Page 59 - EH60

HORIZ
ON
E
ORUM
|
5

TEACHINGS | EASTERN HORIZON 577
F
AS
TERN

Buddhism is known as the most rational among Namgyal: How I understand what Buddha was guiding
many religions because it does not emphasize blind us toward and warning us about, as reflected in the
faith and belief but encourages us to investigate above, is that we do use logic and reasoning, however
using our mind. But at the same time, the Buddha in in a balanced and careful way. We would do well to
the Sandaka Sutta, MN 76 also criticized those who not be complacent with them, absent of investigation
used reason (takka) and logical argument (naya) to against our own experience. Buddha encouraged us to
arrive at the truth. So when and how should we use check everything out in our own experience. We also
reasoning in our approach of the truth? must watch out to not settle on positions under the

assumption they are supported by solid reasoning,
Aggacitta: Investigation is required before deciding when the logic isn’t consistent, and they are biased in
whether or not to follow a teacher or his/her teachings. the direction of one’s own beliefs. So, using logic, yes. In
This is encouraged by the Buddha in Caṅkī Sutta a balanced and careful way and checking it out in our
(MN 95) and Vīmaṃsaka Sutta (MN 47). Part of the own experience.
investigation is to ensure that the teaching is not just
within the sphere of mere reasoning, but must lead to The Buddha rejected metaphysical speculations,
experiential understanding and realization. and put aside certain questions which he named the
unanswerables (avyākṛta), including questions
Min Wei: Buddhism is not based on any kind of about the soul and if the universe is eternal or not.
metaphysical theory or on an authority founded on Is it because there are no answers to such questions
revelation or on an indirect proof related to a priori or their answers are not relevant for our spiritual
reasoning in the sense of logic. According to Buddhism, quest?
all these are unsatisfactory as means of knowledge.
The Kālāma Sutta is also used for advocating prudence Aggacitta: The Buddha gave a simile of a man shot with
by the use of sound logical reasoning arguments for a very poisonous arrow but who refused to be treated
inquiries in the practice that relates to the discipline of unless he knew the details of the man who shot him and
seeking truth, wisdom and knowledge. so forth. (4) This shows the futility of asking speculative
questions when the most urgent thing to do is to walk
We know very well that logic might work with the Noble Eightfold Path to liberation.
measurable things, but most human conduct is
immeasurable, as it is feeling-based: how do we Min Wei: According to Buddhist Sanskrit texts, the
measure love, desire, hate, ignorance, fear, and other “fourteen unanswerable questions” (avyākṛta) refers
such emotions. This is very clear in such situations as to fourteen common philosophical questions that
our desire to buy things, desire for pleasure, or our Buddha refused to answer. They are questions that
being motivated to do good or evil. are not related to freeing oneself or helping us achieve
liberation. Hence, the Buddha refused to answer them.
That is why the teachings warn us, “Do not go by
reasoned thought” and “Do not go by acceptance of a The Buddha told his disciples not to waste their time
view after pondering on it.” and energy in metaphysical speculations. Whenever
he was asked a metaphysical question, he remained
For the Buddha, reason was part of the raft the aim silent. Instead, he directed his disciples toward practical
of which is to get one from this shore to the farther efforts. The Buddha wanted us to understand that the
shore which represents liberation or enlightenment. answers to those questions could only be found from
Reason is useful only to the extent that it assists in this experience, through contemplation and meditation.
function. Hence, the Buddha’s evaluation of reason
was pragmatic which is why he generally avoided A meaningful story from the texts tells of a man struck
metaphysical or logical speculations. by a poisoned arrow and the doctor wishes to take it