supposedly, Person HORSE

lives in England, Person HORTI lives in Australia and Person HORNY lives in

New Zealand. In their present lifetime, Person HORSE is good friend of Person

HORTI, while Person HORTI and Person HORNY are husband and wife.

If you view their relationships in a complete perspective, all of them are inter-

dependent and inter-related somehow or somewhere before time - just like

how the genetic lineage orientates through generations. Thus in their present

lifetime they tend to have the opportunity to meet and know with each other

and not the other non-relevant beings. So by now, one would know what the

phrase, ‘Destiny is made in Heaven, Man looks for his other half, We shared

with a common chemistry’, would mean in general context. And according to

Christianity, it is believed that all human beings derived from Adam and Eve and

this statement may hold its truth literally.


Q3 Christians believe that we live only once. However, Buddhists believe in

continuous rebirth. Who is telling the truth?

A3 Who is telling the truth? The answer is both believers command a certain

degree of truth in their respective point of views. Now, let us return to the

same illustration i.e. Person HORSE, Person HORTI and Person HORNY.

These persons are unique respectively and no individuals would be the same

even though they do share some sort of same genes before time. For instance,

twins are similar but never the same individuals. As such, Christians are

correct about living once because we don’t find another same ‘we’ elsewhere,

anywhere or any other time. But by living once, it does not mean there is no

continuity. The element-dots of Person H, Person O and Person R did inherit

into new beings of Person HORSE, Person HORTI and Person HORNY. This is

what the Buddhists mean by the continuous rebirth conditions.

For general understanding, rebirth does not mean trans-migration. An

individual soul does not migrate from a physical body into another one. No, it

just won’t fit at all. Every individual or thing that exists would not be the same

- it could only be in a similar condition. This is why you have heard in various

stories whereby a spirit or ghost has the ability to possess into the body of an

individual but it never absolutely overtakes the soul of the possessed individual.

This is because one cannot simply exchange the soul with each other at one’s

whim and fancy. Even individuals with the most powerful magic charm could

not perform this feat. In another instance, you may have heard of the organ

transplant cases, whereby the new recipients need to take immunosuppressive

drugs to treat any transplant rejections – live long. Ultimately, it is the wonder

of nature again that everyone is neither identical to, nor entirely different from

each other.

Q4 Are books, rocks, shirts, tables, chairs, buildings, minerals, water, earth,

plants - all living things or only humans, animals, insects are entitled to be

called living beings? What constitutes a living thing or being?

A4 Generally speaking, living may refer to having certain characteristics such

as heartbeats, self-motions, self-cultivates, self-assimilates, etc. and non-

living may refer to having the characteristics of motionless, no heartbeats,


decays, etc. On another perspective, we would classify that the living beings

would have souls and the non-living things would have no-souls. However, if

we were to view it correctly, everything that exists in the realms of existence

is alive in their respective nature. Motion-less does not mean dead and non-

growing does not mean non-living. As mentioned earlier, all the happenings or

activities would start with the three basic elements i.e. energy, matter and

space. When these elements interact with each other, a living condition would

start from this very first dot of integrating process - regardless whether a

thing or being would be self-kicking, self-expanding, self-contracting or vice

versa.

We just could not segregate the living from the non-living things without truly

understand the natural law in a thorough perspective. Nature in itself is

wonderful that allows all the things to assimilate with each other and it

becomes too complex for any acts of separation in clean cut manners. For

instance, we always classify humans or animals as living beings and the other

material things such as air, water and minerals are otherwise. If this statement

is true, then we would fool ourselves with incorrect perception.

From an article pulled out from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, the

composition of human body is as follows: -

‘The human body's chemical composition consists of a variety of elements and

compounds. By mass, human cells consist of 65–90% water (H2O), and a

significant portion is composed of carbon-containing organic molecules.

Oxygen therefore contributes a majority of a human body's mass, followed by

carbon. 99% of the mass of the human body is made up of the six elements

oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus.’

If water, air and minerals are non-living things, how could we identify ourselves

as living beings when over 90% of our bodies comprise with these non-living

substances? Likewise, we used to portray that when a person is lying dead,

only his or her soul would depart from the motionless body, but how true is it?

If this statement is acceptable, then the next question would be, ‘Has anyone

ever seen with pure naked spirits or ghosts?’ So it is appropriate to quote

everything that appears in the realms of existence is very much alive. In fact,

these so-called non-living things could well communicate and interact with the


living beings - just like we used to express our Mother Earth would react to our

wrong doings and raging at times.

