[Pashtet]

I would be interested to see what kind of perspective Buddhism has with regards to freewill and determinism.

From what I've read so far it seems that the Buddha would just see this as speculation that has nothing to do with the alleviating of suffering in life.

hi again GT

actually, there are possible elements of determinism in Buddhism, however, generally, Buddhism does not emphasise them because such views can be negative & disempowering

for example, in the Tittha Sutta, the Buddha refuted determinism, including the belief a 'god' causes suffering, because such a view results in inaction:

Monks, there are these three sectarian guilds that — when cross-examined, pressed for reasons & rebuked by wise people — even though they may explain otherwise, remain stuck in [a doctrine of] inaction. Which three?

There are brahmans & contemplatives who hold this teaching, hold this view: 'Whatever a person experiences — pleasant, painful or neither pleasant nor painful — that is all caused by what was done in the past.'

There are brahmans & contemplatives who hold this teaching, hold this view: 'Whatever a person experiences — pleasant, painful or neither pleasant nor painful — that is all caused by a supreme being's act of creation.'

There are brahmans & contemplatives who hold this teaching, hold this view: 'Whatever a person experiences — pleasant, painful, or neither pleasant nor painful — that is all without cause & without condition.'

When one can't pin down as a truth or reality what should & shouldn't be done, one dwells bewildered & unprotected. One cannot righteously refer to oneself as a contemplative. This was my first righteous refutation of those brahmans & contemplatives who hold to such teachings, such views. however, in the Maha-sihanada Sutta , the Buddha did offer some statements on the side of 'nature' or 'genetics' in the nature vs nurture paradigm

the Tathagata understands as it actually is the world with its many and different elements. That too is a Tathagata's power...

the Tathagata understands as it actually is how beings have different inclinations. That too is a Tathagata's power...

the Tathagata understands as it actually is the disposition of the faculties of other beings, other persons. That too is a Tathagata's power... it seems possible to have some personal sufferings and to rationalise those sufferings by 'determinism'

but Buddhism strongly encourages us to explore our mind & our potential to be free from suffering (before falling back onto views about determinism)

kind regards