On Doubt and Skepticism in Buddhism

Buddhism stands apart from other world religions, particularly in its embrace of doubt and inquiry. This is especially pronounced in the Zen tradition, where the saying goes: “Big doubt, big enlightenment. Little doubt, little enlightenment.” This resonates with my experience as a math teacher. After all, what teacher would discourage students from asking questions or expressing doubts?

Recently, I posted a question regarding the Diamond Sutra: “Why does the Buddha deny having taught the Dharma in this scripture?” I also provided my own answer — it is because Buddha did not want us to appeal to authority, which is a logical fallacy. An Indian Buddhist replied, suggesting that raising such doubts aligns with Mara, the force of delusion, by planting skepticism about the Buddha’s teachings. This view is rooted in the idea that doubt is one of the “fetters” that bind beings to samsara.

However, we need a more nuanced understanding of the role of doubt and skepticism in Buddhism. The term vicikitsa, often translated as doubt, is listed among the five hindrances to spiritual progress. Yet, doubt has a paradoxical quality in Buddhism — it can either hinder or help. In my teaching experience, a student who never questions but merely memorizes without understanding is unlikely to gain deep insight. Similarly, the Buddha taught that “inquiry” is one of the seven…