Q5 How big is the material Universe? Can we quantify it? Is there an edge,

end or shape to the material Universe?

A5 How big is the material Universe? Presently, there can be no appropriate

answer to it because we have yet capable of devising any extra-amazing type

of machinery that can measure the wave length of infinity. Any attempts to

quantify the size of the material Universe would require truly extraordinary

efforts and there can be no reliable measurement because the material

Universe in itself is never stagnant, instead it is very much alive – continuously

contracting and expanding at the same time. Nevertheless, the material

Universe belongs to a category of perpetual and it contains a perpetual shape

but has no edge and no end. So what exactly is the shape of the material

Universe? The probable answer is sphere.

In the realms of existence, only sphere or round (in-linear) is termed as a

perpetual profile design. Any other shapes (in-linear) such as triangle, square,

pentagon, octagon, etc. would be termed as non-perpetual profile designs. And

it is proven scientifically that round is the most viable shape for perpetuity due

to mutual and equal forces on its surface from all angles. There are many

examples in the outer space on these perpetual appearances i.e. stars, suns,

planets, moons, black holes, etc. As a conclusion, one should not feel bad

when losing a particular precious item in the infinite outer space because the

same item would return in the opposite direction ultimately. Therefore the

saying, ‘What goes around, comes around’, is indeed truthful for any

applications in the realms of existence.

Q6 Birth and rebirth – past, present and future life; how does it derive?

What is the purpose of life?

A6 Why am I here? This is a million dollar worth question that no one could

provide with a definite answer to it. In order to analyse on this question, we

need to segregate it into two categories i.e. the creation by nature and the


creation by mankind. It is easier to define the creation by mankind but the

definition for the creation by nature would require one’s in-depth knowledge

on the orientation of nature. As mentioned earlier, all the activities would start

with the integration of the three basic elements i.e. energy, matter and space

under a balanced phenomenon. These elements would interact together to

initiate the very first dot of integrating process or birth as we usually named it.

The same elements would disintegrate from each other at any time of maturity

to initiate the segregating process under an imbalanced phenomenon. Thus the

whole process of integration and segregation would create myriad of activities

in a fully occupied realms of existence.

On the same pretext, one would question that if birth and rebirth conditions

exist, why don’t most of the humans have clear memories of their respective

past lives? Well, it is amusing to mention that most of us couldn’t even recall

clearly on all the happenings in the past weeks and what more on our past

lives? But in some cases, this statement may not turn out valid. Some

individuals did remember vividly on their past lives and could relate it well in

their present lives. Some individuals could even see their future lives and

relate it in their present lives (with reference to some revered monks).

Nevertheless, there is a clear-cut explanation on these exceptional incidences.

Let us return to the same illustration i.e. Person HORSE, Person HORTI and

Person HORNY. These persons are unique respectively and each one does

inherit the element-dots of Person H, Person O and Person R. But let us

explore further on the density of element-dots that Person HORSE, Person

HORTI and Person HORNY inherited from Person H, Person O and Person R.

A higher density of any particular element-dot inheritance would mean a higher

retention of genetic information that determines the particular pool of

behaviour of a predecessor.

In other words, if Person HORSE has inherited with a higher density of

element-dots from Person H as compared with the element-dots from Person

O and Person R, then the pool of behaviour for Person HORSE would somehow

share some kinds of similar characteristics with Person H. Supposedly, Person

H is an ardent pianist and naturally Person HORSE would be talented toward

the play of piano or something with similarity. This is how we explain the

natural and talented skills we always uncovered from young children. The same


case scenario applies for the phobic conditions in any particular individuals.

Therefore, we conclude that some individuals could remember their past lives

because they do inherit with higher density of element-dots deriving from the

predecessors with ardent characters or talents. But most people can’t recall

their past lives because they only inherit with much assimilated element-dots

deriving from myriad of predecessors.

Right now, with all the birth and rebirth processes, do we really have any

reasons, meanings or purposes for sustaining as living beings? So what is the

rightful purpose of life? Well, the ultimate purpose of life is to attain the

opportunity to learn to live wholesomely. It is regardless whether one would

live a good life, a luxurious life, a poor life or a pathetic life. By being alive as

humans, we have all the liberties or choices of pathway to begin with. And one

should not mention that, ‘I have no purpose in my life’, because this phrase

per se already determines his or her life route. Besides, it is crucial for one to

live a life wholesomely at all times – at least there would not be a regret factor

arises later in one’s life. Living wholesomely would mean living a healthy life

with exploration and enjoyment to the fullest extent with wisdom and not with

ignorance.

