The Buddha on interstellar darkness

In the discourse from the Sa?yutta Nikāya 56.46, known as the Andhakārasutta, the Buddha presents a profound and inspiring metaphor that links the boundless darkness of interstellar space to the spiritual darkness of ignorance.

The discourse begins with the Buddha addressing the monks: "Mendicants, the boundless desolation of interstellar space is so utterly dark that even the light of the moon and the sun, so mighty and powerful, makes no impression."

In the Tipi?aka in Pāli, the statement is: “lokantarikā aghā asa?vutā andhakārā andhakāratimisā, yatthamimesa? candimasūriyāna? eva?mahiddhikāna? eva? mahānubhāvāna? ābhāya nānubhontī".

Just pause for awhile to consider the words used by the Buddha — some 2,500 years ago — to describe interstellar darkness in the Universe:

lokantarikā: situated between worlds

aghā: empty space; void; vacuum

andhakāra: darkness, blackness

andhakāratimisā: pitch black, deeply dark

candimasūriyāna?: moon and sun

A mendicant in the audience, possibly alarmed by the description of the Buddha on pitch black, deeply dark spaces in the Cosmos, asks (although though this is not in the text, it's like as if he had put his hand up as it happens in lectures and training sessions today):

Mendicant: “Sir, that darkness really is mighty, so very mighty.

“mahā vata so, bhante, andhakāro, sumahā vata so, bhante, andhakāro.”

He then pressed further:

“Is there any other darkness more mighty and frightening than this one?”

Atthi nu kho, bhante, etamhā andhakārā a??o andhakāro mahantataro ca bhayānakataro cā”ti?

The Buddha reponded: “Indeed, monk, there is another darkness greater and more terrifying than this darkness."”

“Atthi kho, bhikkhu, etamhā andhakārā a??o andhakāro mahantataro ca bhayānakataro cā”ti.

Mendicant: “But "Venerable Sir, what other darkness is there that is greater and more frightening than this darkness?"”

“Katamo pana, bhante, etamhā andhakārā a??o andhakāro mahantataro ca bhayānakataro cā”ti?

The Buddha then adapts his discourse to respond directly to the mendicant:

“There are ascetics and brahmins who don’t truly understand about suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path.

“Ye hi keci, bhikkhu, sama?ā vā brāhma?ā vā ‘ida? dukkhan’ti yathābhūta? nappajānanti …pe… ‘aya? dukkhanirodhagāminī pa?ipadā’ti yathābhūta? nappajānanti...

Then the Buddha calms the mendicant:

…”There are ascetics and brahmins who truly understand about suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path.

Ye ca kho keci, bhikkhu, sama?ā vā brāhma?ā vā ‘ida? dukkhan’ti yathābhūta? pajānanti …pe… ‘aya? dukkhanirodhagāminī pa?ipadā’ti yathābhūta? pajānanti.”

The report of this discourse ends with the Buddha saying:

"Therefore, monks, you should practice … understanding that ‘this is suffering’ … and ‘this is the path leading to the cessation of suffering’."

Tasmātiha, bhikkhave, ‘ida? dukkhan’ti yogo kara?īyo …pe… ‘aya? dukkhanirodhagāminī pa?ipadā’ti yogo kara?īyo”ti.

Take a moment also to pay attention to the Tathāgata’s teaching style, as evidenced by this discourse. This was not a tedious and monotonous monologue, but an interactive and responsive dialogue.

Take also another moment to marvel at the extraordinary breadth of the Tathāgata’s teachings. This was not merely a local metaphor; he set the stage on a cosmic scale, drawing his audience's attention to the vastness of the universe.

The Tathāgata engaged with his disciples, encouraging them to ask questions and explore the teachings deeply. He had an open and interactive approach made the teachings more relatable and understandable, allowing for a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights.

Indeed, the Tathāgata confirms that there is a greater darkness, referring to the profound ignorance that prevents beings from understanding the true nature of suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.

The Tathāgata explains that those who do not understand the Four Noble Truths — the truth of suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path to its cessation — remain in a state of profound ignorance.

In today’s world, the metaphor of interstellar darkness is particularly apt. Just as the vastness of space and its impenetrable darkness can evoke a sense of awe and mystery, the spiritual darkness of ignorance can seem equally daunting. In an age where information is abundant yet true wisdom often remains elusive, the Tathāgata's teachings remind us of the importance of seeking true understanding and insight.

This discourse reminds us that, despite the advancements in science and technology, the fundamental human challenge of overcoming ignorance and attaining true wisdom remains.

The relevant teachings of the Buddha, encapsulated in such powerful metaphors, continue to offer valuable guidance for our spiritual journey, urging us to look beyond the superficial and strive for a deeper understanding of the truths that govern our existence.

Thus, the Andhakārasutta — a concise, profound teaching shows the path towards spiritual awakening and freedom.

Source:

Linked Discourses 56.46 Sa?yutta Nikāya 56.46 5. A Cliff 5. Papātavagga Darkness Andhakārasutta