Time in Buddhism and Science: A Meeting Beyond Illusion

Time in Buddhism and Science: A Meeting Beyond Illusion

In recent years, modern science—particularly physics and neuroscience—has begun to question the very nature of time. Concepts such as "time as a mental construct," "non-linear time," and "time as a physical dimension" are gaining ground. Interestingly, these insights echo perspectives that have existed in Buddhist philosophy for over two millennia.

According to the Amitābha Sūtra (《佛說阿彌陀經》), time in the Pure Land is experienced differently than in our world. The descriptions of six daily moments (晝夜六時) in which flowers rain and music resounds suggest a cyclical or multidimensional experience of time, rather than linear progression. The notion that beings can instantly travel to other worlds to offer flowers and return "in time for a meal" challenges our ordinary perception of time and space.

In Buddhism, especially within the Mahāyāna tradition, time is considered conceptual (假有)—a mental imputation dependent on causes and conditions. The doctrine of emptiness (空性) teaches that all phenomena, including time, have no independent, fixed essence. In this view, time arises due to the interplay of karma, perception, and cognition.

Science, too, is catching up. Physicists such as Carlo Rovelli describe time not as a fundamental entity, but as something that emerges from thermodynamic or quantum processes. Neuroscience suggests that our brain constructs a sense of time to order experiences and maintain coherence.

Both traditions, then, invite us to transcend our conventional understanding of time. Buddhism points the way through meditation and wisdom—directly perceiving the moment as it is, free from past and future. Science offers theoretical models and experimental findings that suggest time is more pliable and subjective than we once believed.

In the end, Buddhism and modern science converge on a profound realization: time is not what it seems. It may not be a "one-way street" but a flexible dimension—or even an illusion—that can be shaped by mind, matter, and meaning.

The Heart Sutra (《般若波羅蜜多心經》) does not mention "time" (時間) explicitly. However, it implies a transcendence of time through its core teaching of emptiness (空性). In Buddhist philosophy, especially in the Prajñāpāramitā tradition to which the Heart Sutra belongs, time is considered a conditioned, conceptual construct—one of the many dharmas that are "empty of inherent existence."

Here is a brief addendum you can add to the article:

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Addendum: The Heart Sutra and the Emptiness of Time

Although the Heart Sutra does not directly reference "time," its declaration—“色不異空，空不異色” (“Form is not different from emptiness; emptiness is not different from form”)—encompasses all phenomena, including the perception of time. In the line “無眼耳鼻舌身意，無色聲香味觸法” (“no eye, no ear, no nose… no sights, sounds, smells…”), the sutra points to the non-existence of dualistic constructs, including sensory and mental categories through which time is perceived.

From the perspective of śūnyatā (emptiness), past, present, and future are not inherently existent. Time, like the self and external objects, is a convention dependent on causes and conditions. When the sutra says “無無明，亦無無明盡… 乃至無老死，亦無老死盡” (“no ignorance and also no ending of ignorance… no aging and death, and also no end to aging and death”), it negates not only linear time-bound suffering but also the time-based narrative of beginning and end.

Thus, the Heart Sutra encourages us to awaken from the illusion of time by realizing that ultimate reality is timeless—a domain beyond arising and ceasing, birth and death, past and future.

An Easeful Mind, Gentle Words: The Buddhist Art of Communicating Freely with Parents

An Easeful Mind, Gentle Words: The Buddhist Art of Communicating Freely with Parents

No matter how old we get, our parents hold an irreplaceable place in our hearts. Yet, for many, as we grow older, conversations with parents become increasingly tense. A simple "Why aren't you married yet?" or "When are you going to change jobs?" can instantly ignite emotions. Though we love each other, conversations often turn into a "battle of wills." This is because we've lost a sense of ease in our communication.

Buddhism not only emphasizes cultivating the mind but also teaches us how to cultivate ease in our speech and mind, transforming parent-child interactions from conflict into a source of mutual support.

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📖 Wisdom of Ease from Buddhist Scriptures

🔹 The Ekottara Agama states:

"Those who are gentle and patient are loved and respected by all."

Cultivating gentleness and patience fosters harmonious relationships and brings peace of mind to everyone involved.

