By Lobsang Kunsang
What does “real” actually mean? We use the word every day—this is true, this is real—but rarely stop to question it. Both philosophy and science challenge our everyday assumptions: what we perceive as solid and permanent often dissolves under deeper analysis.
Buddhist thinkers, for centuries, have explored this very point. Early schools examined objects down to their smallest particles, discovering impermanence and change. Later, the Cittamātra school emphasized the role of the mind in shaping experience, while the great Madhyamaka masters, such as Nāgārjuna, revealed the profound truth of emptiness (śūnyatā): nothing exists independently or in the way it appears.
“Seeing what is not real, you are bound;
Buddhapalita
Seeing the real, you are free”
This doesn’t mean nothing exists at all. Rather, it means things exist in dependence—on causes, conditions, perception, and context. By understanding this, we loosen the grip of illusion and free ourselves from the dissatisfaction caused by clinging to appearances.
True transformation, however, requires more than reading. The Buddhist path traditionally unfolds in three steps:
- Listening – hearing or studying the teachings.
- Reflecting – analyzing them, testing them against experience.
- Meditating – internalizing them until they become lived reality.
This journey is not about adopting a label or “being an expert,” but about removing the obstacles that block genuine happiness.
From my own experience, as a Buddhist nun and student of Buddhist philosophy for many years, I have never felt the need to “adhere” to one school in particular. I do not even consider myself a philosopher, despite my long years of study. What I do see clearly, however, is the benefit and utility of these teachings, and this inspires me to keep going deeper—not for the sake of labels, but for the sake of a personal understanding that helps me grow.
I invite you to do the same. Curiosity is enough. You do not need to make promises or take sides. Simply explore these insights and see what they open up in your own mind.
In today’s noisy, information-saturated world, the analytical mind is often overwhelmed. Yet, when directed wisely, it becomes a precious tool—a whetstone that sharpens our awareness. These ancient teachings, preserved for generations, can still speak directly to us today, offering clarity, resilience, and the possibility of authentic freedom.
Manjushri spoke to the Elves 