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The problem with skepticism
DairyLama
Veteran Veteran
in Philosophy
Buddhism teaches that skeptical doubt is one of the 5 hindrances to awakening, and yet a skeptic reifies skeptical doubt. Buddhism teaches the importance of faith as one of the 5 spiritual faculties, and yet for a skeptic faith is a dirty word.
A skeptic rejects any aspect of Buddhist teaching that looks religious, and views with suspicion anything that looks traditional.
How can a skeptic possibly understand Buddhist teachings?
A skeptic rejects any aspect of Buddhist teaching that looks religious, and views with suspicion anything that looks traditional.
How can a skeptic possibly understand Buddhist teachings?
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If a skeptic only accepts a small part of Buddhism, they'll still get some benefit.
If someone takes a small bite of the mango, it is still sweet. A larger bite is more delicious of course!
Starting from a extreme skeptic position is possible.
Like me, that's how I started.
I just meditated for stress relief, and found it worked. And then got more interested in the other parts, and went to "Secular Buddhist" retreats.
Finally, after 7 years or so, I saw more and more that resonated with me, and I finally decided to take the plunge and abandon my extreme skepticism.
Now I operate on the assumption that what the Buddha says is correct. I don't know that it is, but I can extrapolate from the other good and true stuff he said, to the stuff I don't yet know is good or true.
Take rebirth. I thought it was ridiculous. But now I accept that it may be reasonable to live according to the belief that it may be true. I don't outright believe it yet, but I think it's reasonable.
I still think faith is a dirty word, although I am getting closer to having "faith"... ugh. I prefer to use the word "confidence", which is apparently closer to the pali word for faith; "Saddha"
But you are right that anyone who maintains a skeptical position forever is going to miss out on a lot. a LOT.
Assume they fall into two broad categories; those who really cant comprehend certain aspects of the teachings and those who find it difficult because of their background.
Whatever the reason might be.
There will always be sceptics time immemorial, no issue with that.
Only issue are those who are sceptical on certain aspects of Buddhism and attempt to spread their warped beliefs to others.
5. Doubt refers to the disturbing inner questions at a time when one should be silently moving deeper. Doubt can question one's own ability "Can I do This?", or question the method "Is this the right way?", or even question the meaning "What is this?". It should be remembered that such questions are obstacles to meditation because they are asked at the wrong time and thus become an intrusion, obscuring one's clarity.
The Lord Buddha likened doubt to being lost in a desert, not recognizing any landmarks.
Such doubt is overcome by gathering clear instructions, having a good map, so that one can recognize the subtle landmarks in the unfamiliar territory of deep meditation and so know which way to go. Doubt in one's ability is overcome by nurturing self confidence with a good teacher. A meditation teacher is like a coach who convinces the sports team that they can succeed. The Lord Buddha stated that one can, one will, reach Jhana and Enlightenment if one carefully and patiently follows the instructions. The only uncertainty is 'when'! Experience also overcomes doubt about one's ability and also doubt whether this is the right path. As one realized for oneself the beautiful stages of the path, one discovers that one is indeed capable of the very highest, and that this is the path that leads one there.
The doubt that takes the form of constant assessing "Is this Jhana?" "How am I going?", is overcome by realizing that such questions are best left to the end, to the final couple of minutes of the meditation. A jury only makes its judgement at the end of the trial, when all the evidence has been presented. Similarly, a skillful meditator pursues a silent gathering of evidence, reviewing it only at the end to uncover its meaning.
The end of doubt, in meditation, is described by a mind which has full trust in the silence, and so doesn't interfere with any inner speech. Like having a good chauffeur, one sits silently on the journey out of trust in the driver.
Skeptical Buddhism doesn't mean "doubt everything" any more than being a stream enterer means "believe anything and everything". Skeptical Buddhists learn not to cling to their doubt in the same way other Buddhists have to learn not to cling to their beliefs.