Q7 Why are some people born with plenty of blessings? Why some people

are lacking of it? Is it due to the law of kamma or the law of natural random

selection or simply God’s favouritism?

A7 It is commonly established in the society that people have tendencies of

searching, fighting or defending for justice or fairness but for most of the time,

the circumstances are on the opposite end. The situation of inequality can be

seen everywhere and anywhere one moves about. And there is a saying that it

is due to the world is round and not square - therefore the ‘fair and square’

slogan cannot apply in this mundane world. Well, one may say that the

foremost reason for all these happenings is that God would like to test on our

patience, endurance, etc. But how true is it? Can this statement be taken in

literally? Then others may say that all these happenings are due to the

workings of kamma. So is it due to the workings of kamma or God? Let us

analyse into it.


Frankly speaking, there are many definitions of God. God is referred as deity

or superhuman power for someone who is Hindu or Taoist; and according to

Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc. God is creator and ruler of the Universe. Well,

the attributes of God can be never ending and it coincides with the proverb,

‘Beauty is in the eyes of a beholder.’ In other words, God is a subject of

reverence for most of the faiths found in this world. Now, what about kamma?

According to Buddhism, everything that happens in the world or the material

Universe is subject to the law of kamma. Well, for general understanding, the

law of kamma is a natural phenomenon law – it is not shaped by someone else;

no one owns it; neither Buddhism. It is merely a law of balancing that helps to

attain the circumstances of equilibrium in the nature.

If one observes the surroundings intently, everything that exists would always

try to achieve a harmonious balance. Things would only exist in a perpetual

condition when there is a balanced circumstance. In other words, one should

not waste time propagating the idea of justice or fairness. Instead, all efforts

would be worth channeled to propagate the balancing act in life i.e. the yin and

yang. When there is a state of balance in both the yin and yang, peace and

harmony would arise and there would no longer be jealousy, hatred and uproar

in the society.

Q8 Why anything? Why existence? Why kamma? Why rebirth? Why any of

it at all? Why something, why not nothing?

A8 If we could unwind to the basic condition on all the happenings and

activities in the nature, we could see the appearance of the three basic

elements i.e. energy, matter and space. To answer these questions, perhaps,

we need to look into the balanced and the imbalanced circumstances. We

could mention that all the happenings and activities in the realms of existence

would arise from the cyclic influence of balanced and imbalanced phenomena.

Whether the three basic elements would interact or un-interact with each

other, it is dependent on these circumstances of duality.

Now, let us take an illustration of cancer cell in the human body system.

Supposedly, there are elements of cancer in the human body system and when

the circumstance is in a balanced condition (conducive) these elements would


interact with each other to form active cancer cells. Subsequently, the human

body system would be overwhelmed and succumbed to the suffering in both

the mental and physical senses. On the other hand, when the same human

body system undergoes treatment such as chemotherapy and meditation, the

cancer cells would be broken down and thus the same elements would

disintegrate from each other under an imbalanced phenomenon (non-

conducive). In other words, the cancer occurrence would prolong until the

entire elements of cancer have been fully extinguished or neutralised from the

human body system. And a complete neutralising of all these basic elements

would mean nibbāna, as what the Buddha taught.

Q9 Time travel - possible?

A9 Is it possible for someone to do a time travelling to change his or her

destiny? Yes, it is plausible but with conditions. Generally, time is defined as a

non-spatial continuum in which events occur in apparently irreversible

succession from the past through the present to the future. In other words,

past thoughts or actions would determine the present conditions; whereas,

present thoughts or actions would determine the future conditions.

Whatever things or events happening now are the consequences of the past

events that have taken place. Like a saying, ‘I shall reap for what I sow.’

When one has a chance to a do time travelling, it does not literally mean that

one could do this, do that, undo this and that at whim and fancy. No, there can

be no reshuffling of happenings.

In other words, one could carry out a time travel to the past or the future

condition from the present condition but has no influence on it. But then, one

may ask since everything has been pre-determined or destined, what is there

left for a change? Frankly speaking, while one can’t change the past

condition, adjustment can still be done to the present condition to reduce the

impact on the future condition. We may have heard of some trained individuals

or high ranking monks that could relate the future events while sustaining their

physical form in the present phenomenon by doing time travelling in the same

plane of existence. This is what is commonly referred to as the future visions

or de-ja vu experiences and it could save lives.


