On Sacredness When Nothing Is Sacred, Nothing Profane

No one has a strict definition of what they mean by “pornography”. In 1964 the Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart said he didn’t know what it was but “I’ll know it when I see it.” (Jacobellis v. Ohio) The word “sacred is a bit like that, but then so are other words like “love," “god," “divine," “good," and “evil” which share the same lack of definition. Who knows what love is when we speak of loving our grandmother, a pizza, a car, a TV show, of the physical sensation of immediate gratification? Sacredness has a distinct, if ambiguous, meaning for many in our culture. Buddhism seems to have a natural aversion to ambiguity, especially in connection to the human experience and the idea of sacredness is no exception.

What does it mean to be “sacred”? In Buddhism, the term "sacred" doesn't carry the same connotations as it might in the Abrahamic religious traditions, where it often refers to something holy, divinely ordained, or set apart as holy. Instead, in Buddhism, "sacred" is more about recognizing the inherent value, potential, and interconnectedness of all life. All life has inherent value, and therefore participate in a type of sacredness that is understandable to the practicing Buddhist.?

In Buddhism, the inherent value of life applies primarily to animate life, particularly sentient beings. Sentient beings are those who possess consciousness and the capacity for suffering and happiness, such as humans, animals, and certain other living beings.?

Sentient beings, who can experience suffering and happiness, are at the center of Buddhist ethical considerations. This includes humans and animals, and in some traditions, certain other beings like insects and even microscopic life forms. In this view the concept of "ahimsa" or non-harm is central, advocating for compassion and non-violence towards all sentient beings.

Actions (karma) have moral implications based on their impact on sentient beings. Positive actions that help others and minimize suffering generate good karma, while harmful actions generate negative karma. The cycle of rebirth (samsara) involves sentient beings being reborn in different forms, depending on their karma. Thus, causing harm to any sentient being is seen as perpetuating negative karma and suffering.

The qualities of compassion (karuna) and loving-kindness, or better said, “friendly kindness,” are cultivated towards all sentient beings. Metta involves extending love and kindness unconditionally, while karuna involves feeling compassion for others' suffering and a desire to alleviate it. These qualities are applied in dealings with all sentient beings, without exception, whether we are fond them or not.

The value of inanimate life and nature comes from the interconnectedness that sentient beings share with them. Life is a function of dependency between all that is. While the primary ethical concern is with sentient beings, Buddhism also acknowledges the interconnectedness of all life and the environment. The natural world, including plants and ecosystems, is respected for its role in supporting sentient life. The environment and inanimate objects are seen as interconnected with the well-being of sentient beings. Thus, harming the environment indirectly harms sentient beings, making ecological mindfulness an important aspect of modern Buddhist practice.

Some Buddhist traditions, like Japanese Zen and Jodo, emphasize the interdependence of all forms of life, animate and inanimate. This perspective fosters a broader respect for nature, though it doesn't place inanimate objects on the same ethical plane as sentient beings.

It is fair to say that in Buddhism, the inherent value of life, or it’s sacredness, is mainly attributed to animate, sentient beings due to their capacity for suffering and happiness. However, there is also a significant recognition of the importance of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all life. This holistic view encourages a broader respect for the environment and all forms of life, recognizing that the well-being of sentient beings is intricately linked with the health of the planet.

The term "being" can refer to existence in a general sense, but it also has a more specific connotation when used in phrases like "sentient being." There are subtle nuances to the word. In its broadest sense, "Being" refers to the state of existing. Anything that exists can be said to have being. This concept of being encompasses all that exists. At the same time, we speak of entities with sentience. A "sentient being" refers specifically to an entity that possesses sentience, meaning it has consciousness, the capacity for subjective experiences, and the ability to experience suffering and happiness. Humans, animals, and certain other life forms are considered sentient beings because they can feel pain and pleasure.

We also distinguish between “being” and “existence”. When "being" is used to describe an entity (such as in "sentient being"), it implies not just existence, but a specific kind of existence characterized by certain qualities like consciousness and sentience. On the other hand, "existence" is a broader term that applies to anything that exists, whether it is conscious or not. This includes inanimate objects, abstract concepts, and sentient beings. In the context of Buddhism and ethical discussions, "being" often emphasizes entities with sentience because these entities are capable of experiencing suffering and happiness, which is central to moral and ethical considerations.

Sentient Beings are defined by the capacity for sentience (consciousness, perception, and the ability to feel pain and pleasure). The ethical focus in Buddhism is on minimizing suffering and promoting the well-being of sentient beings. More inclusive, existence refers to everything that exists, but without specific ethical considerations unless the existence involves sentience. While "being" can refer to existence in a general sense, in specific contexts like "sentient being," it refers to an entity characterized by consciousness and the capacity for experience. A sentient being is not merely defined by its existence but by its sentient nature.

