The question of Ultimate Reality

Unlike many religions, Buddhism does not believe in a personal God who is involved in the creation or judgment of the world.
Instead, it emphasises achieving a deep understanding of what is real - a concept termed as ‘Sunyata’ or ‘emptiness’.
The ultimate reality in Buddhism is perceived as ‘Dhamma’ or ‘Dharma’ - a principle governing the universe and a way to lead a moral life.

‘Sunyata’ or ‘Emptiness’ is not ‘nothingness’ but rather a profound reality underlying existence.
It refers to the interconnectedness of all things, suggesting nothing exists independently or without conditions.
The concept of Sunyata illustrates the absence of inherent and separate selfhood in all beings, referred to as ‘Anatta’ or ‘no-self’.
Emptiness also means freeing oneself from false perceptions and illusions that lead to desire, hatred and ignorance –the root causes of suffering.

‘Dharma’ is depicted as the ultimate reality in Buddhism and signifies ‘law’ or ‘truth’.
It encapsulates the teachings of the Buddha, which when practiced, lead to the cessation of suffering and ultimate liberation, Nirvana.
‘Dharma’ encompasses ethical conduct, meditation, wisdom and is often described as the path to understanding reality and attaining enlightenment.

In Buddhism, the ultimate reality is Nirvana, often interpreted as the end of suffering.
‘Nirvana’ symbolizes reaching the highest state of consciousness where one is freed from all forms of craving, hatred, and ignorance.
It is viewed as a state of perfection, peace, and liberation from the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth - referred to as ‘Samsara’.
Unlike other religions, Nirvana is not perceived as a divine place but rather a state of being.

The Buddhist concept of ultimate reality is closely linked with another fundamental Buddhist concept: dependent origination or ‘Pratityasamutpada’ – meaning everything exists in relation to everything else.
It suggests that all phenomena arise, exist and cease due to a complex web of cause and effect relationships. This idea links to the Buddhist understanding of the ultimate reality as not being fixed or permanent.
Understanding dependent origination can help us realize the interconnectedness of all life and its constant change, leading towards the realization of ‘Sunyata’ and ‘Anatta’, and ultimately, Nirvana.