Robert Wright: "Why Buddhism is True"

Darwin and the Buddha agree on the problem, says evolutionary psychologist Robert Wright. The Buddha solved it. Lion’s Roar’s editor-in-chief, Melvin McLeod, speaks with Wright about his latest book “Why Buddhism is True” for our November 2017 issue.
Read our interview with Robert Wright: bit.ly/2iEXNwW
See what’s inside our November 2017 issue: bit.ly/2zSV2wa
Subscribe to Lion’s Roar Magazine: bit.ly/2gO6PqV

[@kalyaangoordat3773]

Ever since I started studying Buddhism and Practice it. It has changed my life.

[@khmer4ever164]

Kalyaan Goordat : it changed your view and thought then affected your life.

[@lifeofslice9864]

Me too!

[@pipitchayasridam4818]

same

[@noelkevin7154]

Jesus loves you brother

[@eladsinger9215]

And Buddha loves you too!@@noelkevin7154

[@miketaylor7678]

I am really enjoying the book and feel it has answered questions that I have had for a long time.

[@surajbhalerao9212]

buddha and buddhism is the future religion of the world

[@alankoslowski9473]

Hopefully the future of religion is less of it and more science.

[@noahhubscher2926]

hopefully people don't *need* any religion in the future. hopefully people are in able to train their minds.

[@axalate4572]

@@alankoslowski9473 did u know that darma and science go along

[@alankoslowski9473]

@@axalate4572 Drama seems to go along with human existence, scientific or not.

[@DipayanPyne94]

Alan, the Dharmic Teachings of Buddha are actually Scientific, coz the Method is basically Identical to the Scientific Method. He Observed the Behaviour of Humans, Discovered some Facts and Prescribed a Solution. Guess what ? The Solution Works ! So, not only is it compatible with Science, it IS Science !!!

[@sunitkamble2079]

Buddhism is way of life

[@noelkevin7154]

Jesus loves you

[@dasangtenzinrinchen1953]

@@noelkevin7154 Buddha loves you too

[@noelkevin7154]

@@dasangtenzinrinchen1953 sorry Idk if you heard but he don’t live anymore

[@dasangtenzinrinchen1953]

He is always alive in our hearts..

[@noelkevin7154]

@@dasangtenzinrinchen1953 so anything I put in my heart is valid?

[@25bmax]

Yes, it’s work me after testing and analysing the dharma.

[@tyamada21]

