To recognize genuine teaching, one must consider not only declared mystical experiences or commonly accepted dogmas, but also whether these are confirmed by a profound transformation of consciousness based on a clear understanding of the nature of everyday, empirical thought and mental processes.

Discerning True Enlightenment

To recognize genuine teaching, one must consider not only declared mystical experiences or commonly accepted dogmas, but also whether these are confirmed by a profound transformation of consciousness based on a clear understanding of the nature of everyday, empirical thought and mental processes. In other words, the true path does not provide ready-made “magical” answers; rather, it requires critical reflection on one’s own experience, since any spiritual experience is inevitably interpreted within the framework of preexisting philosophical beliefs. This idea is vividly expressed in the following excerpt:

"We are talking about Buddhism." In addition, Buddhism teaches that spiritual experience is the criterion for the truth of any spiritual teaching—and Buddhism in particular: "...psychotechnique and yogic experience have always played a decisive and dominant role in Buddhism, ... it is precisely the results of contemplation that formed the basis for one teaching or another and served as its criteria of truth..."; "...truth is not expressed in theory, but is experienced in yogic practice, which leads to the ability to intuit the ontological reality, to grasp what truly is." This notion is not new, but in essence it is untenable: any spiritual experience contains elements of theoretical knowledge and is always interpreted based on the mystic’s existing worldview, not to mention that mystical experience can be misinterpreted. If spiritual experience is the main criterion for the truth of Buddhist teaching, then how can one explain the fact that in order to attain this experience one needs nothing more and nothing less than "...a transformation of consciousness, a revolution at its very foundation... But for this transformation it is necessary to understand the nature of everyday, empirical consciousness and the character of mental processes (emphasis added by us—V.P.)".

It is also important to note that if the criterion of truth is reduced solely to a certain mental experience, this already lays the groundwork for the experience to be tailored to existing expectations. This key observation is reflected in the criticism of such an approach:

"If spiritual experience is the main criterion for the truth of Buddhist teaching, then how can one explain the fact that in order to attain this experience one needs nothing more and nothing less than '...a transformation of consciousness, a revolution at its very foundation...' But for this transformation it is necessary to understand the nature of everyday, empirical consciousness and the character of mental processes (emphasis added by us—V.P.)"325.

Isn’t the understanding of the nature of the everyday and the character of mental processes already inherent in Buddhist philosophy?

According to Buddhism, any philosophical Buddhist teaching serves as a signpost indicating the path and methods through which the ultimate goal of Buddhism, nirvana, is achieved326. Essentially, Buddhists acknowledge that to achieve the spiritual goals set before them, one must possess a proper understanding of the problem and the appropriate determination327 to resolve it, yet such logic is surprising.

Thus, in order to distinguish the genuine teaching from popular myths, a Buddhist should:

1. Rely on a deep, transformative understanding in which the principles of renunciation of desires and a profound reflection on the nature of consciousness are clearly discernible.
2. Critically regard subjective experiences, being aware that they are inevitably shaped by preexisting worldview assumptions.
3. Seek confirmation of the teaching not only in personal experience but also in the logical and philosophical consistency embedded in the original teaching.

This methodology helps to separate the authentic, philosophically refined teaching of the Buddha from superficial and often mythological interpretations, which may blend original ideas with popular beliefs.

Supporting citation(s):
"We are talking about Buddhism." In addition, Buddhism teaches that spiritual experience is the criterion for the truth of any spiritual teaching... But for this transformation it is necessary to understand the nature of everyday, empirical consciousness and the character of mental processes (emphasis added by us—V.P.) (source: link txt, page: 7)

"If spiritual experience is the main criterion for the truth of Buddhist teaching, then how can one explain the fact that in order to attain this experience one needs nothing more and nothing less than '...a transformation of consciousness, a revolution at its very foundation...' Thus, Buddhists acknowledge that to achieve the spiritual goals set before them, one must possess the proper understanding of the problem and the right determination for its resolution..." (source: link txt, page: 325)