Let us take an illustration of a forest at Mountain Island surrounded by a sea or

ocean. Supposedly, Person A inhabits on a lower ground within a dense forest

and Person B inhabits on top of a mountain far-off from the dense forest. On

one fine day, there was an underwater earthquake miles and miles away from

the island. Both Person A and Person B could not feel anything on the

earthquake. But the earthquake has set off tsunami and it was fast

approaching the Mountain Island. Still both Person A and Person B continued

with their respective daily activities with no inkling of the tsunami approaching

them.

By being positioned at top of the mountain, Person B has an added advantage.

He could see the tsunami from far distance and fast approaching the Mountain

Island as compared with Person A who could see nothing but the tree

surroundings. Person B has estimated the tsunami would hit the island in ten

hours and immediately alerted Person A who still has no idea about the

imminent danger. At the end of the day, we could conclude that underwater

earthquake is equated to the past condition; Person A and Person B is equated

to the present condition and tsunami is equated to the future condition.

So can Person B prevent the tsunami from hitting the Mountain Island? The

answer is a Nay. But can Person B make adjustment on the impact caused by

the tsunami? The answer is a Yea. In addition, one could also carry out a time

travelling into another plane of existence and return to relate one’s unique

experiences.

Let us take an example of the Buddha’s experience on reaching nibbāna while

still sustaining in samsāra. Literally, time is absent in nibbāna and all the basic

elements - energy, matter and space are practically frozen. When one does a

time travel to nibbāna temporarily, one could literally glance at samsāra all the

events passing from the present to the past conditions until the beginning of

events. It is just like the vision from a stationed podium on a moving train

locomotive and coaches.


67.0 Food for Thought

“One has to gain the knowledge first and then apply the understanding and the

experience with common sense and insight – that is wisdom.”

“The ‘I’ of I, is not mine.

The ‘you’ of you, is not yours.

The ‘he’ of he, is not his.

The ‘she’ of she, is not hers.

The ‘it’ of it, is not its.”

“There is no I am reborn, but just the state of rebirth.

There is no I am suffering, but just the state of suffering.

There is no I am in trouble, but just the state of troublesome.

There is no I am happy, but just the state of happiness.

There is no I am enlightened, but just the state of enlightenment.”

“Buddhism is about the sheer determination to pull one’s act together to end

the state of suffering. In the Buddhist context, determination is all about the

sheer acts to fix the suffering conclusively - right here, right now! One would

need to walk the talk steadfastly to end the suffering and not just blowing hot

air. Therefore, it is impossible that one could desire for enlightenment because

desire is merely the talking, the expecting or the wishing per se but inclining to

do nothing. Enlightenment can never be attained by mere building castles in

the air. As such, one should say, ‘I am determined to attain enlightenment’,

instead of, ‘I desire for enlightenment.’ In other words, Buddhism is not about

circumstances but attitude to circumstances.”

“If you wish to attain a long-lasting happiness in life - go naked, go balance

mentally at all times.”

“The peace of your mind is an ease of my heart.” – All subjects and objects

are inter-dependent and inter-connected at all times.

Buddhitakso


68.0 Summary

Nature is originally referred to essential qualities or innate disposition; related





orientation. Therefore, it is imperative for one to understand that nature is

sufficiently universal and infinite in its original disposition and is governed by

the universal laws.

Right now, what could be the key ingredients of nature? Precisely, the answer

would be energy and emptiness. When one sees into energy, one sees into

emptiness; when one sees into emptiness, one sees into energy. This is the

rationale for the saying, ‘Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form.’ The principle

in effect: seeing into form is seeing into matter, seeing into matter is seeing

into energy and seeing into energy is seeing into emptiness. Energy is

described as the ability to cause change or do work, while emptiness is

understood as absence in the static entity and devoid of inherent existence for

all created objects or things. Both the energy and emptiness are universal

qualities that correspond to the dependent arising and the inherent existence

concurrently.

For general understanding, conditional phenomenon is a necessary prerequisite

for energy to exist; without it, the existence would be impossible. On another

front, emptiness is a necessary prerequisite for any objects to exist; without it,

the object would be impossible. Therefore, we could conclude that energy and

emptiness are essential qualities for the dependent nature to sustain

perpetually. When there is no dependent nature arising, no energy or

emptiness would arise. Likewise, when there is no energy or emptiness arising,

no dependent nature would arise. This is how the conventional reality works

i.e. not in-linear but in inter-dependence, inter-woven and inter-relation since

the dawn of time in a very comprehensive and complicated network of

existence.

