THE PHYSICIST & MATHEMATICIAN THEORY
 

While watching the movie "Suspect X", one of the comments by the lead character on how physicists and mathematicians differ in the way that they use to solve problems caught my attention :
 

"Physicists observe and establish hypothesis, then test those hypothesis.
Mathematicians conduct their simulations in their heads."
 

This statement instantly struck me as this is exactly how Dhamma practitioners differ from other self-styled meditators.
 

Like the mathematicians, self-styled meditators try to attain 'awakening' solely by meditation. Being unenlightened beings without Right View,
they are trying to purify their minds using a mind that is still subjected to pride, ego, greed, anger, ignorance and other defilements.
In the end, the result could simply be a highly concentrated mind of corrupted views, if not corrected in time.

It is like using a piece of greasy rag to wipe the tabletop. No matter how we wipe it, it will still be dirty.
 

On the other hand, Dhamma practitioners are like physicists.
While we are also unenlightened beings trying to purify our minds using a mind that is still subjected to pride, ego, greed, anger, ignorance and other defilements, we are fortunate to have the teachings of a Samma-sambuddha to guide us and help us check if we are on the right track.

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The Dhamma is like a pail of clean water. When we practise the Dhamma, it is like rinsing the rag in the water.
Only then, when we clean the tabletop, we can be certain that we are able to eliminate the 'defilements'.

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