I've met those who cling to their doubt. It doesn't matter what you say, they're looking for an argument. They're too busy looking for reasons to disagree to actually sit down and just practice. So no, the Sutra isn't saying being a Skeptical Buddhist is ignoring one of the hindrances. Does the "sloth" hindrance mean you must learn to live on 4 hours sleep a night and fill every waking moment with activity? Of course not. Nor does the Right Speech prohibition against idle chatter mean asking someone how their day is going breaks your precept.
hehehe
A man named Liu Yiming was staying at the Tong Lin Temple and had assembled a group of people to chant the Buddha's name. One day, while contemplating the magnificent image of the Buddha, he saw Amitabha Buddha appearing before him.
Liu Yiming wondered if Amitabha Buddha would touch his crown.
And Amitabha reached out his hand and touched Liu Yiming's crown.
Liu Yiming again wondered if Amitabha would clothe him with the Buddha's robe.
And Amitabha clothed him in the Buddha's robe.
Later, Liu Yiming passed away naturally and was reborn in Amitabha's Pure Land.
One good positivity of ancient intellectual and scholar was that they would put their skepticalism to test before they concluded it as like the above.
Skepticalism also may explore platform sutra that have a factual dialogue of zen master with a student seeking factuality of enlightenment mind
Skeptics believe.
Both have their useful functions.
But the nice thing about Buddhism is that it offers the possibility of setting aside the doubts that all believers harbor and nourish.
[Edit: I couldn't find entry for skepticism but just found it, apparently spelled scepticism in the Brit. Isles]
It's given as às-creideamh and dì-chreideamh, something like "incredulity" and "disbelief" respectively.
In AN 3.65, for example, the Kalama's doubt and uncertainty about various doctrines leads them to a search for truth. Moreover, according to the Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines, the Pali term vicikiccha, which is often translated as 'skeptical doubt' and 'uncertainty,' is described in the Visuddhimagga as "the lack of desire to think (things out i.e. to come to a conclusion; vigata-cikiccha, desiderative to √ cit, to think); it has the nature of wavering, and its manifestation is indecision and a divided attitude; its proximate cause is unwise attention to matters of doubt."
So the hindrance or fetter of doubt (vicikiccha-samyojana) isn't necessary doubt or skepticism so much as doubt that leads to indecision and extreme skepticism.
As for the attitude of Buddhism towards skepticism in general, I think it attempts to navigate a middle way between absolutism and extreme skepticism, as well as between the more well-known extremes of sever asceticism/self-mortification and excessive self-indulgence. For example, David Kalupahana offers an interesting perspective when he concludes in A History of Buddhist Philosophy that: All in all, I think there's some room for skepticism in Buddhism, and I don't see why a skeptical person couldn't eventually come to understand and appreciate the Buddha's teachings, particularly when faith or confidence can arise out of practicing and seeing the positive results regardless of the religious or traditional packaging the teachings themselves come in.
Some religious people have a tendency to view skepticism negatively, because they believe it corrosive to the meaning offered by their religious beliefs. The truth is however that skepticism can just as easily deepen faith.
So maybe you meant to ask: how can a skeptic possibly find Buddhist teachings meaningful?
Did Buddha say "Believe everything you are told about my teachings without question"?
I don't think so.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neti_neti
What works? What makes improvements to ones wisdom, life and well being and those around one? I am skeptical there is anything better than Buddhism at present for the majority of people.
Tantricity buddhism is exemplying as a profound, tradition and awesomic faith yet look religious. Most religiously look buddhism is basically a focus set of principle to draw the audience into good position. It also has a fanfare manner like sport, concert style to bring in people who are curious and indirectly aid them into good shape of themselve.
How can a skeptic possibly understand Buddhist teachings?
Sincerity in its utmost to completely appreciate and gratefulness of its teaching of Buddhism
For spiritual awakening we need to be ruthlessly honest with the facts of life as we see them and we need to be ruthlessly honest with ourselves.
We are living in the 21st century and our world is different from the Buddha’s. We can’t undo that; we can’t go back and undo our understanding.
I can’t simply turn a switch and believe something; if that is a hindrance so be it.