In the dependent nature, the existence of energy would give rise to the mind

that in turn conjures up perceptions, conceptions, labels, boundaries, names,


activities, shapes, relations, descriptions, stereotyping, beginning, ending, etc.

The mind is a necessary prerequisite for the circumstances of duality or

multiplicity. As such, we shall be clear by now that mind is the forerunner of all

states. These circumstances of duality or multiplicity are merely the end result

of various activities of aggregation being observed by the mind under the

influence of conditional phenomena. And only when there is a balanced

circumstance, there is a chance for the integrating process i.e. under a

balanced phenomenon, one could witness shapes or forms arising; under an

imbalanced phenomenon, one could see no shapes or forms arising - and the

cycle of conditional phenomena continues. Therefore, it is correct to mention

that all objects are empty and exist conditionally without an eternal essence.

They only exist in relation to each other as appearances that in turn vary as

per the perceptions of the beholders.

When one ponders as a subject on the other side of the object or matter, one

would notice that energy takes on various forms and reborn all the time in the

dependent nature. However, the sum of all the energies in the system is a

constant or never changes because energy can neither be created nor

destroyed as per the Law of Conservation of Energy. This would mean that

energy corresponds to the inherent existence as well due to its unchanging

nature as described above. It is the same case scenario for emptiness.

Emptiness corresponds to both the dependent arising and the inherent

existence concurrently. While emptiness could not exist without a dependent

partner, emptiness in direct perception cannot be segmented or dissected

further to see the real origin because it does not constitute some false

appearances concealing a lack of inherent existence. Therefore, it has an

unchanging nature that all conventional phenomena lack.

As a summary, we could conclude that energy and emptiness are essential

qualities that exist everywhere in the dependent and the inherent nature. In

the dependent nature, something as in object would not arise out of nothing

but instead, arise out of the elements of energy that exist in a system. This is

because energy and matter are simply two aspects of the same thing, both

reflected in different forms per se (as in Einstein’s formula, E = mc2). And

since we are unable to discern energy with our naked eyes, we would name it

as empty instead of nothing. It is difficult for one to see into this ultimate

truth because the mind is dependent arising and the presence in the waves of


dependent phenomena have clouded the mind from discerning the reality of

circumstances i.e. ignorance arises. Nevertheless, the wise Buddha has laid

emphasis that one should see in all angles of things or matters while pursuing

the ultimate truth or reality. Without it, any conclusions made out of one’s

observation would not be balanced or in a wholesome nature. And with the

presence of emptiness, the potential movement of the mind from non-

enlightenment toward a state of enlightenment would be possible.

Perhaps, one may need to understand clearly what qualifies as a Buddha and

what Buddhism is all about? Buddhism merely involves in seeing, knowing and

letting go of things or happenings. In other words, Buddhism upholds direct

experience and recognition but not the faith system. Therefore, Buddhism is

never about what the Buddha has said or not said personally. We have to

examine, ‘What is the real meaning of the Buddha?’ It is literally translated as

the ‘Awakened One.’ But, what is one awakening to? It is awakening to the

ultimate reality of things and happenings in the cosmos.

The Buddha has laid emphasis that one should look into all angles of things or

matters and then apply one's wisdom in the decision making. The Buddha has

merely left behind guidelines for one to pursue with and it would be

meaningless for one to read and tag along the contents of the discourses or

suttas blindly without applying wisdom. No doubt the available discourses or

suttas did play an important role in keeping the essence of Buddhism, but how

many of the so-called Buddhists nowadays have gained full enlightenment by

mere reading or reciting it? The key point here is not merely about the

mastering of theoretical knowledge on Buddhism but instead, more on the

practicality and the direct experience of it. These available scriptures,

discourses or suttas are merely tools for one’s Dhamma practices. And the

tools would remain as the tools and it would not turn a person into an

enlightened being if the application is without wisdom.

Also, the Buddha has recommended the establishment of the Sangha

community so that any followers could interact and support each other while

pursuing the guidelines of Dhamma. The Buddha has not established the

various sects or schools of Buddhism as what we could see nowadays.

Now, when we mention the Buddha's saying, are we only referring to Siddartha

Gautama alone? How about all the other beings that have had achieved


enlightenment along the thousands of years? For general understanding,

Siddartha Gautama is a Shakyamuni Buddha (a Samma-sam-buddha), but the

Buddha may not necessarily be Siddartha Gautama alone. Buddha is merely a

title just like presidency. Presidents may come and go over the years in an

organisation or a country but the presidency remains unshaken.

