The Efficacy and Effects of Buddhism | Characteristics of My Interpretation

What is the significance of studying and practicing Buddhism?

"Religion" is something that can only be understood through personal experience, so it can be elusive when observed from the outside. Perhaps, among those reading this article, there might be people who are feeling somewhat perplexed and can’t quite grasp what it’s all about even though they have some interest.
 
These days, everything is fast-paced, and even online articles often include a summary of what you will understand by reading the article. Personally, I have a sense that Buddhism is something to be understood gradually over time, but adapting to the here and now, I would like to summarize how learning Buddha's teachings can bring about changes in people.

Characteristics of My Interpretation 

When considering the efficacy and effects of Buddhism, I would like to write about how I perceive Buddhism. This is because the focus and interpretation may subtly differ depending on the reader's background.

For example, about 20 years ago, there was a book titled "Ikite shinu chie (生きて死ぬ智慧/Wisdom for Living and Dying) in Japan ," which was a modern translation of the Heart Sutra by Keiko Yanagisawa, a life scientist. The book's cover had the phrase "Heart Translation," and it was truly apt. The translation was a profound and powerful work that mixed Yanagisawa's knowledge as a life scientist with her personal life experiences. Personally, it made my innermost being tremble. I felt that it was understood not academically, but intuitively.

My interpretation of the sutras is also not academic. It is not about faithfully following literature like a researcher, but rather, it is like an essay where I write about what I have intuitively felt and understood. Therefore, I ask for your understanding in advance that there may be ambiguous reasoning and logical leaps in my writing.

That being said, if I were to point out the characteristics of my interpretation, it would be that I put the spotlight on the human capacity for thought and try to find the existence of Buddha within the workings of our minds.

Therefore, the efficacy and effects of Buddhism that I perceive can be summarized as follows:

Heart changes → Perception corrected → The way of thinking is corrected

For example, in chapter three "Ten Merits" of the Immeasurable Meanings Sutra, it lists the merits of living according to the teachings of Buddha:

"First, this sutra causes those who have not yet aroused the mind of enlightenment to aspire to the mind of enlightenment..." "It causes the arising of a mind of loving-kindness for those who lack kindness" "It causes the arising of a mind of rejoicing in the good fortune of others for those who are inclined to jealousy..." "For those who are inclined to stinginess, it causes the arising of a mind of generosity..." "For those with much anger, it causes the arising of a mind of patience..." "For those inclined to laziness, it causes the arising of a mind of diligence..." "For those whose thoughts are scattered, it causes the arising of a mind of meditation..." "For those with many delusions, it causes the arising of a mind of wisdom..."

As shown above, the first merit presented is precisely the change in heart and the way of thinking.

Humans tend to pray for their own greedy desires, but the scriptures do not mention things like, "If you believe, you will be able to live a prosperous life." Rather than praying for personal convenience, it is necessary to pray in a way that aligns with the teachings of Buddha.

I digressed a little, but the efficacy and effects of Buddhism can be understood as bringing about "positive changes in the heart and the way of thinking."

The Causes of "Suffering" Won't Disappear Even with Faith

Now that we have seen the general outline of the efficacy and effects of Buddhism, let's revisit the foundations of Buddhism. It is said that Buddha became a monk to seek a solution for "suffering", but even if one were to practice and attain enlightenment like Buddha, the events that cause such "suffering" do not disappear. No matter how earnestly one prays, it is impossible to escape from death.

So how did Buddha overcome the problem of "suffering"?

When the Heart Changes, the Perception Changes

As mentioned earlier, the changes brought about by practices like those of Buddha are as follows:

Heart changes → Perception is corrected → The way of thinking is corrected

In other words, when the heart changes, the perception of things changes, and suffering is no longer suffering. Buddha taught that even though suffering may not be suffering, it does not mean becoming numb to it. There will still be hardships and sadness in life, and it may be more accurate to say that life is a series of struggles. Buddha referred to this world as a "sea of suffering." However, even in such a world, by following the teachings of Buddha, one can find meaning within "suffering" and move forward without falling... This can be considered the greatest efficacy and effect.

To achieve such effects, it is necessary to have a certain mindset that can at least partially believe in Buddhism's unique worldview and view of human beings, such as the belief that "humans possess eternal and immortal souls, and these souls are subject to reincarnation as the primary objective of human existence, which is to level up the soul." However, I will write about this gradually in the future.

Humans are born alone, must endure a sea of suffering, and eventually die alone. Each individual must carry the weight of their own life. It is disheartening to be alone in the darkness. For such individuals, the teachings of Buddha may become a guiding light. This guiding light is the "correct way of thinking." With that light, one can take each step and walk in the direction one should go.

There is a saying, "Buddha resides in a bright mind." The function that brings about a bright mind is the power of Buddha, and the bright mind itself can be considered Buddha. Buddha does not exist outside; Buddha exists within one's own heart.

Instead of relying on an external Buddha, one should "cultivate the inner Buddha." This is what it means to "attain Buddhahood" or "become Buddha." It is the goal that lies ahead on the path of Buddha.