A segment from 'Saved by the Light of the Buddha Within'... My new understandings of what many call 'God -The Holy Spirit' - resulting from some of the extraordinary ongoing after-effects relating to my NDE... Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what some scientists are now referring to as the unified field of consciousnesses. In other words, it’s the essence of all existence and non-existence - the ultimate creative force behind planets, stars, nebulae, people, animals, trees, fish, birds, and all phenomena, manifest or latent. All matter and intelligence are simply waves or ripples manifesting to and from this core source. Consciousness (enlightenment) is itself the actual creator of everything that exists now, ever existed in the past, or will exist in the future - right down to the minutest particles of dust - each being an individual ripple or wave. The big difference between chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and most other conventional prayers is that instead of depending on a ‘middleman’ to connect us to our state of inner enlightenment, we’re able to do it ourselves. That’s because chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo allows us to tap directly into our enlightened state by way of this self-produced sound vibration. ‘Who or What Is God?’ If we compare the concept of God being a separate entity that is forever watching down on us, to the teachings of Nichiren, it makes more sense to me that the true omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence of what most people perceive to be God, is the fantastic state of enlightenment that exists within each of us. Some say that God is an entity that’s beyond physical matter - I think that the vast amount of information continuously being conveyed via electromagnetic waves in today’s world gives us proof of how an invisible state of God could indeed exist. For example, it’s now widely known that specific data relayed by way of electromagnetic waves has the potential to help bring about extraordinary and powerful effects - including an instant global awareness of something or a mass emotional reaction. It’s also common knowledge that these invisible waves can easily be used to detonate a bomb or to enable NASA to control the movements of a robot as far away as the Moon or Mars - none of which is possible without a receiver to decode the information that’s being transmitted. Without the receiver, the data would remain impotent. In a very similar way, we need to have our own ‘receiver’ switched on so that we can activate a clear and precise understanding of our own life, all other life and what everything else in existence is. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day helps us to achieve this because it allows us to reach the core of our enlightenment and keep it switched on. That’s because Myoho-Renge-Kyo represents the identity of what scientists now refer to as the unified field of consciousnesses. To break it down - Myoho represents the Law of manifestation and latency (Nature) and consists of two alternating states. For example, the state of Myo is where everything in life that’s not obvious to us exists - including our stored memories when we’re not thinking about them - our hidden potential and inner emotions whenever they’re dormant - our desires, our fears, our wisdom, happiness, karma - and more importantly, our enlightenment. The other state, ho, is where everything in Life exists whenever it becomes evident to us, such as when a thought pops up from within our memory - whenever we experience or express our emotions - or whenever a good or bad cause manifests as an effect from our karma. When anything becomes apparent, it merely means that it’s come out of the state of Myo (dormancy/latency) and into a state of ho (manifestation). It’s the difference between consciousness and unconsciousness, being awake or asleep, or knowing and not knowing. The second law - Renge - Ren meaning cause and ge meaning effect, governs and controls the functions of Myoho - these two laws of Myoho and Renge, not only function together simultaneously but also underlies all spiritual and physical existence. The final and third part of the tri-combination - Kyo, is the Law that allows Myoho to integrate with Renge - or vice versa. It’s the great, invisible thread of energy that fuses and connects all Life and matter - as well as the past, present and future. It’s also sometimes termed the Universal Law of Communication - perhaps it could even be compared with the string theory that many scientists now suspect exists. Just as the cells in our body, our thoughts, feelings and everything else is continually fluctuating within us - all that exists in the world around us and beyond is also in a constant state of flux - constantly controlled by these three fundamental laws. In fact, more things are going back and forth between the two states of Myo and ho in a single moment than it would ever be possible to calculate or describe. And it doesn’t matter how big or small, famous or trivial anything or anyone may appear to be, everything that’s ever existed in the past, exists now or will exist in the future, exists only because of the workings of the Laws ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ - the basis of the four fundamental forces, and if they didn’t function, neither we nor anything else could go on existing. That’s because all forms of existence, including the seasons, day, night, birth, death and so on, are moving forward in an ongoing flow of continuation - rhythmically reverting back and forth between the two fundamental states of Myo and ho in absolute accordance with Renge - and by way of Kyo. Even stars are dying and being reborn under the workings of what the combination ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’ represents. Nam, or Namu - which mean the same thing, are vibrational passwords or keys that allow us to reach deep into our life and fuse with or become one with ‘Myoho-Renge-Kyo’. On a more personal level, nothing ever happens by chance or coincidence, it’s the causes that we’ve made in our past, or are presently making, that determine how these laws function uniquely in each of our lives - as well as the environment from moment to moment. By facing east, in harmony with the direction that the Earth is spinning, and chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo for a minimum of, let’s say, ten minutes daily to start with, any of us can experience actual proof of its positive effects in our lives - even if it only makes us feel good on the inside, there will be a definite positive effect. That’s because we’re able to pierce through the thickest layers of our karma and activate our inherent Buddha Nature (our enlightened state). By so doing, we’re then able to bring forth the wisdom and good fortune that we need to challenge, overcome and change our adverse circumstances - turn them into positive ones - or manifest and gain even greater fulfilment in our daily lives from our accumulated good karma. This also allows us to bring forth the wisdom that can free us from the ignorance and stupidity that’s preventing us from accepting and being proud of the person that we indeed are - regardless of our race, colour, gender or sexuality. We’re also able to see and understand our circumstances and the environment far more clearly, as well as attract and connect with any needed external beneficial forces and situations. As I’ve already mentioned, everything is subject to the law of Cause and Effect - the ‘actual-proof-strength’ resulting from chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo always depends on our determination, sincerity and dedication. For example, the levels of difference could be compared to making a sound on a piano, creating a melody, producing a great song, and so on. Something else that’s very important to always respect and acknowledge is that the Law (or if you prefer God) is in everyone and everything. NB: There are frightening and disturbing sounds, and there are tranquil and relaxing sounds. It’s the emotional result of any noise or sound that can trigger off a mood or even instantly change one. When chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo each day, we are producing a sound vibration that’s the password to our true inner-self - this soon becomes apparent when you start reassessing your views on various things - such as your fears and desires etc. The best way to get the desired result when chanting is not to view things conventionally - rather than reaching out to an external source, we need to reach into our own lives and bring our needs and desires to fruition from within - including the good fortune and strength to achieve any help that we may need. Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo also reaches out externally and draws us towards, or draws towards us, what we need to make us happy from our environment. For example, it helps us to be in the right place at the right time - to make better choices and decisions and so forth. We need to think of it as a seed within us that we’re watering and bringing sunshine to for it to grow, blossom and bring forth fruit or flowers. It’s also important to understand that everything we need in life, including the answer to every question and the potential to achieve every dream, already exists within us.

