Dhamma Q&A with Buddhadāsa and monks from Wat Pah Nanachat
Photo: Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives C03371
“Does mathematics exist in reality, in nature, or only in the mind?”
~ Response by Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu ~
Mathematics can come in two forms: the stupid kind and the intelligent kind. The stupid kind of mathematics just develops ego, leads to an ignorant self. For example the Samkhya philosophy in India, which is very logical and mathematic-like, leads to a firm belief in a self. So the mathematics which is under the power of ignorance then just leads us to ideas and concepts of self, which create trouble for us.
Or for example, take Descartes, who said “cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”). This is an example of the logic of ignorant mathematics that leads to “I think therefore that I have a self” or “I am a self.”
(From Dhamma Questions and Answers with Buddhadāsa and monks from Wat Pah Nanachat as translated from the Thai by Santikaro)
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Dhamma Questions & Responses sessions were offered by Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu in 1990-1991 to foreign meditators attending Suan Mokkh International Dharma Hermitage courses.
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