And the next question would be, ‘Who wrote all the suttas? When was it

written?’ Definitely, Buddhism is not only about the suttas per se but also the

other missing links. On this pretext, the Buddha is wise to mention that in

order to appreciate the essence of Dhamma, do not believe what he said until

one investigates and sees it. This principle is essential to uphold and sustain

so that the original essence of Dhamma could remain intact and surpassing

time. On another matter, the doctrine of Dependent Origination that outlines

part of the Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings does not reflect the first cause in

the dependent nature. The Shakyamuni Buddha has merely focused his

teachings on four subjects i.e. the Four Noble Truths: -

1. The truth of dukkha.

2. The truth of the origin of dukkha.

3. The truth of the cessation of dukkha.

4. The truth of the path leading to the cessation of dukkha.

He has discovered that mind is the forerunner of all states. And with ignorance

blindfolding the mind since the dawn of time, dukkha arises and continues to

arise in the dependent nature. As such, the first link i.e. ignorance in the

doctrine of Dependent Origination as taught by the Shakyamuni Buddha cannot

be translated as the first cause in the dependent nature. This doctrine did not

stress the importance of the first cause in the dependent nature but rather

focus on the first cause of dukkha. Dukkha arises because there is mind

arising - with ignorance as the key factor that clouded the mind from seeing

the reality of things or happenings. The wise Shakyamuni Buddha has merely

seen the urgency to put a complete end to dukkha - right here, right now. All

other matters are considered as trivial if compared with the reality of dukkha

arising in the samsāra.

In the Buddhist context, we do know that the dependent nature is known as

samsāra. Samsāra literally means ‘continuous flow’- referring to a repeating


cycle of birth, life, death and re-birth. In other words, there is a repeating

cycle of rising and falling activities that in turn would give rise to the balanced

and the imbalanced phenomena as being observed by the mind. Therefore, the

doctrine of Dependent Origination that outlines part of the Shakyamuni

Buddha’s teachings on the nature of existence cannot be directly translated

as a linear point of reference. This is because the conventional reality does

not work in-linear but in inter-dependence, inter-woven and inter-relation

since the dawn of time in a very comprehensive and complicated network of

existence. As a conclusion, Buddhism is supremely boundless, stereotype-less

and label-less. Buddhism is never about beliefs. Instead, it is all about direct

experience and recognition. Therefore, meditate, meditate and meditate to see

and taste the real truth. Seeing the Dhamma is seeing the Buddha – it is

seeing and knowing the ultimate reality of things and happenings and not to get

entangle with it.

Happy practising!


My Immediate Past Life Predecessor


I am sharing pictures or photos captured depicting some deities or spirits

wandering in the human realm.

The spirit of a Lohan (Pindola or Nantimitolo?) captured on my I-pad during the start of Jade

Emperor prayer in front of my house on 18-02-13.


The supposedly same Lohan reappeared in 2014 at the same place and the same time period

– CNY Jade Emperor praying night (photo captured by my I-phone 4 on 08-02-14).


The spirit of Guan Yin (Bodhisatva). This photo was captured on my Nokia handphone in

2009. The background scenery was a beautiful limestone cave in Ipoh, Malaysia.


The spirit of Shou (Longevity) - as in the God of Prosperity (Fu Lu Shou). This photo was

captured on my Nokia handphone in 2009. The background scenery was a beautiful limestone

cave in Ipoh, Malaysia.

The spirit of Jesus Christ. This photo was captured on my Nokia handphone in 2009. The

background scenery was a beautiful limestone cave in Ipoh, Malaysia.


The famous Erawan shrine (4-faced Buddha) in Bangkok. This photo was captured on my

wife's Sony Erricsson handphone in 2010.

Two cone head or ET-like spirits hanging around the Erawan main shrine (left photo).

A female face figurine spirit hanging around the Erawan main shrine (right photo).


Spirits in the dark limestone cave in Ipoh, Malaysia (Kek Lok Tong)

Buddha man Alien face Human face

Human face Skeletal face Feline face

Gleeful face Lady face Human face


Human face Old man Chubby face

Joker face Shocking face Robotic face

Devil face Sleepy face Old man face


Shrek face Fox face Gremlin face

Green man, ape and bald child faces


Chimpanzee face Gorilla face

Scary faces


Smiling face Piggy face

Cow face Hippo face Ape couple faces

Human face Hippo face

nature, reality & buddhism

Spiritual

non dependent nature

reality of nature

angle of nature

nondependent nature

inherent nature of existence

inherent quality of

law of kamma

dependent qualities