According to Thānissaro Bhikku, between the oppositional extremes of determinism and total free will, the Buddha characteristically promoted a middle path. Bhikku’s firm stance—which he puts forth in his essay “Did the Buddha Teach Free Will?”—sheds light on the empowering role mindfulness plays in our quest for happiness. Given that the eightfold path out of suffering presented by the Buddha requires dedicated practice, the Buddha clearly didn’t believe that our experiences are entirely predetermined. But we don’t have total free […]
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