Difference between revisions of "Universe"
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| − | The [[universe]] (''[[lokadhātu]]'') is the whole of [[space]] and everything in it. Of all the {{Wiki|ancient}} conceptions of the [[universe]], the [[Buddha]]’s is the most {{Wiki|realistic}}. According to him the [[universe]] has no [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] beginning or | + | The [[universe]] (''[[lokadhātu]]'') is the whole of [[space]] and everything in it. Of all the {{Wiki|ancient}} conceptions of the [[universe]], the [[Buddha]]’s is the most {{Wiki|realistic}}. According to him the [[universe]] has no [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] beginning or end (S.II,178), but rather [[forms]], dissolves and reforms again over a vast period of [[time]] (D.III,84). Within the [[universe]] there are countless [[world]] systems (''[[lokadhātu]]'') which correspond to {{Wiki|galaxies}}. The [[Buddha]] said that within these [[world]] systems are ‘thousands of [[suns]], thousands of [[moons]], thousands of continents.’ (A.I,227). He also spoke of the ‘the black, gloomy regions of {{Wiki|darkness}} between the [[world]] systems, where the {{Wiki|light}} of our [[moon]] and {{Wiki|sun}}, powerful and majestic though they are, cannot reach’ (M.III,124), suggesting that these {{Wiki|galaxies}} are great distances away from each other in [[space]]. |
Some [[religions]] believe that the [[existence]] of the [[universe]] can only be explained by positing a [[supreme being]] who created it, but [[Buddhism]] considers this to be mistaken. According to the [[Buddha]], the [[universe]] and everything in it came into being due to natural, not [[supernatural]], [[causes]]. | Some [[religions]] believe that the [[existence]] of the [[universe]] can only be explained by positing a [[supreme being]] who created it, but [[Buddhism]] considers this to be mistaken. According to the [[Buddha]], the [[universe]] and everything in it came into being due to natural, not [[supernatural]], [[causes]]. | ||
Latest revision as of 13:49, 30 December 2014
The universe (lokadhātu) is the whole of space and everything in it. Of all the ancient conceptions of the universe, the Buddha’s is the most realistic. According to him the universe has no ultimate beginning or end (S.II,178), but rather forms, dissolves and reforms again over a vast period of time (D.III,84). Within the universe there are countless world systems (lokadhātu) which correspond to galaxies. The Buddha said that within these world systems are ‘thousands of suns, thousands of moons, thousands of continents.’ (A.I,227). He also spoke of the ‘the black, gloomy regions of darkness between the world systems, where the light of our moon and sun, powerful and majestic though they are, cannot reach’ (M.III,124), suggesting that these galaxies are great distances away from each other in space.
Some religions believe that the existence of the universe can only be explained by positing a supreme being who created it, but Buddhism considers this to be mistaken. According to the Buddha, the universe and everything in it came into being due to natural, not supernatural, causes.
