How do modern people understand Buddhism? Even empirical Buddhism?

Before I say the origin, I think of one thing: how to prove that a proposition (such as a Buddhist statement) is correct (in line with the truth)? This is very important, otherwise it is still difficult for you to recognize the correctness of Buddhism.

In Buddhism, there are three methods of proof: present quantity, concrete quantity and orthodox quantity. This is the category of Ming learning. Tight and complicated. The methods used here are less rigorous and simpler: facts, reasoning and teaching.

Fact: There are a lot of facts to prove it.

Reasoning: Can draw a conclusion through correct logical reasoning.

Teaching evidence: there is a clear explanation in Buddhist scriptures.

If a proposition is complete with three certificates, then its reliability is very high, and it can be confirmed as "consistent with the truth" and acceptable. There are two cards, but one card is missing, which reduces the reliability, according to your habit. Or choose to accept. Or put it on hold. There is only one certificate among the three certificates, so it is suggested to shelve it and not accept it easily. You can't pass a single certificate, that is, "creating your own dharma." You can give up completely.

Here is an example:

"The color body will eventually deteriorate."

In fact, you can't find the disproof, or you haven't found the disproof yet. At least so far, it is correct, waiting to be falsified (falsifiable behavior is a feature of scientific propositions). Therefore, it is enough to pass the evidence. Theoretically, we can observe the change of color body: gradually grow up and finally die. So, even if the stability of this color body is very high, for example, I haven't seen any obvious changes in him for tens of thousands of years, but at least he is moving and losing. So you can draw a logical conclusion: "Everything that changes can't exist forever", and the color body is such a thing that will change. Therefore, this proposition is reasonable. Teaching: All laws are impermanent. Many classics have said it. Therefore, the teacher qualification certificate has also passed.

Conclusion: This is obviously in line with the facts and is acceptable.

"Western paradise exists."

In fact, only a few people are convinced that he saw it with his own eyes in some cases. For most people, there is no factual basis. Can't pass, or I'm not sure. Theoretically, the universe is far greater than the existing cognition of human beings, and there is intelligent life outside human beings. This possibility is extremely high (it has been demonstrated mathematically). Therefore, the truth is established. Needless to say, The Five Classics of Pure Land not only tells about the existence of Elysium, but also explains a whole set of methods to go to Elysium: the teaching certificate is established.

As mentioned above, there are two types of three certificates. If you want to believe it. The credibility is still very high. If you don't want to believe it, you can, but put it on hold and don't deny it easily.

"samsara exists"

In fact, there is no conclusive evidence. There are only sporadic reports. So, it may or may not be true: the fact is uncertain or uncertain. Theoretically, it can provide some reasoning: if there is no reincarnation, identical twins or clones should have exactly the same personality, specialty and even fate. However, this is not the case. So they are two completely different people, who existed in some way before they were born, so there are huge differences between individuals. From this perspective, the existence of reincarnation is one of the reasons that can be explained. In addition, based on "samsara existence", many phenomena can be explained smoothly. Therefore, there is a great possibility of being justified. I really don't want to talk about teacher qualification. Totally established.

As above, two or one and a half are held. The credibility is greater than 50%. According to your habits and personality. You can accept it or not. At least it should be shelved.

"Through practice, the body can live forever."

This proposition is completely opposite to the first proposition. I can't pass all three certificates. Therefore, the person who advocates this is just his own "family statement." He wants to say, "This is Buddhism", and that's just "his personal understanding of Buddhism". At the same time, this statement has slandered the law (contrary to the fact).

Unless you're not going to delve into Buddhism. Otherwise, "four evidences and four non-compliance" and "three certificates" are the rules you should abide by.

It looks very tiring to learn Buddhism in this way. But the effect is remarkable:

First, the knowledge you have gained is real and not easy to change. No matter how big a master comes to tell you some rules, you will have the ability to distinguish: your "eye for choosing the law" begins to be established and gradually consolidated. At the same time, you are not easy to accept the wrong dharma. According to the teaching, the probability of being born in the three evil ways in the future will be greatly reduced because of learning the fake "Buddha".

Secondly, the knowledge gained in this way is likely to change your behavior orientation. Even let you gradually form some correct habits. According to the teaching certificate, this behavior habit will prevent you from being born into three evil ways in the future.

One last point:

There are two processes in learning Buddhism: one is "belief, interpretation, action and proof"; The second is "smell, think, repair and prove". The main difference lies in the first step. Those who adopt the former can be called "believers" Those who adopt the latter can be called "legal pedestrians"

What determines whether you are a believer or a legal person? According to the teaching proof, this is caused by the "good roots" in the past. Some are "loyal roots" and some are "intellectual roots".

Mainly for "legal pedestrians". Try to be a "believer" as much as possible.

Generally speaking, believers are more likely to accept Buddhism, but they are also more likely to go astray because of credulity. It is difficult for legal practitioners to accept Buddhism, but once it is solved, it goes through the stages of "smelling" and "thinking". Progress will be rapid. The possibility of becoming a "Buddhist dragon elephant" will be higher than that of believers.