Remember two truths And then use conventions talk about racism and help to end suffering

Science And Buddhism
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Remember two truths
And then use conventions
talk about racism
and help to end suffering
☸️
The Flower Adornment (Avatamsaka) Sutra beautifully illustrates the concept of nonduality and the interplay of the two truths in Buddhist philosophy: conventional reality and ultimate reality. This is one of the sources for Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching on interbeing. Let’s explore how this ancient teaching relates to these two truths and their significance for engaged Buddhism today.

Two Truths in Buddhist Philosophy
⛅️ Conventional Reality (Samvriti Satya)

This is the reality experienced through our senses and ordinary cognition. It is the world of distinctions and dualities, where beings and objects appear separate and independent. This reality is characterized by clinging to the self (Atman) and ignorance (Avidya), leading to suffering (Dukkha).

🌞 Ultimate Reality (Paramartha Satya)
This is the deeper truth that transcends dualistic distinctions. It is the realization of the emptiness (Shunyata) of all phenomena, where all distinctions dissolve, and everything is interconnected and interdependent.

🌺 The Flower Adornment Sutra and the Two Truths
The Flower Adornment Sutra speaks to both these truths. It describes a vision where within a single atom, countless Buddha lands (kṣetras) exist, each beautifully adorned, without intermixing or overlap. This imagery highlights how, in ultimate reality, the infinite can manifest in the finite, and how all phenomena are interpenetrating and non-obstructive (or “mutually non interfering”, so that words and thoughts about things and beings can still make some sense).

In every atom, inconceivable numbers of Buddhas , inconfeBuddha realms appear, adapting to beings’ minds and pervading all lands. This illustrates how the Buddhas’ presence and teachings are universally accessible, adapting to the needs and conditions of sentient beings. Despite their infinite manifestations, they maintain a singular essence, embodying the nondual nature of reality.

🔥 Conventional Reality and Suffering
Conventional reality, driven by clinging to self and ignorance, creates distinctions that lead to suffering. Bodhisattvas, through discernment, recognize that while some things appear the same and others different, all phenomena are ultimately empty and interconnected. This discernment is essential for engaged Buddhists who aim to alleviate suffering by understanding and addressing the unique conditions and perspectives of all beings.

♾️ Interbeing and Skillful Means
Thich Nhat Hanh’s teaching on interbeing (which totally depends on the teaching coming out from the Avatamsaka sutra) is an expression of shunyata using positive terms to describe interconnectedness rather than focusing on negations. This approach emphasizes the interdependent nature of existence, where every being and thing is interwoven with others, aligning with the sutra’s vision of infinite Buddhas and lands within a single atom.

🧠 The Role of Discernment in Engaged Buddhism
Engaged Buddhists strive to help beings by discerning their unique conditions and suffering. This involves recognizing both the conventional distinctions and the ultimate interconnectedness of all phenomena. By understanding beings’ minds and contexts, bodhisattvas employ skillful means (upaya) to guide them towards liberation.

😔 Confronting Suffering and Racism
As engaged Buddhists, we confront social issues like racism and the collective karma of white people with discernment and compassion. While “white people” is a conventional term with no ultimate or even biological reality, it has significant meaning and implications in our worldly contexts. Addressing these issues requires acknowledging the suffering caused by racism and colonialism and engaging in deep listening and dialogue to foster reconciliation.

🦁 Conclusion
The teachings of the Flower Adornment Sutra remind us of the boundless potential within each moment and being, reflecting the profound nonduality of the two truths. As engaged Buddhists, we utilize this understanding to navigate conventional reality with discernment, compassion, and skillful means, striving towards the ultimate goal of alleviating suffering for all beings. By embracing both the differences and the underlying unity, we can effectively address social issues and contribute to a more compassionate and just world.