Free will is often thought of as the ability to choose freely between different actions. We usually believe that everyone possesses free will, except in unusual circumstances like being under hypnosis or suffering from a mental illness. However, I argue that free will doesn’t exist, and this perspective aligns with Buddhist teachings where free will isn’t considered a central concept.
Free will holds significant importance in our society. Thinkers like Kant and leaders like Barack Obama have emphasized its role in personal morality and societal prosperity. In contrast, determinism, which posits that our actions are conditioned and not truly autonomous, presents a troubling view because it implies we’re not fully in control of our lives.
The notion of free will doesn’t align well with certain scientific findings. For instance, neuroscientist Benjamin Libet’s experiments revealed that brain activity initiating an action occurs before we consciously decide to act. This suggests that our conscious mind might not be the actual source of our decisions. More advanced studies using MRI technology have further demonstrated that our brains exhibit decision-making activity several seconds before we become aware of it, challenging the traditional concept of free will.
These findings create a conundrum for our conventional understanding because they suggest that what we perceive as free will might just be an illusion. If our actions are determined by unconscious processes rather than conscious choices, then the belief in free will is questioned.
In Christianity, free will is a key concept because God’s judgment is perceived to be based on our choices. Conversely, Buddhism doesn’t concern itself with free will but focuses on the concept of conditionality—everything arises in dependence on preceding conditions. While we make choices, these choices are not completely free but are influenced by existing conditions.
The Buddhist perspective emphasizes that although our choices are not entirely free, they can still lead to positive outcomes. For instance, we might not be able to choose to be happy outright, but we can make choices that guide us toward greater happiness. This highlights the idea that while our will isn’t free, it can still be exercised mindfully.
Mindfulness plays a crucial role in making choices. It allows us to step back and observe the options available to us, helping us to make wiser decisions. When we are not mindful, we act more like robots, driven by our conditioning and emotions.
The significance of mindfulness lies in its ability to give us a sense of control within our conditioned environment. By making mindful choices, we gradually shape our behavior and create more opportunities for further positive actions. This ongoing process is the essence of karma in Buddhism, where our actions have long-term effects on our well-being.
Experiments like Libet’s show that our belief in conscious decision-making might be a misconception. Buddhism accepts that decisions often occur unconsciously. The concept of “self” making these decisions is considered a delusion in Buddhist practice.
As long as choices happen—whether consciously or unconsciously—they can lead to wiser actions if guided by mindfulness. Over time, mindful actions help us become more skilled and less reactive, fostering happiness and freedom. Although our conscious minds might falsely claim ownership of these decisions, recognizing this illusion is an integral part of spiritual growth in Buddhism.
Ultimately, the goal is to continually practice mindfulness and recognize the conditioned nature of our decisions. By doing so, we navigate life more skillfully, making choices that contribute to our long-term happiness and well-being.