So, what makes life sacred in the Buddhist sense of the word?

All sentient beings possess an inherent potential for enlightenment. This intrinsic Buddha-nature makes all life fundamentally valuable and worthy of respect. Recognizing this Buddha-nature is akin to seeing the sacred in every being.

Everything in the universe is interconnected through the principle of dependent origination (Pratityasamutpada). This interconnectedness means that all life is interdependent and part of a larger whole. Respecting this interconnectedness is recognizing the sacredness of the web of life.

The concept of non-duality infers that there is no fundamental separation between the sacred and the mundane. Everything is part of a single, unified reality. In this sense, the ordinary world and all its inhabitants are seen as sacred because they are manifestations of this non-dual reality.

Compassion (karuna) is a key Buddhist virtue that involves recognizing and alleviating the suffering of all beings. Compassion arises from understanding the inherent worth and interconnectedness of all life. This infers that we ought to harbor a keen respect for life, and practice non-violence and respect for all living beings are fundamental principles in Buddhism, reflecting the sacredness of life. Ahimsa can be safely defined as “harmlessness” in this respect.?

Finally, we ought to internalize and realize, literally make real, the Bodhicitta, the mind of awakening, that is often said to exist inherently within us. The realization of one's true nature and the true nature of reality is a “sacred” endeavor. Practices such as meditation, ethical living, and wisdom are ways to uncover this sacred truth. While Buddhism doesn't typically sanctify objects or places in the same way some religions do, certain rituals, symbols, and places are considered sacred because they help practitioners connect with deeper truths and the path to enlightenment. For example, stupas, statues of the Buddha, and sacred texts are venerated. Recognizing that all beings have the potential for enlightenment leads to an appreciation of the sacredness inherent in all forms of life, promoting universal compassion and ethical conduct.

In Buddhism, the sacred is about recognizing the inherent potential, value, and interconnectedness of all life. It involves seeing beyond superficial appearances to the deeper truth that all beings possess Buddha-nature and are interconnected through dependent origination. This understanding fosters compassion, respect, and ethical behavior towards all beings, emphasizing that the path to enlightenment and the realization of true nature are sacred endeavors shared by all life.

Of course, there is the expression "Nothing sacred, nothing profane" in Buddhism reflects a nuanced understanding of reality and spiritual practice. The expression is not meant to be some obscure mind-bending exercise, but a practical approach to the concept of "sacredness". This phrase can be interpreted in several ways, all of which contribute to a deeper grasp of Buddhist philosophy.?

In Buddhism, particularly in Mahayana and Zen traditions, there is a strong emphasis on transcending dualistic thinking. Concepts like sacred and profane are dualistic opposites that can limit our understanding of the true nature of reality. The teaching of ?ūnyatā (emptiness) suggests that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence and fixed essence. Therefore, labeling something as inherently sacred or profane is misleading because these labels are ultimately empty and do not reflect the true nature of things.

The practice of equanimity is often misunderstood in Western Buddhism. Practicing equanimity means recognizing the fundamental equality of all phenomena. By seeing through the illusions of sacred and profane, practitioners can develop a more balanced and non-discriminatory view of the world. This perspective encourages non-attachment to labels and distinctions. By not clinging to the idea that certain things are sacred while others are profane, practitioners can approach life with a more open and accepting mindset.?

Many Buddhist schools teach that all beings possess Buddha-nature, an intrinsic potential for enlightenment. If everything possesses this intrinsic potential, then the distinctions between sacred and profane become irrelevant. In this? state, the mind is said to be “pure”. In a pure, awakened mind, the concepts of sacred and profane dissolve. Everything is seen as an expression of the same fundamental reality.

By seeing beyond sacred and profane, practitioners are encouraged to be fully present and mindful in every moment, appreciating the inherent value and potential for awakening in all experiences. This perspective nurtures a compassionate attitude towards all beings and experiences, recognizing that suffering and enlightenment are part of the same continuum and that everyone and everything has the potential for awakening.

In Zen Buddhism, the idea of "Nothing sacred, nothing profane" is often expressed through the practice of seeing the sacred in everyday activities. Washing dishes, sweeping the floor, and other mundane tasks are all opportunities for mindfulness and enlightenment. Zen, like Dzogchen, emphasizes direct experience and personal insight over conceptual understanding. By letting go of concepts like sacred and profane, practitioners can directly experience the true nature of reality.

The expression "Nothing sacred, nothing profane" in Buddhism invites practitioners to transcend dualistic thinking and embrace a more holistic view of reality. It encourages the recognition of the inherent emptiness and equality of all phenomena, fostering a mindset of equanimity, non-attachment, and compassion. This perspective helps practitioners engage with the world in a more mindful, present, and awakened way, seeing the potential for enlightenment in every moment and every experience.