I quote:
There is no right and wrong religion for you to personally follow… whether it be Buddhims, Islam, Taoism, Shintoism, Jainism, Sikkh, Christianity, Hinduism etc. They all fundamentally teach you the same thing: to be kind to others… not to cause harm to others and to do good deeds. To live with your fellow beings filled with honesty, kindness and not to harm in any way.
In Buddhism, we encourage practitioners to question. Not to doubt, but to find their own understanding through logical thinking. It is through realization of the teachings that those studying Buddhism can advance in their spiritual practice.
In the monasteries, we have debate courtyards where the monks would go after class to debate on what they have learnt. The monks would question each other on a topic and it may go on for hours until a logical answer has been found. If the monk cannot come to a formulated answer, it either means that he didn’t study well enough… or that there simply isn’t a logical conclusion. Questioning is the basis of deeper understanding in any subject divine or secular.
When we question things this way, we will base our acceptance of the teachings, not on blind faith, but on logic and understanding.
I could see it is an antidote to blind belief perhaps. Unless it is carried to an extreme, in which case I would agree that it is a hindrance.
Skepticism doesn't mean one will always determine what they are skeptical about will be proven wrong; nor will it always determine what they are skeptical about will be proven right.
In my eyes, skepticism is nothing more (and nothing less) than the application of "critical thinking". What could be wrong with that?
I think my overall point is about the reification of empiricism into a dogmatic form of skepticism...
Or I'm just rambling. :scratch:
My 2 cents:
Doubt/skepticism is one of the five hindrances for meditation. Now it sounds like kind of a big thing, but we need to put it into perspective with the other four hindrances, which are aversion, craving, sleepiness and restlessness.
Now obviously, we all are sleepy sometimes. We all are restless, averted or craving sometimes, too. But all of these four do not happen all of the time. And likewise, neither is somebody doubtful all of the time... See where I'm going?
People are defined as 'skeptics', but putting such a label on someone is far from the truth. Nothing is constant, neither is 'being skeptic'. If one can let go of skeptical doubt during meditation alone, that's basically enough to come to understand Buddhism. It doesn't have to be replaced with faith, just as long as the questions are just put aside for the moment. Because if one can let it go during meditation, the mind can rest. It will get still and will get the power and insight needed to understand reality as it is.
Also, just like you can't just decide to not be sleepy, it's not like you can just decide not to have doubt/skepticism. It will stay until we've seen the Dhamma, the truth. That's only natural. Just as natural as being sleepy at times.
With metta,
Sabre
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skepticism
Note the primary definition ( No. 1 ): "An attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity..."
Also have a look at the list of synonyms further down, which is quite revealing.
skep·ti·cism noun \ˈskep-tə-ˌsi-zəm\
Definition of SKEPTICISM
1
: an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object
2
a : the doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain
b : the method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism characteristic of skeptics
3
: doubt concerning basic religious principles (as immortality, providence, and revelation)
Which included:
skepticism noun (Concise Encyclopedia)
Philosophical doubting of knowledge claims in various areas. From ancient to modern times, skeptics have challenged accepted views in metaphysics, science, morals, and religion. Pyrrhon of Elis (c. 360–272 BC) sought mental peace by avoiding commitment to any particular view; his approach gave rise in the lst century BC to Pyrrhonism, proponents of which sought to achieve suspension of judgment by systematically opposing various knowledge claims. One of its later leaders, Sextus Empiricus (2nd or 3rd century AD), strove for a state of imperturbability. Modern skeptical philosophers include Michel de Montaigne, Pierre Bayle, and David Hume.
Apparently a tendency toward disbelief is not included in these definitions.
Moreover, these definitions describe a tendency toward holding no view over unfounded belief.
Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I am even more convinced that a degree of healthy skepticism is a function of right view.
All the fine tunings of it's definition, better serve me by the results of that question.
Tendency - An inclination toward a particular characteristic or type of behaviour.
Synonyms - inclination, trend, propensity, leaning, proclivity
Disposition - 1. A person's inherent qualities of mind and character.
2. An inclination or tendency.
Synonyms - disposal, temper, nature, arrangement, character
Incredulous - (of a person or their manner) Unwilling or unable to believe something.