[@sunitkamble2079]

I love Buddhism

[@MrGrass97]

If you meet the Buddha, kill him ;)

[@lawrencetaketa2166]

Buddhist is true i experience it everything was real through meditation ,taste,smell and beyond the mind

[@I_want_my_custom_playbutton]

hate to rain on your parade but there is so much proof jesus is real

[@khp7425]

Do you have unsatisfactorynes in your mind and in your life? Then best religion for you is Buddhism. Because it discusses unsatisfactorynes perfectly and shows the correct path to come out of it.

[@I_want_my_custom_playbutton]

hate to rain on your parade but there is so much proof jesus is real

[@zacanger]

This book is what really pushed me to dive deep into Buddhism after being an atheist for many years, so I really appreciate Wright and the way he writes. I moved on later to non-secular Buddhism (and I suggest everyone do the same if they're genuinely interested in the Buddha's teachings), but it's still a great book to introduce rationalists/skeptics/atheists to these ideas and why we (Buddhists) think they're valuable.

[@Shizzie-5k]

Did you take your refuge vows in the 3 jewels... buddha, dharma, sanga??

[@zacanger]

@@Shizzie-5k yes

[@frederikfugl1803]

try christanity

[@zacanger]

@@frederikfugl1803 no.

[@hashira910]

But Buddha and his teachings (Dhamma) were and are inherently atheistic, and ofcourse humanitarian. The mysticism and supernatural stuff was added afterwards, after Buddha's mahaparinibbanna.

[@mr.logician1915]

May all beings come across the teachings of The Tathagatha Buddha 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Please take time to understand Buddha's teachings of you get opportunity please study Buddha's Teachings ( to free yourself from Dukkha) make use of this Human life 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheSlader321]

Namo Buddhaya

[@kittywong6008]

Dr. Robert Wright's another inspiring book is “The Evolutionary God”, from which we can understand more about human's psychological need of a God.

[@sompong2482]

nice reply pleasant change from negative comments

[@simonFellows-p3c]

The Experience Machine how our minds predict and shape reality, Andy Clark.

[@splatted6201]

Sounds as much an account for the 'truth' of stoicism as for buddhism, to say nothing of many brands of Hinduism. A diagnosis of pervasive gaps between desire and satisfaction and a scheme of gradual cultivation for reducing the problem can be found in other systems.

[@mrssrm5053]

Well said!

[@pablobarroso7193]

But, scientific findings in meditation are very different than stoicism.

[@paumonxcnubdao505]

Yes ture

[@kenkaplan3654]

And why is this different from Maya and the idea of liberation in Advaita Vedanta? Buddhism says, "it's just the way it is". Vedanta says "its the way it is and WHY it is the way it is". Because there is a designer. Now how you want to access gaining freedom is your choice (or karma/dharma). There is no one special way and the secret sauce actually is universal but expressed in many forms. Choose your doorway. It was set up to have many escape hatches. More fun and creative that way.

[@f2dw]

Advaita Vedanta is HINDUISM not Buddhism.

[@kenkaplan3654]

@@f2dw I don't need to specify that and if you read carefully I delineated the great difference betweeen the two. Vedanta is Theistic. Buddhism denies a central organ ized intelligence thus is non theistic. I said "Because there is a designer." (Vedanta)

[@is1dre]

Fantastic book - very insightful!

