The Study of Observing Suffering and Plesure related to Mind-Body ----based on Sa?yukt?gama-S?tra
Date Issued
2010
Date
2010
Author(s)
Chong Tan, Tian
Abstract
Abstract
This dissertation is an inquiry into the observation of suffering and pleasure related to the mind-body. It is mainly a discussion of topics related to the mind-body such as the Buddhist interpretation of pleasure and suffering.
Buddhism advocates the authentic observation as a reliable approach to understanding the principles of pratītya-samutpāda (dependent co-arising), anitya (impermanence); as well as developing the wisdom of śūnyatā (emptiness) and madhyama-pratipad (middle path).
Unlike most worldly views, Buddhism does not adhere to the concept of self, thus avoiding any discussion of personal identity, subjectivity, ownership, and the entrapment of substantial entity in the mind-body. Instead, Buddhism reveals its theory of the truth by positing mind and body as being non-self, and an accumulation of the five aggregates.
Confronted with daily suffering and pleasure through the activities of the mind-body , ordinary people are either driven to blindly sensual pursuit or caught in the essential recognition of each experience of suffering and pleasure, confused by various feelings.By contrast, Buddhism concludes that all feelings are basically dukkha (suffering), thereby highlighting the three marks of reality. First, all mental expectations and hopes of ownership will eventually fall into a suffering void under the dynamic flux of reality. Second, this suffering is a real portrayal of reality-blinded sentient beings in two facets: continuous, agitated, ignorant mental activity; and unceasing karma (action-reaction) in an endless chain of reincarnation. Third, only through correct observation of the reality of suffering will a person be further motivated to investigate the causes of suffering and the way to extinguish suffering, thus leading to cultivation on the path to liberation.
In terms of epistemological perspectives, the Saṃyuktāgama-Sūtra inspires people to observe the true nature of suffering and pleasure arisen from the mind-body in order to spell out four significant points. First, the destruction of the view of self and elimination of blind faith towards the ontological essence of feelings is highlighted. Second, besides examining the worldly cognitive model, a dynamic observation is introduced with the inclusion of cognitive faculties, elements, and their mutually dependent process in the relational network. Third, instead of operating in the conventional, dualistically opposing mindset, development of the wisdom of non-dualism and middle path is stressed. Fourth, the coherent working of skandia, āyatana, and dhātu is incorporated into the understanding of feelings, thereby making a breakthrough in knowledge by way of detaching linguistic absolutism. In terms of practical implementation of such observation, progress is diligently made along the eight-fold path and the practices of being mindful of the four foundations. These efforts are the fundamental building blocks to attaining the great qualities of percepts, balanced-concentration, and wisdom. While transforming the suffering and pleasure arisen from the mind-body into the dharma (true nature of reality), the joy of nirvana is guaranteed .
Subjects
mind-body
suffering and pleasure
observation
middle path
non-dualism
Type
thesis
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