i recently learned about the buddhist concent of dependent origination, which states that all phenomena arise in dependence with other phenomena. this was surprisingly similar to my idea of dialectical materialism, and it got me thinking about how buddhism could be reconciled/combined with a marxist world view. has anybody here read books or articles on this topic?
obviously not everything buddhists believe (reincarnation is an obvious example) is going to jive with marxism but that doesn’t mean it’s worthless to try to analyze one in terms of the other
Death to America
YES, Buddhism and Marxism are very fun to mix. They both point to similar fundamental truths about reality. Highly recommend all of revolutionary left radio’s stuff on dialectics and Buddhism. Breht makes a lot of connections explicitly. With a good grasp of diamat I find parallels in Buddhist stuff on my own too. He’s not a Marxist but I value the perspective of the theory of samsara. In addition, the Zen Studies Podcast (recommended by comrade Elliot Sang).
For reading reading, assuming you already understand dialectics, here’s some stuff from my reading list: What the Buddha Taught, The Dhammapada, McMindfulness (critiques capitalism’s cooption of Buddhism and argues for a return to its liberatory center), What Makes You Not a Buddhist, The Ego Tunnel (scientific perspective on no-self). Obviously there is more recommended in the audio recommendations.
It’s not totally Buddhist but a sort of secular enlightenment book, but I’ve been reading Awake by Angelo Dilullo and found it pretty dialectical.
tangential (not recommendations)
Many critics of Buddhism, like Christianity, will point to its idealism and history, and I think applying dialectical materialism to the question is illuminating. The Buddha did grasp truth and enlightenment is a real thing, but the Buddha existed in a historical context where he had to appeal to Hindus and people in power wanted to gain from the teachings. While human society had to continue reproducing itself, only a small amount of surplus was available to enable people to seek the path. Those who accumulated the surplus became or funded monks, who gave treats of small pieces of semi true knowledge to keep the toiling masses happy (opium so to speak). Once socialism is established I pray unnecessary superstitions and beliefs will fall away as it is made materially accessible (once material needs are covered with minimal time). As humans suffer less materially and society lends towards good karma, may the bodhisattva vow come to fruition.
Comrade, this and your other reply to me are good comments, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. You’ve caused me to re-examine some of the core teachings of Buddhism on my own terms. For example, I did not remember that Buddha specifically spoke against self-mortification as a practice. One of my strong memories from trying to enter the priesthood was the temple head (my teacher) speaking reverently of some long dead monk who cut a piece of her own skin off as a devotional practice. I think I might spend some time re-examining core texts and precepts without the colorings of a specific sect. Materially I am still skeptical of Enlightenment, especially given the historical context during which Buddha lived and the other competing groups seeking the same, but I think I’ll give it another critical examination.
I’ve never heard of that sect but it sounds pretty sketchy and I’m glad you’re out. I understand and am sorry that dampened your perspective on the dharma. I hope your reconsideration is fruitful.