Existence and Non-Existence: A Boundary More Blurred Than We Imagine

**Summary:** A dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang helps us realize that 'existence' is not entirely existent, and 'non-existence' is not entirely non-existent. A correct understanding of existence and non-existence opens the door to great wisdom and compassion.

Every day we say "this exists" and "that does not" as if these were obvious truths. But let us ask: what are existence and non-existence, ultimately? Many of us would stumble for an answer. Venerable Thích Chân Quang began his talk with precisely this question, making the audience suddenly realize that we use these concepts every day without ever truly understanding them.

**1. Existence or Non-Existence Depends on the Senses of the Observer**

The Venerable asked: what is existence? We might say: something that is present, that exists, that can be perceived. But "can be perceived" is the most troublesome part. Because if we perceive through our senses, then what our five senses do not register, we immediately declare as non-existent. This means that existence and non-existence have no independent essence; they depend on our eyes, our ears, our hands. A person blind from birth cannot see the color blue, but they believe it exists because others tell them so. If no one told them, they would think the color blue does not exist.

Existence and non-existence truly have no inherent essence; they are dependent on our senses.

Therefore, the boundary between existence and non-existence is relative, not absolute. Each person may perceive a situation differently, and both are subjective.

**2. Not Seeing Does Not Mean It Does Not Exist**

History always repeats this lesson. Ancient people saw the flat ground and were certain the earth was flat; they could not see it was round. So when others said the earth was round, they did not believe it. Later, with the development of science, thanks to wisdom, people discovered the earth is round. Likewise, electricity and radio waves are invisible but very real. The Venerable spoke of people watching football on television, unable to see the waves, yet those waves brought them joy and sorrow.

There are things that are unseen but are real and have an effect on our lives.

When we learn of something real, we can adjust our lives. If we ignore the invisible worlds that the Buddha taught, we may lack love and blessings from merit. Understanding existence and non-existence helps us live correctly and better.

**3. Illusory Existence - The Trap of Delusion**

If mistaking existence for non-existence is a lack of wisdom, then mistaking non-existence for existence is even more frightening. Some people chase after fictional characters, believing they are real. Some trust a worthless check, or false sects that promise ascent to heavenly realms. All of this is just illusion born of blind faith, or even the deception of the wicked.

There are things that do not exist, yet we believe they do... we devote our entire lives following them, and all we receive is a zero.

Right view in Buddhism is knowing clearly what is truly real and seeing it as real, and what does not exist and seeing it as non-existent. Only then can we avoid being deceived and going down the wrong path.

**4. The Self: The Greatest 'Existence' That Proves Most Incomplete**

A most important point emphasized by Venerable Chân Quang is the karmic law of cause and effect (karmic law) regarding our perception of ourselves. When we see ourselves as possessing something—as having wisdom, possessing something profound—then others outside see us as utterly empty. Conversely, when we see ourselves as lacking—as being without a self, seeing ourselves as impermanent (anicca)—then others look at us with admiration and affection.

For someone who sees themselves as 'without', what is the karmic result that comes to them? It is a wondrous 'possessing'... And for someone who sees themselves as 'possessing', the karmic result that comes to them is absolute nothingness.

This is the essential point of practice. If we believe the Buddha's words, we let go of ego-clinging and gradually attain the Buddha's insight and vision. Meanwhile, someone who claims to be a Buddha will collapse their own character, even descend into madness. Better to be empty and become truly full, than to be full and become truly empty.

Let us practice living with a humble mind. Do not hastily affirm what exists or does not exist without sufficient wisdom. Let the ego shrink, so the heart may open to the vast world of truth. Then, we will no longer be blind before invisible boundaries, but will walk in the light of compassion and wisdom.