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Chapter 8, Buddha Science, Science of the mind
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Chapter 8a, Science of the mind,
To be or not to be an animal?
¶a1 “Ever since Darwin began the evolution revolution, we have struggled to apply or reject “survive of the fittest” to the progress of society . …”
¶a2 “The middle way of Buddhism escapes this dilemma by taking the approach that if we see and recognize our true (Buddha) nature we’ll understand that our animal nature does not give us a true picture of Reality.
Think about those words, our “Buddha nature” and our "Animal nature.” What do they actually say about what we are?
Animal nature sounds like something bestowed upon us. But the fact is, we are evolved biological sensing creatures. Our bodies are animal nature through and through.
Our bodies and brains are much like most other mammalian brains, but with a slight twist that made all the difference in the world. Perhaps this is the source of our developed Buddha Nature.
Folds within folds. Rather than simply being aware of our world, we gained the facility to remember, to file away, to recall with increasing efficiency. We enhanced those facilities with effective learning, weaving together memories, calculating into the future and dreaming. Each advance building upon previous achievements.
Until our human/Buddha mind learned to tame, or at least strive to somewhat tame our animal nature.
¶ “We’ll see that our thoughts and ideas are merely conceptions, a result of causes and conditions. …”
