Views and attachment to views

santhisouk

We all have views, but what makes us attach to certain views and not all views? What's the difference between a view and a belief? Are certain types of views or beliefs less likely to be debated than others? Aren't all views the same? Is there a rating system between one person's belief over another?

Whoknows

Rhetorical? Good question though.

I have heard that the views are like signposts on the journey. After you have finished with a particular signpost you don't dig it out of the ground and bring it with you. You continue on and look for the next one. Also the signposts are only useful where they are, if you move the signpost it is no longer of any use as its original reference point is gone, its now pointing somewhere else. There's no such thing as an absolute signpost. Of course you may remember where the signposts are so that if anyone else is going the same way you can let them know so they don't get lost, and hopefully, in a similar vein, someone else is telling you where the signposts are. I think I've taken the analogy too far, but I'll leave it anyway.

Cheers, WK

taiyaki

"Seeing misery in views and opinions, without adopting any, I found inner peace and freedom. One who is free does not hold to views of dispute opinions. For a sage there is no higher, lower, nor equal, no places in the which the mind can stick. But those who grasp after views and opinions only wander about the world annoying people."

-Sutta Nipata

Whoknows

@taiyaki, Cool!

Great signpost!

santhisouk

"Seeing misery in views and opinions, without adopting any, I found inner peace and freedom.-Sutta Nipata

I find myself attaching to this line.

santhisouk

Also the signposts are only useful where they are, if you move the signpost it is no longer of any use as its original reference point is gone, its now pointing somewhere else.

I totally agree here.:)

pegembara

We all have views, but what makes us attach to certain views and not all views? What's the difference between a view and a belief? Are certain types of views or beliefs less likely to be debated than others? Aren't all views the same? Is there a rating system between one person's belief over another?

1. The belief that only my view/belief is true
2. None
3. Yes. The more one holds a view closer to heart [attachment] the greater the likelihood of debate. Absence of view = Freedom
4. It depends. See above
5. as in 4

santhisouk

I think all views come from the ego. Perhaps rooted in sankhara. A view that doesn't come from the ego is either a mindful view (the ego in and of itself thus no ego) or right views (samma ditthi).

Whoknows

Hi @santhisouk,

That sounds good. In relation to mindful views or non-egoic view I suppose if someone is unattached to views then they can use different views in different circumstances, even if the alternative views appear to be contradictory. In that case the viewer can adopt views based on their efficacy, in relation to the existing causes and conditions, at that time.

santhisouk

We have to realize that another person's view or our own should both be subjective to our own experiences first before we involve accepting the view. To immediately accept any view (including our own) without experiencing them directly may be classified as ignorance. A view that has been confirmed through one's own direct experience are the rewards for our wise actions and efforts.