Welcome, Kings and Queens!
If you still don’t know BuddhaChess, this is a site where we decided to bring a Buddhist view of aspects of life that can be well understood with examples of the game of chess.
Calculating in Chess
In chess there is a big difference between moving pieces and playing. There are numerous variables that need to be considered, such as opening, midgame, endgame, tactics, strategy, etc. If we make an analogy with life, it would be like the difference between surviving and living.
There is a necessary attitude that differentiates the player who just moves the pieces and the player with a great vision of the game: the ability to calculate the moves. Calculating in chess means thinking ahead in terms of moves, not just your own, but your opponent’s. Which move will give me the biggest advantage? Will I be following the strategy I planned? What obstacles will be in my way?
Calculating in life
Notice that each move (cause) can generate a series of strengths and weaknesses on the board, for you and for your opponent (effects). When we are unable to correctly visualize this relation, we usually choose poor movement options for the pieces, which in many cases can lead to defeat.
Buddhism recognizes this same characteristic that we observe in chess as a universal law: the law of causality. Everything that happens in the universe ends up creating an effect. From the movement of the planets in the sky, to the relationship between people, everything is under the action of the law of causality.
What a person thinks, says or does will create a direct or indirect effect, which can manifest itself now or at some future time (just like a move on the chessboard). Just as the ability to calculate moves in chess is important to achieving victory, Buddhism teaches that to live fully we must understand the law of causality and apply it to our lives.
A common practice in Nichiren Buddhism is the chanting of the mantra “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo”, which means devoting one’s life to the law of cause and effect. Incorporating this vision into your day-to-day makes you a person with wisdom in making decisions and relating to others.
This is an important life choice: continue as a beginner forever or become a life GM!
If you want to know more about Buddhism and Chess, download our BuddhaChess app, which brings daily encouragement quotes from chess masters and about Buddhism.