🔹 The Sutra of the Buddha's Last Teaching reminds us:

"Guard your speech well, do not criticize others' faults; guard your mind well, keep it pure and undefiled."

Maintaining a peaceful tone and a pure mind is the foundation for building a sense of ease.

🔹 The Mahaparinirvana Sutra teaches:

"Gentle speech is loved by the world."

A gentle tone allows conversations to be comfortable and natural, reducing conflict.

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🌿 How to Cultivate a Sense of Ease in Communication with Parents

✅ Calm your mind before speaking: Cooling your mind before you open your mouth prevents adding fuel to the fire.

✅ Practice "I feel" instead of "You always": Reduce blame by first expressing your true feelings.

✅ Contemplate dependent origination and let go of attachment: Understand that your parents' words and actions stem from their background and love, not from deliberate malice.

✅ Remember impermanence and cherish the present: Constantly remind yourself that "parents won't be around forever." Many worries are simply not worth dwelling on in the face of impermanence.

✅ Nourish family bonds with the Four Immeasurables: Cultivate "loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity"—wishing your parents well, alleviating their worries, sharing in their happiness, and learning to let go.

✅ Arrange more relaxed interactive time: Eating together, watching movies, or taking walks can foster a sense of ease more effectively than strained conversations.

✅ Maintain a sense of humor: Don't turn every topic into a heavy "life matter." Appropriate humor can ease the atmosphere.

✅ Respect boundaries: Express your bottom lines in a peaceful tone, letting your parents know which topics you need space on.

✅ See your parents' vulnerability: Sometimes, parents' nagging is actually their fear of losing their children. Understanding this can soften our hearts.

✅ Learn that silence is also communication: Sometimes, not rushing to refute, and letting emotions cool first, is more important than anything else.

✅ Maintain regular contact: Frequent communication, even simple exchanges, can reduce misunderstandings caused by distance.

✅ Dedicate merits to your parents: After spiritual practice, chanting, or doing good deeds, make a vow to dedicate the merits to your parents. Buddhist scriptures say this can eliminate mutual karmic obstacles and increase positive connections.

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🌸 When we practice relaxing our minds and softening our speech with Buddhist wisdom, love will naturally flow in an unguarded sense of ease. Parent-child communication will no longer be a battlefield, but a safe haven where hearts can rest.

The Illusion of Social Media and Buddhism: How the "Virtual Lives" of YouTubers and TikTokers Inspire Modern Spiritual Practice?

The Illusion of Social Media and Buddhism: How the "Virtual Lives" of YouTubers and TikTokers Inspire Modern Spiritual Practice?

On platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, we encounter meticulously edited "perfect" videos every day: luxury cars, high-end watches, lavish homes, ideal physiques, and outrageous entertainment. Both creators and viewers know that these often do not represent the entirety of their real lives.

Yet, despite knowing this, we are still moved by these images: envying others for living "better" and doubting our own worth; experiencing emotional highs and lows. This is a modern manifestation of what Buddhism refers to as "perverted thoughts."

🔹 How Does Buddhism View "Illusion"?

The Buddha said in the "Diamond Sutra": "All conditioned phenomena are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow; like dew or lightning, one should contemplate them in this way."

"Conditioned phenomena" refer to all phenomena that arise from conditions, including social media videos, influencer personas, and even our own reputation and status; 

"Like a dream, an illusion, a bubble" describes these phenomena as existing but lacking a fixed, unchanging essence, as transient and easily dissipated as dreams, shadows, or morning dew.

If one is unaware of the illusion and clings to appearances, it leads to increased afflictions; if one understands the illusion, they can let go and maintain a peaceful mind.

🔹 Social Media Videos as the Best Teaching Material for Illusion

The "scripted lives" in YouTube/TikTok videos are a concrete representation of what Buddhism calls "illusion";

Modern technology makes illusions more enticing than in ancient times: high-definition visuals, AI effects, virtual filters provide an almost lifelike experience;

The valuable aspect is that modern individuals possess the common sense to "know this is fake," which allows for a better understanding of the Buddhist concept of "illusion."

🔹 Modern Buddhist Practice Tips

Know the illusion, do not cling to the truth: Remind yourself while watching videos that "it's just edited," and view it as you would a movie, without getting involved.

