Point of View Matters

On this occasion, we chose to continue our discussion the following evening, surrounded by a dazzling display of stars.

“Teacher, I find solace in the Four Noble Truths,” I initiated. “They emphasize that suffering is a part of life. However, through mindful living, we can rise above it — quite an optimistic view. Should we explore the origins of our suffering?”

“I believe that’s essential,” the teacher replied with a smile. “By identifying the causes of suffering, we gain wisdom,” he continued. “With wisdom comes clarity. We realize that the void is not devoid but brimming with potential.”

“Let’s delve into suffering further,” I suggested.

“I’m all ears,” he responded.

“I’d like to explore Dukkha, often translated as ‘suffering’ or ‘unsatisfactoriness.’”

“Well done, you’ve done your research!” he clapped joyfully.

I laughed, “Yes, but I want to truly understand Dukkha, not just know it, and I seek broader explanations.”

“A broader perspective?” he asked.

“Exactly. Not merely physical suffering, but as a fundamental aspect of the human experience, particularly in relation to my inquiries about aliens and the Fermi Paradox. Can you relate Dukkha to science or the Fermi Paradox?”

“Certainly. First, consider the Limitations of Perception. Our understanding of the cosmos is confined to what we can observe within our particle horizon. Much like your search for aliens using only a telescope,” the teacher chuckled.

“Hah! True, but we often concentrate on what is immediately observable in our lives, don’t we?”

“Indeed! Yet, we frequently overlook the deeper truths and interconnectedness of reality, which can lead to feelings of unsatisfactoriness.”

“Understood. What more can we discuss about Dukkha in scientific terms?”

“The next crucial element is Impermanence and Change. Are you familiar with this concept?”

“I think so. But how do science and Buddhism intersect here?”

“Quite simply! The universe's expanding nature and the concept of inflation echo the Buddhist idea of Anicca.”

“Anicca?”

“Anicca signifies Impermanence in Buddhism.”

“Ah, please continue.”

“According to Buddhist philosophy, everything is subject to change, and the universe is in a continual state of transformation. Our expanding universe mirrors this impermanence as it evolves. Scientists concur with Buddhism on this matter.”

“However, in a prior discussion, we mentioned our universe is likely finite. It cannot expand infinitely, right?”

“Yes, but it’s a bit more intricate. Everything we can physically observe in the universe is limited by our particle horizon.”

“Why is that?” I wondered.

“Due to the finite speed of light and the universe's limited age, we can only see our observable region of the cosmos,” he elaborated.

I pondered, “So, everyone perceives things differently?”

“Indeed! Do you see that rock to your right?”

“Yes, I see it.”

“How far is it from you?”

“I’d estimate about two meters.”

“And for me?”

“Three meters, perhaps?”

“Do you grasp my point?”

“Wait! So, we perceive even a stone differently every time?”

“Exactly! This illustrates the concept of ‘Point of View.’ We always see things from unique perspectives, both literally and metaphorically. In this case, our angles of observation differ; we perceive shadows differently, and on a spiritual level, consciousness varies.”

“Oh, my Buddha! Teacher!” I exclaimed, overwhelmed. “We also observe the cosmos differently. Each of us exists in our unique bubble, right?”

“Correct,” the teacher affirmed. “This is shaped by how light from all directions has reached each observer since the universe's early moments.”

“So, my observable universe extends one meter further than yours?”

“Absolutely! You’ve got it,” he praised.

“But the most daunting aspect is that we cannot know what lies beyond our particle horizon. What exists out there? What kind of universe is it?”

“Well, we can form both philosophical and empirical hypotheses. By analyzing our observable universe, we might infer that beyond it lies a universe similar to ours, governed by the same physical laws.”

“Isn’t it likely to be empty outside?”

“Let’s examine this differently. What if the cosmos appears empty precisely because we fail to recognize its inherent fullness?” the teacher suggested. “Reality is teeming with life, yet we perceive isolation.”

“Fascinating. How can we shift our perception?”

“By acknowledging that all phenomena are transient and lack an independent self,” he clarified. “Attachment and aversion cloud our vision, but enlightenment allows us to see things as they truly are.”

