ANALYTICAL STUDY OF BUDDHIST LOGIC AND THE CONSIDERATION OF DEATH.

Abstract

The objective of this academic article is to study and analyze Buddhist Logic (or Buddhist Logico-Epistemology) in relation to the contemplation of death. The study found that in Buddhism, "death" or "marana" is defined as a fundamental truth (saccadhamma) and a component of the Three Characteristics (Tilakkhaṇa): impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anattā). This is because death is a normal, unavoidable phenomenon that every life must face, including the sorrow of separation from loved ones. Buddhist Logic is not a formal system of logic for debate or for inferring conclusions from hypotheses. Rather, it is an empirical logic used for the cessation of suffering (dukkha). It achieves this by linking the causes and conditions of life to the ultimate truth. This approach operates on the principle that one does not need to be skilled in formal logic but must be precise and clear about previously observed causes and effects. It transforms logic from a process of conjecture to the remembrance of the "Truth" (Saccadhamma). Upon careful consideration, it is evident that the Buddha employed language and concepts, such as the words "thing" or "truth", which are based on the understanding that language is a conceptual tool created by humans to communicate about various things. It is merely a temporary instrument, not the ultimate truth. Buddhist Logic uses the truth of "death" as a vital connecting point to elevate wisdom (paññā) toward achieving liberation from the cycle of existence (saṃsāra). This is accomplished through verification and reasoning via the narrative of the Characteristic of Suffering (Dukkha-lakkhaṇa), which serves as a tool to validate the empirical reality, or the observable truth of life. Therefore, the contemplation of death according to this approach involves elevating awareness from mere feeling (vedanā) to volition or intention (cetanā). This transition changes the confrontation with death from an emotional reaction to the application of wisdom and mindfulness (satipaññā) in place of pure feeling when facing mortality.