Mindful observation: When feelings of envy, anxiety, or comparison arise, immediately recognize "I am being influenced by these images."

Cherish reality: No video, no matter how beautiful, can replace your current breath, feelings, and efforts; practice returning to the present.

Experience impermanence: How long can a viral video keep an influencer famous—days, months? Impermanence cannot be eternal; return to a state of equanimity.

Stay away from perversion: Buddhism teaches "do not see any phenomenon as permanent," helping us reduce greed, anger, and ignorance arising from attachment to illusions.

Cultivate kindness: In the face of influencers' flashiness or exaggeration, maintain goodwill: "May they be safe and happy, free from the suffering of fame and fortune."

Be content and grateful: Recognize your own conditions and blessings rather than only seeing the "better" in others' videos.

Avoid excessive comparison: If your heart is stable, you can be happy and at ease even without luxury cars or high-end watches.

Maintain wisdom: Distinguish between truth and falsehood, reality and illusion on social media, and avoid being easily brainwashed or following trends.

Stay grounded in your thoughts: Regardless of what extravagant content you see, return to your inner peace and brightness.

Use the illusion to cultivate the truth: Understanding the impermanence of illusions reminds you of the importance of practice, accumulating genuine blessings.

Aspire to benefit others: Share Buddhist perspectives to help others affected by illusions find balance.

🪷 Conclusion

In the age of social media, "illusion" is more pronounced than ever. Buddhism not only reminds us that "all is like a dream, an illusion," but also provides wisdom on how to face these illusions: not by rejecting or escaping, but by seeing clearly, being aware of the present, and cherishing reality.

Moving from "seeing through illusions" to "letting go of attachments" is the best spiritual practice for modern individuals facing the world of YouTube and TikTok.

社群假象與佛法：YouTuber、TikTok的「虛擬人生」如何成為現代人修行的啟發？

在YouTube、TikTok、IG等平台上，我們每天都能看到精心剪輯的「完美」影片：名車、名錶、豪宅、完美體態、瘋狂的娛樂。製作者與觀眾都心知肚明，那往往不是他們真實生活的全部。

然而，明知不真，我們卻還是會被這些影像觸動：羨慕別人過得「更好」、懷疑自己「不夠好」；心情起伏、情緒波動。這正是佛教中所說「顛倒妄想」的現代化體現。

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🔹 佛法如何看「假象」？

佛陀在《金剛經》說：「一切有為法，如夢幻泡影，如露亦如電，應作如是觀。」
「有為法」指一切條件和合而成的現象，包括社群影片、網紅形象、甚至我們自己的名聲地位；
「如夢幻泡影」形容這些現象雖存在，但沒有固定不變的實體，如夢、如影、如晨露般短暫易散。
若「不知幻」就執著於表象，讓煩惱增生；若「知幻」就能放下，保持心的自在。

