View Single Post
Old 05-25-2012, 08:54 PM   #23
Les Allen

Join Date
Oct 2005
Posts
407
Senior Member
Default
yes, the universe has non-self existence. the universe is not a self but it exists


all phenomena are not similar to nirvana. nirvana is the unconditioned. it is the uncaused. nirvana inherently exists. it is independent




Nirvana has inherent existence but is empty. although nirvana inherently exists, it is not a 'self'. it is not-self (anatta). it is empty of self (sunnata). the logic of Nagarjuna sounds questionable, in appearing to assert a synonomity between 'existence' and 'self'.

****

if we look down from above, upon the swirling mass that is the universe, it can be seen to exist. although there are no conditioned things in that universe that have inherent existence, the swirling mass itself swirls, moves & changes ceaselessly

buddha taught nirvana inherently exists, because it is the uncaused. buddha taught the reality of conditionality (causes & effect), impermanence and unsatisfactoriness in regards to conditioned things inherently exists or "stands". buddha taught the non-selfhood of all things, including Nirvana, inherently exists or "stands"

if "not-self" did not inherently exist, then how could all things be not-self? this simple statement refutes the logic of Nagarjuna

I think you mis-understand the concept of "self". I don't see self as simply a sentient being. A rock is a self. You are creating a duality within the structure of the universe that does not exist. There is no self and other. This applies to sentient beings and non-sentient beings. All things are empty.

Hands Palm to Palm,
Rhysman
Les Allen is offline


 

All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:52 PM.
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Design & Developed by Amodity.com
Copyright© Amodity