Exploring Early Buddhist Teachings Through the Lens of Existential Realities

Existentialism presents a stark and sobering view of the human condition, highlighting inescapable truths that often lead to profound angst and suffering. These truths include our minuscule place in the cosmos, the uncertainty of our purpose, the lack of control over our origins, the absence of a definitive guidebook for living, and the inevitability of death. Interestingly, these existential observations resonate with early Buddhist teachings, which also delve into the nature of human existence and the sources of suffering. By examining these existential concerns through the prism of Buddhism, we can uncover insights that offer both understanding and solace.

The Vastness of the Cosmos and Our Insignificance

Existentialists often emphasize the immense scale of the universe to underscore human insignificance. For instance, if our solar system were the size of a dining room table, the sun would be a mere grain of sand at the center, and Earth would be invisible to the naked eye. On this s…