..续本文上一页eld, quantum field, magnetic field, and so on. This field is neither visible nor tangible; it is only an energy that exists in the vacuum. The vacuum is an empty state where nothing exists. When the vacuum has instantly amassed enough energy, the smallest unit of matter will be formed, but when the density of the energy is not strong enough, the particle will disappear and become empty space absent of any physical particles—a field. Therefore, physicists believe that the vacuum and field affect each other and are the source of our material world. Without them, protons, neutrons, and other particles cannot be formed, nor can the colorful material world.
In short, modern science believes that the smallest unit of matter must be there. Otherwise, if ultimately nothing exists, then we will be in trouble. However, from the Mahayana point of view, as long as we understand the meaning of dependent origination and emptiness, then it is not difficult at all to explain the appearances of phenomena. Although modern physicists have not studied the philosophy of Madhyamaka, their research and studies on the subject are extensive compared to previous physicists, and they are even closer to emptiness now. As the French physicist Rene Descartes said: “How do I know that I am not dreaming now
How can I identify what is a dream and what is real
Various different things in this world, although they cannot be established as real, we can see with our eyes. Therefore, it is completely possible that there is a demon deceiving us so that we cannot tell when things are real and when they are unreal.”
In fact, if we understand the philosophies of the Mahayana, then we will not doubt or worry about this at all. Precisely because things and events are devoid of an intrinsic nature, appearances can manifest within emptiness; conversely, if all things and events truly have an essence, then it is impossible for these intrinsically real objects to appear at all. Of course, this principle is extremely profound and so to understand and master it we must learn and study the philosophies of Madhyamaka. For me, among the knowledge I gained in my life, the value of the knowledge from Madhyamaka”s philosophy of emptiness surpasses all other knowledge. Only after we understand that the appearance of this world is not due to matter, but due to dependent origination, which is inseparable from emptiness, can we gain true benefit in this life.
The famous scientist Albert Einstein also said: “Time, space and matter are all imputed by our false perception.” This quote is the same as something we say in Buddhism: “All things and events appear due to the deluded mind.” Introduction to the Middle Way also says: “Although things and events are empty, they can arise from emptiness.” The scientists have racked their brains doing research and have gained some results. For example, the founder of quantum mechanics, Bohr, sentimentally said: “Whoever is not shocked by quantum mechanics has not understood it yet.” Regrettably, they have not discovered the meaning of emptiness through dependent origination. If they had learned the Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way or the Avatamsaka Sutra, then it would have been very easy for them to master and understand things and events at a subtle level. Therefore, while you are studying and learning the Madhyamaka, you must know how to ascertain things and events as emptiness through logical reasoning.
IV. The Superiority of Buddhism”s Unique Feature
Buddhism is neither afraid of refutation from its opponents nor afraid of not being able to establish its own view and position. As Lord Buddha said in a scripture: “Just as gold is burnt, cut and rubbed, Examine my words carefully and Do not accept them simply out of respect.” If one accepts…
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