The Three Proofs; The Evidence of Reason and Logic 理証

Note: Due to length. I broke the original entry down into four (4)

The Evidence of Logic and Reason [理証]

"Rely on the Dharma and not the person.
Rely on Sutras of Ultimate Truth
and not in Sutras of Incomplete Truth.
Rely on the meaning and not the word.
Rely on Jnana and not on Discrimination."
-- Source Unknown

In addition to passing literal or documentary proof, a teaching must be consistent with the principles of logic & reason. In fact, Buddhism teaches us to look beyond words into the meaning, and even behind the literal meaning into possible figurative or metaphorical meanings. Even the more literal Pali Suttas, and especially the Mahayana Sutras, describe fantastic or impossible events, and these can not reasonably deemed to be literal accounts.


By the way, I am not sure of the source of the above quote on the Four Reliances. I think it is the Nirvana Sutra, but not sure which one, as there are several by that name. Also, depending on which terms are translated as wisdom and consciousness, the last sentence could have completely different meanings. One of those possible meanings strikes me a counter intuitive, another would be contradictory. I am guessing wisdom there is prajna; inferring using ones skilled judgment or discernment, and consciousness is vijnana; indicating, in this context, sense perception rather consciousness. At any rate, there is always some amount of ambiguity in Buddhist terminology; which might be a challenge for those seeking dogmatic certainty.

"It is the way of scholars these days to
assert that only those who possess superior
wisdom and strenuously exert themselves in the
practice of meditation have the capacity to benefit
from the Lotus Sutra, and to discourage persons who
lack wisdom from even trying. But this is in fact an
utterly ignorant and erroneous view. The Lotus
Sutra is the teaching that enables all living beings
to attain the Buddha way. Therefore, the persons
of superior faculties and superior capacity should
naturally devote themselves to contemplation and to
meditating on the Law. But, for persons of inferior
faculties and inferior capacity, the important
thing is simply to have a heart of faith."
-- Nichiren Shonin

One other thing, being a scholar is not at all required to practice Buddhism. I do think improved cognitive skills or discernment {prajna} can be a desirable side effect of practice. However, if we think the mere academic acquisition {jnana} of accurate knowledge {vidya} will enlighten us, we are likely mistaken. I see those more as effects, rather than causes. Knowing helps overcome ignorance; but if we become too attached to book learning, this can create another obstacle. Just as an example, artistic and musical skills are not required either. However, those skills are good and useful, I wish I had some. Instead I have clumsy hands and the voice of a frog. That said, when my practice is better, my fingers become more nimble and my voice more melodious. On the other hand, if I had to be a skilled calligrapher, or have the voice of an opera singer, to attain enlightenment, I would have abandoned the pursuit long ago.