Samsaric ways of thinking
by Khenpo Tashi
As we approach Buddhism, we come from a Samsaric mind, or point of view. We carry so many Samsaric thinking with us when we learn Buddhism. Most of the time, we don’t know this.
It is very helpful for us, if we can be aware of these Samsaric beliefs, and put them there at the side. Just leave them aside first.
Instant Results
For example, one common Samsaric thinking is like this – “Push this in and something should come out”. Narrow-minded mentality. Instant result. We need to see instant results in what we do.
Actually, in Buddhism, it is different. This thinking is not helpful.
In Buddhism, we need to earn merit and purify negative Karma first, to gradually be able to reach the goal. But this concept of earning merit and purifying negative Karma, is unfamiliar to one’s Samsaric thinking. We cannot see merit with our eyes. We don’t know how Karma works.
So, due to Samsaric thinking, we want to find shortcut. “What is the shortest way? What is the quickest way? What is the most powerful prayer?”
Is that helpful thinking? No. It is a big obstacle for our learning Buddhism.
Not Believing in Cause and Effect
Another example. “Nihilism” in Buddhism means not believing in causes and their corresponding effects. Killing has no negative consequence. Doing meritorious activities have no positive, profound effects. The sun just rises on its own, and the multiple kinds of sufferings of different sentient beings are random, without any causes. These are nihilistic thinking.
Nihilism is also a mindset that only believes in what one can directly see or directly feel.
So, if we are aware of that nihilistic tendency of our Samsaric thinking, and put it aside as we study, then, there are more chances of absorbing the Buddha’s teachings. If not, nihilism serves as another big obstacle to learning and practicing Buddhism.