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Theism and Western atheism are on the same continuum. Both are realist.

alwayson

Member
I understand the difference between the tantras and the sutras. So let me ask you this: do you see a difference between the Buddha-mind of Yogacara and the Buddha-nature of Mahamudra?

If we are talking real Mahamudra, and not the 'sutra Mahamudra' of Gampopa, of course there is a difference.
 

Falvlun

Earthbending Lemur
Premium Member
A nonimplicative negation is a simple negation that implies nothing else.

The opposite is an affirming negation such as "That mother has no son", which implies a daughter.

Okay, now apply this to "claims of existence". If you are negating claims of existence in a non-implicative way, this means... what, exactly? I'm trying to figure out what you are actually claiming. That everything that has ever been said about existence is incorrect? What claim, specifically, are you negating? How do you define negating?

And could you explain how whatever it is your are claiming is not a position or a claim about reality?
 

alwayson

Member
Okay, now apply this to "claims of existence". If you are negating claims of existence in a non-implicative way, this means... what, exactly?

It is not that we claim non-existence, we merely remove claims for existence.

We do not put forth a philosophical position.

Nagarjuna said "If I had any position, I thereby would be at fault. Since I have no position, I am not at fault at all."

Aryadeva said "Against someone who has no thesis of “existence, nonexistence, or [both] existence and nonexistence,” it is not possible to level a charge, even if [this is tried] for a long time."
 

Falvlun

Earthbending Lemur
Premium Member
It is not that we claim non-existence, we merely remove claims for existence.
So I take it you do not know what that means. What does it mean to remove claims for existence?

Are you merely "existence agnostics"?

We do not put forth a philosophical position.

Nagarjuna said "If I had any position, I thereby would be at fault. Since I have no position, I am not at fault at all."

Aryadeva said "Against someone who has no thesis of “existence, nonexistence, or [both] existence and nonexistence,” it is not possible to level a charge, even if [this is tried] for a long time."
You already said this, and unfortunately for Nagajuna, you and he have a position. Removing claims of existence is a huge, radical position. Sorry, buddy.
 

dyanaprajna2011

Dharmapala
It is not that we claim non-existence, we merely remove claims for existence.

We do not put forth a philosophical position.

Nagarjuna said "If I had any position, I thereby would be at fault. Since I have no position, I am not at fault at all."

Aryadeva said "Against someone who has no thesis of “existence, nonexistence, or [both] existence and nonexistence,” it is not possible to level a charge, even if [this is tried] for a long time."

Does Buddha-nature exist?
 

alwayson

Member
So I take it you do not know what that means. What does it mean to remove claims for existence?

Are you merely "existence agnostics"?


You already said this, and unfortunately for Nagajuna, you and he have a position. Removing claims of existence is a huge, radical position. Sorry, buddy.

:facepalm:
 

gnostic

The Lost One
Trying to reason with a madman about reality and illusion, always give me a throbbing headache.
 

dyanaprajna2011

Dharmapala
The fundamental flaw with taking Nagarjuna's philosophy by itself is that all it does is deny the extremes of eternalism and annihilationism. The problem is, is that it doesn't answer any questions, which is why no Buddhist school subscribes solely to Madyamakha, and adds Yogacara, or Tathagatagarbha. If you just take Nagarjuna's philosophy by itself, you don't have buddhadharma, you have an extreme form of skepticism which negates anything the Buddha taught. Nagarjuna's philosophy is good for explaining why the extremes are illogical, but does nothing to explain anything else.
 

dyanaprajna2011

Dharmapala
Remember, the Buddha did not teach skepticism, he taught a middle way that transcends dualism and extreme ways of thinking. This is the problem with taking Nagarjuna as someone who's teachings surpass that of the Buddha. Some Nichiren Buddhists do this, too, with Nichiren Daishonen. They take him as lord over Shakyamuni Buddha, and deny much of what the Buddha actually taught, in favor of something else, that is not buddhadharma.
 

alwayson

Member
The fundamental flaw with taking Nagarjuna's philosophy by itself is that all it does is deny the extremes of eternalism and annihilationism. The problem is, is that it doesn't answer any questions, which is why no Buddhist school subscribes solely to Madyamakha, and adds Yogacara, or Tathagatagarbha. If you just take Nagarjuna's philosophy by itself, you don't have buddhadharma, you have an extreme form of skepticism which negates anything the Buddha taught. Nagarjuna's philosophy is good for explaining why the extremes are illogical, but does nothing to explain anything else.

Madhyamaka is the distilled essence of Buddhadharma. Its unfortunate you don't see that.

As you know Tibetan Buddhism holds Candrakirti paramount. So did Atisa.
 

FunctionalAtheist

Hammer of Reason
Well as far as I can tell he is baffled and bedazzed by my reasoning as I have asked the same question 3 times and no reply. There fore I leave this discussion to those that evidently have something he is not afraid to discuss.

alwayson, if you have any reply to my questions, pm me as I'll not be checking back for more of your nonsenses if you can not do me the courtesy of a reply.
 
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