89. Saṃyutta Nikāya 12, Sutta 47: The Jānussoṇi Sutta
The Buddha was residing in Sāvatthī. At that time, the brahmin Jānussoṇi approached the Blessed One. After exchanging greetings and courtesies, he sat down to one side and said to the Blessed One:
"Respected Gotama, does everything exist?"
"'Everything exists' is one extreme view," replied the Buddha.
"Respected Gotama, does nothing exist?"
"'Nothing exists' is another extreme view," the Buddha responded. "Avoiding these two extremes, the Tathāgata teaches the Dhamma by the middle way: 'With ignorance as condition, volitional formations come to be; with volitional formations as condition, consciousness comes to be... Thus this whole mass of suffering arises. When ignorance ceases without remainder, volitional formations cease; when volitional formations cease, consciousness ceases... Thus this whole mass of suffering ceases.'"
After hearing the Buddha's teaching, the brahmin Jānussoṇi said: "Excellent, Master Gotama! Your teaching is wonderful! From today onwards, please accept me as a lay follower who has taken refuge for life."
Deep Analysis and Wisdom Insights:
I. Inquiry into the Nature of Life: Dialectic of Existence and Non-existence
1. Core Philosophical Questions
The brahmin's two questions, though seemingly simple, touch upon humanity's deepest existential puzzles:
- "Does everything exist?"
- "Does nothing exist?"
These represent fundamental metaphysical inquiries that humans have grappled with since ancient times.
2. Two Extreme Traps of Thinking
- Absolute Existence: The belief that everything is fixed and eternal
- Absolute Nothingness: The belief that everything is empty and non-existent
Both views are partial understandings of the nature of life.
II. Buddha's Wise Middle Way Revelation
1. Transcending Binary Opposition
The Buddha's greatness lies in breaking through traditional thought frameworks:
- Not falling into attachment to "existence"
- Not sinking into denial of "nothingness"
- Instead, revealing the dynamic, interdependent nature of things
2. Dependent Origination: The Essence of Life
The Buddha expounds the deep mechanism of life:
- Ignorance → Volitional formations → Consciousness
- Each link is interconnected
- There is no independent, eternal existence
- Everything is in constant change and becoming
III. Deep Wisdom of Life
1. Life as Flowing Water
- No fixed "entity" exists
- Only a constantly changing process
- Like a river, changing every moment yet maintaining continuity
2. Profound Meaning of Non-self
- "Self" is only a temporary combination
- There is no eternally unchanging essence
- Attachment to "self" leads to suffering
IV. Enlightenment on the Path to Liberation
1. The Power of Awareness
- Recognizing ignorance as the root of suffering
- Awareness is the first step towards liberation
2. Cutting the Root of Suffering
- When ignorance is completely extinguished
- Volitional formations and consciousness disappear
- The mass of suffering comes to an end
V. Practical Insights and Deep Realizations
1. The Nature of Life
- No absolute existence
- No absolute nothingness
- Only interdependent, constantly changing processes
2. Cultivation of Wisdom
- Letting go of attachments
- Maintaining an open mindset
- Accepting the fluidity of life
3. Inner Transformation
The brahmin's taking refuge symbolizes:
- Transformation from ignorance to enlightenment
- Breaking through fixed thought patterns
- Accepting life's complexity and mystery
VI. Profound Implications
In this fast-paced, anxiety-filled era, this dialogue is particularly meaningful:
- Teaching us to transcend binary oppositions
- Learning to view life with an open, compassionate attitude
- Maintaining inner peace amidst change
- Understanding the interconnectedness of all things
Conclusion:
Life is not a static picture, but a constantly flowing journey.
What's important is not clinging to any view, but maintaining an open, aware mindset.
Wisdom comes from letting go of attachments and embracing the mystery and beauty of life.