#102. What is real and what is not: a Zen perspective Part 1.28MAR16
I have been requested to talk about what is real and what is not. After some hesitations here are few thoughts.
When asked to define reality and non-reality the Buddha replied in many ways often contradicting himself. Maybe his contradictions had a purpose since he did not like metaphysical or philosophical stuff, preferring being down to earth. For example he would rather answer the following: What are the causes of suffering and how to prevent them? Regarding what is reality and not, he replied the following:
“If you think, nothing is real because our thoughts are immaterial”
Another day he would teach this: “Everything is real when I am using my 5 senses.”
Or in modern English he also said: “I don’t know the difference, what is the point of your question?”
So, this is a difficult topic to talk about and I am not sure about its practical value in making your life easier, better and more serene. However this is a good challenge for discussion.