Direct and Expedient Teachings of Buddha ‒ Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche | 佛陀的了義與不了義教法 ‒ 宗薩欽哲仁波切

Summary

The speaker explores the complexities of Buddha's teachings, emphasizing the distinction between direct and expedient teachings. They discuss the concept of reincarnation in Buddhism, explaining that while reincarnation may be taught in certain sutras, it is not an absolute truth but a skillful means to help practitioners. The talk critiques modern interpretations of Buddhism, particularly those focusing on meditation while overlooking its deeper religious aspects. The speaker stresses the importance of understanding Buddhism's ground, path, and method without altering them to fit contemporary values.

Takeaways

• 😀 Buddha’s teachings are often indirect, with a mix of truth and expedient methods designed for different audiences.
• 😀 The concept of reincarnation in Buddhism is not always literal. It is sometimes taught in sutras as an expedient truth, but not an ultimate truth.
• 😀 Buddha's teachings are intended to be compassionate, not to showcase his knowledge, often blending both direct and indirect truths to guide people.
• 😀 Direct teachings (like in Western science or politics) can be seen as 'ngedön', which are meant to be taken literally, unlike the often metaphorical or layered approach in Buddha's teachings.
• 😀 Buddha sometimes presents teachings that appear contradictory to test and guide different levels of understanding, such as praising generosity in one sutra and then discouraging it in another.
• 😀 The idea of reincarnation should not be simplified to a literal cycle of human to human, or human to animal transformations. It's a larger concept within samsara that needs deeper understanding.
• 😀 Reincarnation, in its true sense, is not about cycles of birth and death but a deeper spiritual journey that Buddha addresses through expedient teachings.
• 😀 The teachings about the impermanence of compounded things are considered relative truths, not ultimate truths, which can be misunderstood by materialists or literal thinkers.
• 😀 Thich Nhat Hanh and other modern Buddhist teachers may downplay the idea of reincarnation in the ultimate sense, but still incorporate it in a relative or expedient teaching context.
• 😀 The use of metaphors like 'samsara' and 'nirvana' in Buddha's teachings should not be seen as literal or fixed concepts but as guiding tools for spiritual practice, pointing to deeper truths beyond words and forms.
• 😀 Understanding Buddhism requires a nuanced approach to the teachings, recognizing when a teaching is relative versus when it points to the ultimate truth, which often involves the paradox of half-truths.

Q & A

How does the Buddha's teaching treat the distinction between mind and body?

While some sutras initially present mind and body as separate entities, many of the Buddha's teachings suggest that the distinction is nearly nonexistent. Mind and body are neither entirely separate nor identical, reflecting a subtle, interdependent relationship.

What is the difference between direct teaching (*ngedön*) and expedient teaching (*drangdön*)?

Direct teaching (*ngedön*) conveys the truth literally and clearly, while expedient teaching (*drangdön*) is tailored to the audience's understanding, using half-truths or metaphorical language to guide them toward the ultimate truth out of compassion.

Why does the speaker describe some of the Buddha's teachings as 'half true and half not true'?

This description refers to expedient teachings. The Buddha may present information in a simplified or metaphorical way to suit the audience's capacity, not to deceive but to guide them compassionately toward deeper understanding.

How should modern or Western interpretations of Buddhism approach rituals and meditation?

Cherry-picking elements like meditation while ignoring ritual can underestimate relative truths. Both ritual and meditation are valid paths within Buddhism, and the complete practice helps understand the ground, path, and method without modification.

What is the Buddhist perspective on reincarnation according to the transcript?

Reincarnation is presented mainly in sutras of expedient meaning. On an absolute level, Buddhism teaches that reincarnation is not a truly existing entity. Misinterpretations arise when reincarnation is understood literally rather than as part of the samsaric process.

How does the concept of samsara relate to reincarnation in Buddhist teachings?

Samsara represents cyclic existence or 'tripping' within the relative sphere. Reincarnation fits within this cycle but should not be narrowly interpreted as literal rebirths; it illustrates ongoing processes in samsara.

Why does the speaker reference Thich Nhat Hanh regarding reincarnation?

Thich Nhat Hanh often omits discussion of reincarnation in his teachings, aligning with the idea that on the ultimate level, reincarnation does not exist. This highlights that liberation from cyclic existence is the central goal, not literal rebirth.

What is the purpose of apparent contradictions in different sutras?

Contradictions, such as praising generosity in one sutra and cautioning against it in another, exist to suit the audience's understanding and lead them toward ultimate truth. These differences are intentional pedagogical tools, not inconsistencies.

How does the Buddha use metaphors of time and countless eons in teachings?

The Buddha often uses vast spans of time metaphorically to convey the intensity of practice or progress, such as the journey of a bodhisattva across eons. These descriptions are expedient, not literal, illustrating relative experience rather than absolute time.

What is the importance of distinguishing relative and ultimate truth in studying Buddhism?

Understanding the difference between relative and ultimate truth is crucial. Relative truths (expedient teachings) guide practitioners in a comprehensible way, while ultimate truth reflects the actual nature of reality. Misunderstanding this distinction can lead to superficial or incomplete comprehension.

Why does the speaker emphasize the Buddha's compassion in all teachings?

Compassion is the guiding principle behind all teachings. Even when teachings appear half-true or metaphorical, the Buddha's intention is to prevent suffering and guide practitioners effectively, rather than to display knowledge or deceive.

How are concepts like enlightenment, nirvana, and reincarnation described in relation to reality?

On the ultimate level, enlightenment, nirvana, and even reincarnation are described as dream-like or illusory. This highlights the non-absolute nature of all phenomena and reinforces the focus on understanding the true nature of reality beyond literal interpretations.