Question
Assuming that animals do not attain self-awareness, and thus remain in a state below conceptual knowledge or nonknowledge,
—they do not experience metaphysical or existential problems such as humans pose…
—Therefore, in my view, they are naturally awakened and naturally realize their unconscious.—Our human, conceptual consciousness gives us an advantage in the struggle for survival and grants self-awareness, but has at the same time “disconnected” us from reality. All conceptual knowledge comes with nonknowledge… Knowledge abstracts and rejects what is not abstracted…
Animals would therefore spontaneously inhabit their “Buddha-nature.” In my view, the concept of karma does not apply to animals. It is a specifically human problem. Is your opinion more nuanced or different?
Best wishes,
Mumyo
Answer from Master Kosen
My opinion is nuanced and different.
Kosen