Synonyms - mistrustful, unbelieving, sceptical, distrustful
Disbelief - 1. Inability or refusal to accept that something is true or real.
2. Lack of faith in something.
Synonyms - incredulity, distrust, mistrust, discredit
[Note: Just clarifying some definitions, not taking any sides or providing my opinion]
I think there is enough flexibility it the definition of skepticism to say that I may hold an attitude of doubt about a particular object, such as Hell or rebirth, and not have a general disposition to incredulity, and still be considered a skeptic.
The notion of attaining mental peace through avoiding commitment to any particular view has a Madhyamaka ring to it.
Synonyms: distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, dubitation [archaic], incertitude, misdoubt, misgiving, mistrust, mistrustfulness, query, reservation, doubt, suspicion, uncertainty
Also I'm not sure what you mean by "healthy skepticsm"?
First, Buddhism teaches many things through the thousands of sutras that have been handed down, many of the statements profound and some nonsense and some contradictory. The old Monks did the best they could, but every religion is trying to sell you on a set of beliefs and considers the skeptical attitude to be the guard at the gateway of the mind, and Buddhism is no different.
Notice I said Buddhism is trying to sell you a set of beliefs. That doesn't mean they are false beliefs, or that the people trying to sell you these don't firmly believe they are true and only want your best interest.
Now, one of the unversal tools for avoiding the skeptical guard is to appeal to an "open mind" and say this skepticism is in some way a fault. Of course, what they mean is to have an open mind about their set of beliefs only. Remain skeptical about all that other nonsense the competing religions are trying to sell you. Why don't you believe in a creator God that rewards and punishes and requires our worship? Why aren't you going to their churches since anyone with an open mind has to believe? The Scientologists have a fascinating set of beliefs about ancient extraterrestrial superbeings inhabiting our bodies. Since skepticism is a flaw, why don't you believe this?
Because Buddhism does not use blind faith to authority to pound your skeptical mind into submission. Yes, to a skeptic "faith" is a dirty word. Guilty. Because the word faith has been redefined as blind belief and then elevated to some mystical attribute necessary for a spiritual life. Yes, we view with suspicion anything that is supposed to be accepted simply because it's traditional. Guilty. Tradition is another tool to kill the skeptical guard at the door. Something might be true and traditional both, or it might be bullshit and the only reason you've allowed yourself to be infected is because "it's Tradition!"
Now, how can a skeptical mind understand Buddhist traditions? Because Buddhism doesn't only appeal to blind belief or tradition. Buddhism appeals to reason and observation. Buddhism stands before the skeptical guard at the doorway to the mind and engages it in a conversation instead of a battle.
The only problem with skepticism that I can see is, it doesn't come naturally to most people for whatever reason. The world is full of "open minds" and look where it gets us. Every church out there has a preacher dumping beliefs into a room full of open minds.
A teacher out there will tell you, give him a room full of skeptical minds and he has a chance of teaching them something important and they might even teach him a thing or two before it's over.
You are attempting to portray an open mind as gullibility, but actually it's the middle path between the mistrust of skepticism and unquestioning belief.
I remain skeptical about skepticism.
But just to say it again, the hindrance of 'doubt' is not this kind of skepticism. It is actually a hindrance we are born with. It is the doubt of being unsure what the Dhamma is and why we meditate. We naturally have these questions until we see Dhamma. Just like we have the other hindrances like anger. Luckily, the hindrance of doubt is usually not that hard to put aside for a while, and it is not the hindrance that usually gives people the most problems.
When we see reality (Dhamma), doesn't mean we know everything, but we have no more shred of doubt about the four noble truths, about non-self and suffering, why we follow the path, why we meditate and what to do. The Dhamma becomes ingrained within us and we in the Dhamma. So the hindrance of doubt is gone. Simply to stop being skeptic doesn't do this, obviously. It comes from following the path, letting go. It doesn't matter if before this moment of understanding you were 'skeptic' or not, as long as you are able to let go.
With loadsa metta to ya all,
Sabre
As for proof, do you have any proof that enlightenment is possible - or is there an element of faith involved?