Expert: Joe McSorley - 2/27/2007

Question
Hi. "It is only when you realize that any of the views you have, all of them, are false. " But may be my views are not false. Everyone has some perception of reality and of everything that is going on around us, but who said that these views are wrong. Kant, Schopenhauer, Pascal, they all held some views on things around them. Who knows if their views were wrong or not, today many people read their books and find some inspiration in them. Thanks
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hello Mr Joe!
How do you understand this: "Only when a person loses everything and his constructed perceptions of reality are destroyed can that person clearly see who he really is" What does it mean that: constructed perceptions of reality are destroyed? Does it mean that I should lose my philosophy because it restricts my point of view for instance. Thank You.

-----Answer-----
Dear Lucas,
It is deeper than you just losing your philosophies.  It says ,” Only when a person loses everything……”, this means everything, not just your philosophy.  All of your perceptions are constructed though they see quite real to you.  It is only when you realize that any of the views you have, all of them, are false.  Until you come to this realization you will never know yourself.  The person whom you know yourself to be is also a constructed reality yet you, like all people, cling to this perception as if it were the only thing you are.  At some point you might realize that any view, thought, cognition or perception you have is completely wrong, any point of view you hold is false and any philosophy you hold true to just be an empty thought.  Only when you reach this point can the true self be awakened as the only you.  Now, because you hold a point of view, you miss that.  Who is it that holds your point of view?  What is it that is restricted by your thoughts?  This is the crux of the situation.
     Take care,
         Joe


Answer
Hi Lucas,
 You asked this question on the Buddhist board here. From the Buddhist perspective all human views are false including whatever philosopher you want to follow.  There may be bits of truth in what they say but from the Buddhist perspective they don't see true reality.  The conditioned egoistic mind cannot by its very nature see true reality.  From this egoistic mind comes all the myriad views of religion and philosophy that are at odds with each other in the world.  To see things as they are is to see things from nature's standpoint,not merely from the human standpoint.
Take care,
     Joe