[@helveciobatista1948]

Ótima palestra

[@liowpohhuat9107]

Many Americans practice Buddhadhamma because it's teachings based on facts and real not dogmatics or superstisious

[@I_want_my_custom_playbutton]

hate to rain on your parade but there is so much proof jesus is real

[@gyurmethlodroe1774]

If any christian, muslim and jews feel discontent with Blind faith they should read this book. If and only if

[@I_want_my_custom_playbutton]

hate to rain on your parade but there is so much proof jesus is real

[@dann984]

if we want to see and understanding the Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta first at first we should know what is Kamma and how it works, or we can't missed understood about Kamma. Anicca is impermanence but the more spesific Anicca it means keep changing. Dukkha is Suffering but the more spesific Dukkha it means has no appropriate. Anatta is Non-self but the more spesific Anatta it means not sure of shaping or has no right shape. These three characteristics is run the nature because of that it called nature law, unbreakable because they are one unity. By the way we can see and feel the Kamma Laws working with these 3 characteristics in everything inside you (including your mind, thoughts, words, sound and so on) or everything outside you ( start with your skin, environment and so on) What ever it is have shape or unshape they are run everything with this 3 characteristics. is it unwise if we put Kamma into just one catagory like Fate. We live with in time, process, and conditioning, they had these 3 characteristics, that's how we facing the truth of the Kamma Laws, we live with it. Because the 3 characteristics of nature is the image of the Kamma itself, the Kamma is the name of Operating system of existences. if they are exists there is a Kamma and it leads the the one results Suffering. " There is not even ones, the truth said something and the nature said another". Metta Cittena.

[@I_want_my_custom_playbutton]

hate to rain on your parade but there is so much proof jesus is real

[@sandro-nigris]

Very interesting video. Deep truth.

[@infiniteoan8687]

This is infiniteoan library and it's free library for all please connect with usne please donate book to those you are read alredy

[@liowpohhuat9107]

If creator God exist why he creates disable people ,poor people why someone have long life why some one shortened life?

[@sixtrumpetwarnings]

He is God that is why.

[@I_want_my_custom_playbutton]

Because if we lived in a perfect world why would we need heaven?

[@jennyhamilton2504]

Buddhists don't believe in God.

[@reflexcyclic5826]

Until somones says to me that they have reincarmated i will actually belive in buddhas teachings and how come no one tells anybody i am a christ follower Praise the lord

[@brandon637]

Reflex Cyclic..... reincarnation is not what Buddhism is about

[@brentbeatty4171]

1 Thessalonians 5 21

[@gracenblessings.channel8079]

Nirvana is based on non existence n buddha never said i m god worship me he ws just enlightened not a god BUDDHISM is just a philosophy not a religion ..people devil may try to decieve but the days are coming when christ is coming soon read the scripture n believe in him ..amen

[@user-mr1zs1np7w]

Im a Christian and what not but i dont deny that buddha was real. I love his teachings. Im not a buddhist but i find buddahs teachings relaxing. They have teeth and hair of buddha if im not wrong

[@gyurmethlodroe1774]

non existence? You got the basic foundation of buddhism wrong

[@sixtrumpetwarnings]

correct!

[@dylancoleman1921]

Do feminists demand it be spelled “Buddherism”?

[@AtlasandLiberty]

Buddhism is False...since Gautama was only awakened and Not a Jivanmukti in Turiya state or as Jesus Christ was a Paramukti. A superior model for Humans is a series of Books by Joseph Murphy called Power of Your Subconscious Mind...anyone who tries will discover Hindu Yogis and Jesus Christ were right (and by extension Buddha was wrong) the kingdom of God is within

[@stevenbarton5949]

says Master Atlas

[@dawnfm00]

AtlasandLiberty Jesus was killed by a bunch of angry thugs and yet he is called the son of god lmao

[@AtlasandLiberty]

Jesus is/was an incarnation of the Lord God (Siva or Michael - who is as God). All of us individuals who have the good grace of Father or Brahma have attained the Nirvikalpa Samadhi have experience NOT unwarranted faith. Have a nice day

[@dawnfm00]

Siva got beaten by people, that's funny.

[@AtlasandLiberty]

Jesus/Siva/Michael DID for the Father/Brahman's benefit who dwells within all humans...So the action was of the highest order.