Buddhism's scientific method

The so-called 'scientific method' is a process by which we arrive at a state or fact of knowing.  I hasten to add, that ‘methodology’ is pivotal.  It is also where problems enter.  

Just what is the proper method depends upon what we wish to know or cognize. There are, obviously, variations to the method depending on the subject under study.  For example, the method for studying the antiquity of various Sutras is a different method than is used in chemistry or for studying the surface of Mars.  

Another example, the method for determining why my air-conditioner is not working follows a particular ‘scientific’ method.  My preliminary hypothesis is that there is no power going to it.  I know this because when I turn it on, nothing happens.  If my hypothesis is true, I may find that it is either unplugged or the circuit breaker in the basement tripped because it was overloaded.  I check both out and find that the circuit breaker tripped.  This is why the air-conditioner lost power.  If this hypothesis proves not to be fruitful, I devise another.  

I need to add that there are positive examples as well.  The Wright brothers are one such example who are credited with inventing and building the world's first heavier than air flying machine.  It rested on the hypothesis that lift and flight of a heavier than air machine could be attained with adequately designed wings and controls with the addition of an engine and propellers.  It worked.

When we come to Buddhism, the method we generally use for finding out what the Buddha realized under the Bodhi-tree still falls within the embrace of the scientific method using a method that fits with introspection since our goal lies within.  It consists in the hypothesis there is absolute Mind.  As we look for it within, trying to cognize it, we are beset with a number of false states that could be taken to be absolute Mind which we have to be aware of and overcome.  Basically, we have to transcend all grades of consciousness in order to uncover Mind.  By this process, states of consciousness dissolve becoming more progressively empty until consciousness is transcended and Mind is realized.  During this process, states of consciousness are still differences of absolute Mind from itself in which consciousness is a mode of mind: its bifurcation into subject & object.  As such, states of consciousness, no matter how subtle or abstract, can be reborn; they offer neither finality nor deathlessness.  Only realizing Mind does.

Based on my own experiences, I eventually hypothesized the importance of realizing pure Mind after becoming aware, over several years, that various—often subtle states—of consciousness were deceiving me.  I recognized that there is no absolute in consciousness.  Subject & object are always, to some degree, separated.  The problem I faced was like I could never make the head part of a coin connect with the tail part—not until I realized that both sides were made of the same substance.  This is where pure Mind comes in; why its realization is so important.

Comments

[Devin]

I almkost never comment, but i did a few searching and wound up here The Zennist: Buddhism's scientific method. And I actually do have a couple of questions for you if you tend not to mind. Could it be just me or does it appear like some of these responses appear as if they are coming from brain dead folks? :-P And, if you are posting at other sites, I'd like to follow everything new yyou have to post. Could you make a list of the complete urls of your community pages like your twitter feed, Facebook page or likedin profile?

[Jure K.]

"""
When Sakka, king of the gods, spontaneously appeared from beyond and asked The Buddha to describe, in brief, how one is to become enlightened, this was his response :

“Here, ruler of the gods, one has heard that nothing is worth adhering to. When one has heard that nothing is worth adhering to, one directly knows everything; having directly known everything, one fully understands everything; having fully understood everything, whatever feeling one feels, whether pleasant or painful or neither-painful-nor-pleasant, one abides contemplating impermanence in those feelings, contemplating detachment, contemplating cessation, contemplating relinquishment. Contemplating thus one does not cling to anything in the world. When one does not cling, one is not agitated. When one is not agitated, one personally attains Nibbana [enlightenment].

“Briefly, it is in this way, ruler of the gods, that one is liberated in the destruction of craving, one who has reached the ultimate end, the ultimate security from bondage, the ultimate holy life, the ultimate goal, one who is foremost among gods and humans.

"""

(Majjhima Nikāya : 37 : Culatanhasankhaya Sutta // The Shorter Discourse on the Destruction of Craving, Pali Canon)

[Java Junkie Foghorn Leghorn]

actually the scientific methodology of all mysticism is called Abduction

nice try though