“So enlightenment means perceiving reality as it is?”

“Exactly!” he applauded.

Intrigued, I gazed at the night sky. Stars and galaxies crystallized into view, luminous points in an infinite void. “So many mysteries…”

“What do you observe?” he inquired.

“I see our insignificance,” I remarked. “Lost among countless worlds, devoid of life or purpose…”

“Look deeper. See with your heart, not just your eyes.”

As I focused, the galaxies seemed to dissolve, revealing only pure light, shimmering and infinite. “It’s… beautiful,” I whispered.

“This radiance has always existed,” the teacher remarked. “Only through mindful observation can you truly perceive it.”

I stepped back, realization dawning. “So suffering arises not from the stars, but from how I view them.”

“Precisely. Now you glimpse the truth — reality remains unchanged; only our delusions are transformed.”

“What about ego? The illusion of self?”

“Buddhism describes the illusion of self — we mistakenly think our ego is fixed and permanent, when in reality it is transient and continuously evolving,” he explained patiently.

“So we suffer because we cling to this false sense of self?”

“Indeed. We attach ourselves to fleeting phenomena that cannot provide lasting fulfillment.”

Now I understood how my ego had obscured my vision, leading to feelings of isolation and insignificance. By releasing attachment, I could perhaps find peace, even meaning, among the silent stars above. “What should I learn for self-improvement?”

“Awareness, Alex. Now, let’s walk over to that tree on the hill.”

“Sure, let’s go!”

As we ascended the steep path to the tree, the teacher paused. “Notice how the exertion heightens your awareness of your breath. This mindfulness grounds you in the present.”

I concentrated on my breathing and the placement of each footstep. My racing thoughts began to calm. Sitting cross-legged on our mats atop the hill, I struggled to quiet my mind.

I reflected, “Attachment to desires is the root of suffering. By releasing the urge to want, I can find equanimity.” I realized how my desire for knowledge and meaning had caused my distress. Perhaps by embracing uncertainty, I could find peace.

As we sat, the monk gestured toward a solitary flower blooming before us. “See how it thrives just as it is, without needing a reason…”

“Wait! I see it. Like that flower, I could flourish amidst the silent stars, mystery intact. With this insight, my heart opened to the beauty of simply being, correct?”

“Exactly… Now, let’s stroll through the garden,” the teacher suggested. “What wisdom do you seek on your journey?”

“Initially, I wished to comprehend how the Buddha’s teachings on suffering connect to the questions posed by the Fermi Paradox.”

The teacher nodded thoughtfully. “The universe is full of mysteries. Yet suffering arises when we seek answers instead of accepting what is.”

“I understand now that attachment to our desires leads to suffering. By letting go of the need to know, we can attain peace. Right?”

“Very well spoken,” the teacher affirmed. “Curiosity fuels discovery, yet craving for knowledge can lead to frustration. Seek with an open heart, not grasping hands.”

“Thank you, teacher. I believe this approach could transform how people perceive the Great Silence. It certainly changed my perspective.”

“We’ve made significant progress. Just imagine how our insights could open minds to new possibilities.”

“Perhaps you’re right. Thanks to you, I now feel hope instead of despair when gazing into the unknown. Let’s discuss the fourth Noble Truth next time, shall we?”

“Why not? Just remember not to overthink. Meditate more.”

One night, while meditating under the stars, I experienced a moment of deep clarity. I realized that, like the Buddha, who achieved enlightenment by letting go of desire and embracing life’s uncertainties, humanity too could find meaning amidst the Great Silence.

Instead of demanding answers about extraterrestrial life, we could humbly accept our place in the vast cosmos with wonder. This silence offers endless possibilities to explore with an open heart.

Following this revelation, I felt a profound sense of peace and purpose. My understanding of the Fermi Paradox and Buddhism transformed. The Great Silence was no longer something to dread, but a realm to explore with curiosity — much like a flower blossoming naturally.

If you find my thoughts intriguing, please show your support by applauding and following me. Then allow me to take my leave!