Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Buddhist philosophy, particularly within the Theravada and Sarvastivada schools, centers around the concept of impermanence (anicca). Kşaņikavāda, a core tenet, extends this impermanence to its ultimate limit, asserting that all phenomena exist only for a single moment (kşaņa) and are constantly arising and ceasing. This doctrine isn’t merely a statement about change but a fundamental ontological claim about the nature of reality. The question probes whether this radical impermanence logically necessitates the problematic consequences of complete annihilation of self and moral responsibility, challenging the coherence of Buddhist ethics and soteriology.
Understanding Kşaņikavāda
Kşaņikavāda, literally “the doctrine of moments,” posits that reality is a continuous flux of momentary events. These moments are not simply small units of time but are the fundamental building blocks of existence. Each moment is unique, arising from causes and conditions, and immediately passing away. There is no enduring substance or self that persists through these moments. This is distinct from simply acknowledging change; it’s a claim that *nothing* endures.
Arguments for Kşaņikavāda
- Empirical Observation: Buddhists argue that careful observation reveals the constant change in all phenomena. From physical objects to mental states, everything is in a state of flux.
- The Doctrine of Dependent Origination (Pratītyasamutpāda): This central Buddhist principle states that all phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena. If everything is dependent, nothing can have inherent existence or permanence.
- Analysis of the Self (Anātman): The Buddhist rejection of a permanent self (ātman) is a crucial foundation for Kşaņikavāda. If there is no enduring self, then all that exists must be momentary.
- Logical Argument from Contradiction: If something were permanent, it would be unchanging. But change is undeniable. Therefore, nothing can be permanent.
Kṛtanāśa and Akṛtābhyupagama: The Challenges
The implications of Kşaņikavāda are significant. Two major concerns are:
Kṛtanāśa (Complete Annihilation)
If everything is constantly ceasing to exist, including what we perceive as a person, then it seems to lead to complete annihilation at death. This raises questions about the meaning of life, the possibility of rebirth, and the efficacy of moral action. If there is no continuity, what is reborn? What is the point of accumulating merit?
Akṛtābhyupagama (Non-Apperception of Past Actions)
If each moment is entirely new, with no connection to the past, then it seems that past actions have no bearing on the present. This undermines the law of karma, which is central to Buddhist ethics. If actions are not remembered or have no consequences, moral responsibility becomes meaningless.
Buddhist Responses and Interpretations
Buddhist schools have offered various responses to these challenges:
- Theravada: Theravada Buddhists often emphasize the concept of “conventional truth” (saṃvṛti-satya) and “ultimate truth” (paramārtha-satya). While Kşaņikavāda represents the ultimate truth, conventional truth allows for the practical functioning of karma and rebirth. A stream of consciousness (vijñāna-santāna) provides a continuity, even though there is no permanent self.
- Sarvastivada: This school attempted to reconcile Kşaņikavāda with the idea of continuity by positing that past moments, though no longer existing, still have “being” in a different sense. This led to a more complex metaphysics.
- Yogacara (Mind-Only): Yogacara emphasizes the role of consciousness in constructing reality. The continuity of consciousness, though itself momentary, provides the basis for karmic effects.
The debate revolves around how to understand the relationship between the momentary nature of reality and the apparent continuity of experience, moral responsibility, and the possibility of liberation. The challenge is to avoid both eternalism (the belief in a permanent self or substance) and nihilism (the belief in complete annihilation).
Conclusion
The Buddhist doctrine of Kşaņikavāda presents a radical view of reality, emphasizing impermanence and the absence of a permanent self. While it raises legitimate concerns about annihilation and the efficacy of karma, various Buddhist schools have offered sophisticated interpretations to address these challenges. These interpretations highlight the importance of understanding Buddhist philosophy within its broader context, recognizing the interplay between ultimate and conventional truths, and appreciating the nuanced understanding of continuity and causality. Ultimately, Kşaņikavāda serves as a powerful tool for dismantling attachment and cultivating wisdom.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.