Question about Buddhism? (specifically Zen)?

Question

If everything is percieved by the mind only, that we create the illusion for our perception, what is behind the inspiration for the illusion? If the answer is the mind itself, why does the world we imagine have things we dont "enjoy"? Couldnt we create the illusion of happiness, which seems to be what everyone wants?

Or is my understanding off.

Well, I understand the reality that is supposed to be seen. My question is about what inspires the mind to create the illusions. It seems the illusions are too creative in their own right to have been formed by the mind.

Answer 1

Zen is about cutting through the crap and finding a "true" reality. This reality is pure perception, direct experience of reality without getting twisted by your brain.

Answer 2

I am the least qualified person to try and explain this but what you are hinting at has to do with the doctrine of emptiness, or shunyata; which becomes more subtle the higher up the tenet school systems you go. You have to factor in the first (four noble truths) and second (Perfection of Wisdom) turnings of the wheel and you have to consider the two truths and the twelve links. So, in short, it depends on where your philosophical basis is for the assertion that things are perceived by the mind. In fact, among the Mahayana tenet systems - there is a Mind Only school (Cittamatrin, and of which I believe the Zen tradition closely follows), and their tenet system would be close to what you are asserting. Then there is the Madhyamika (Middle Way) which is further divided among the Prasangika (the highest school, the Consequentalists) and the Svatantrika (the Autonomists, which is also further divided by two, those leaning towards Mind Only and those leaning towards Sutra). Anyway, all the hubbub is around the definition of a thing and its nature, how it is created and imputed, and how it exists and/or performs functions. Upon close analysis, using the framework of the four noble truths according to the hinayana views espoused by the Vaibhashika (Great Exposition) and Sautantrika (Sutra), the intrinsic existence of the self is refuted, but not phenomena. In the higher tenet systems, using the Mahayana interpretation of the four noble truths as the basis of analysis, the selfless-ness of (all composite or compound) phenomena is refuted as well as that of the self, and this pretty much defines everything, and is pretty close to what has been revealed by science and machines to be the true nature of reality. Composite after composite dependent on endless causes and conditions not existing beyond the nominal imputation by a consciousness that is, likewise, a composite caused and dependent on concomitant factors resulting in an experience of happiness or suffering, or "mind." So, conventionally, "things" exist and perform functions; whereas, ultimately, all things are empty of intrinsic existence and independent status. These are the two truths and we, as limited beings, can see this on a gross level alternately, maybe, with some practice and a whole lot of effort, patience, perseverance, concentration and wisdom arisen through hearing, contemplation and meditation, or familiarity. Study. Study. Study. In short, your understanding is a little off. So is mine, I am sure. But here's hoping we can correct and refine our view as we go! The four noble truths are way, way, way more advanced and profound than this meager explanation would prove - but that is why they are called "noble" truths, because they are believed to be truths by those beings (Arya's, or Noble's, or Sangha Jewels) who have achieved the Path of Seeing (of the five pathway minds), and a direct, unmitigated experiential wisdom relative to {the truth of emptiness} and have reached the first of the ten bodhisattva levels {on the Mahayana} Path. I sincerely hope this helps you. Good luck!

Answer 3

No that is a duality.
Zen teaches that perception is not reality and that what we see is perceived to be reality.
Happiness and sadness in the world is created by the ego/mind, and our dwelling in such reinforce delusion.
That is why the Ancients teach not to seek realization, because naive seekers usually seek within externals or material forms.

True reality is realized when the false illusions of the mind/ego are seen as limitations to be transcended, and when one doesn't make it a thing to understand reality.

Answer 4

If I understand your question correctly, you are asking about the nature of forms themselves. Are you asking, "Are we the source of the forms that make our lives?"

As far as I can tell, in normal daily life, there is a basic source for form which is pretty much the built up karma of people. I believe that in Taoist terms, its called the Tao. In addition to the tao, our individual karma creates forms that are supported by the tao. the individual source is called Te, by Taoist. This is symbolized by the Yin-Yang.

I think that it is important and fun to identify ones own te as it works in the tao. Sometimes, it funny, the form itself can be the joke and the punchline.Sometimes its serious.
You can also see your friends te, if you know him/her well enough. If you are aware of the te that forms in your life, just be gentle and caring with your proceedings, and you can naturally be a part of nuturing that te before it runs its course.

I hope that I have made some sense here. I don't claim to be an authority. This is just my personal explanation of what seems true to me.

Have fun.

Answer 5

The best way that I've heard it explained went along these lines.

The beginner in zen looks at a mountain and sees a mountain.
An advanced student in zen looks at a mountain and sees that it is not there at all.
A zen master looks at a mountain and sees a mountain.

Answer 6

It could be because your mind decide what is "Enjoy".
If you took out definition of enjoy...

to cease desire, take out desire from your definition.

Answer 7

perhaps you needed to learn something from an experience you didn't enjoy.

Answer 8

Everything is not God. God is separate from his creation and can only be known by faith in Jesus Christ. We can see his majesty and glory in the creation, but to know him personally we have to be cleansed from sin by the blood of the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.