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🔹 社群影片是假象的最佳教材

• YouTube/TikTok影片中的「劇本人生」，恰如佛教所言「幻境」的具象呈現；

• 當下科技，讓幻象比古代更具誘惑力：高清影像、AI特效、虛擬濾鏡，帶給人幾可亂真的體驗；

• 可貴的是，現代人已具備「知道這是假的」的常識，反而更能讓人明白佛法的「如幻」觀念。

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🔹 現代佛法的修行提示

1. 知幻不執真：看影片時提醒自己「只是剪輯」，像看電影般輕鬆，不必帶入。

2. 正念觀照：當心生羨慕、焦慮、比較，立刻覺察「我正在被影像牽動」。

3. 珍惜現實：影片再美也無法取代自己當下的呼吸、感受和努力，練習回到當下。

4. 體會無常：一個爆紅影片能幫網紅紅幾天、幾月？無常無法永恆，回歸平常心。

5. 遠離顛倒：佛法教「不見一法常住」，讓我們減少因執著假象而生的貪嗔癡。

6. 培養慈心：面對網紅的浮華或誇張，也能心懷善意：「願他們平安快樂，不受名利所苦。」

7. 知足感恩：認清自己已有的條件與福報，而非只看別人影片裡的「更好」。

8. 不貪多比較：心若安穩，即使沒有豪車名錶，也能快樂自在。

9. 保持智慧：分辨社群上的真與假、虛與實，不輕易被洗腦或跟風。

10. 安住心念：無論看到什麼浮誇內容，都能回到內心的寧靜與明亮。

11. 以幻修真：看懂假象的無常，更提醒自己修行的重要，累積真實福報。

12. 發心利益他人：分享佛法觀點，幫助其他被假象影響的人找到平衡。

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🪷 總結

在社群時代，「假象」比任何時代都鮮明。佛法不只提醒我們「如夢幻泡影」，更提供如何面對幻象的智慧：不是排斥或逃避，而是清楚看見、覺知當下、珍惜現實。

從「看穿假象」到「放下執著」，是現代人面對YouTube、TikTok世界的最佳修行課題。

The Dance of Being and Unbeing: Heidegger, Death, and the Buddhist Mandala

 

The Dance of Being and Unbeing: Heidegger, Death, and the Buddhist Mandala

In the intricate tapestry of human existence, few concepts are as profoundly unsettling yet undeniably central as death. For centuries, philosophers and spiritual traditions have grappled with its meaning, offering diverse perspectives on how our finite nature shapes our lives. This article explores the intriguing parallels and distinctions between Martin Heidegger's philosophical concept of "being-towards-death" and the profound symbolism of the Buddhist mandala, particularly in its ephemeral nature.

Heidegger, a 20th-century German philosopher, famously posited that human existence, or Dasein, is fundamentally a "being-towards-death" (Sein zum Tode). For him, death is not merely a future event that happens to us, but an ever-present possibility that defines our very being. It is the ultimate and non-relational possibility of our existence, meaning it is something we must face alone and cannot be avoided or outsourced. This constant awareness of our mortality, according to Heidegger, is what can free us from the inauthentic "they-self" (being caught up in societal norms and distractions) and propel us towards authentic selfhood. In confronting our finitude, we realize the preciousness of our time and the urgency to make our lives truly our own. Death, in this view, is not the end of life, but a way of being that permeates every moment.

Turning to the East, the Buddhist mandala offers a rich visual and spiritual counterpart to these philosophical musings. A mandala, meaning "circle" in Sanskrit, is a geometric configuration of symbols used in various spiritual traditions, particularly Buddhism, as a tool for meditation and spiritual transformation. While often depicted as permanent structures in art or architecture, a particularly poignant form is the sand mandala.

Tibetan Buddhist monks meticulously create these intricate sand mandalas, often taking days or even weeks to arrange millions of grains of colored sand into complex patterns representing cosmic or divine dwellings. However, the most striking aspect of the sand mandala is its deliberate destruction. After its completion and a period of contemplation, the monks ritualistically sweep away the vibrant sands, often pouring them into a nearby body of water.

This act of creation and destruction embodies profound Buddhist teachings on impermanence (anicca). The sand mandala, despite its beauty and painstaking detail, is ultimately fleeting. Its dissolution serves as a powerful reminder that all phenomena, including our lives, are impermanent and subject to change. This impermanence is not something to be feared but to be understood as an intrinsic aspect of reality, leading to liberation from attachment and suffering.

While Heidegger's "being-towards-death" emphasizes the individual's confrontation with their unique finitude to achieve authenticity, the Buddhist mandala highlights the universal nature of impermanence. Both, however, underscore the significance of our limited time. Heidegger's philosophy urges us to live authentically because we are mortal, while the mandala encourages non-attachment and wisdom because everything is impermanent.

The ephemeral nature of the sand mandala can be seen as a visual metaphor for Heidegger's "death as a way of being." The moment the first grain of sand is laid, the mandala is already "being-towards-its-destruction." Its existence is inherently defined by its eventual dissolution. Similarly, our lives, from birth, are always "being-towards-death."

In conclusion, both Heidegger's profound insights into mortality and the timeless wisdom embodied in the Buddhist mandala offer powerful perspectives on our relationship with the end. While one is a philosophical framework for individual authenticity and the other a spiritual practice for universal understanding, they both invite us to embrace our finitude not as an ending, but as a fundamental aspect of our existence that can lead to deeper meaning, freedom, and wisdom.