After feelings, we get to a more refined process, that is a little harder to observe with a mind not trained.

Perceptions are the recognition and identification of objects, sounds, sensations, or mental impressions based on prior experiences.

Simply put perceptions are our interpretations, judgments, and labels we place on our experiences, shaped by our past. It’s how we form views and ideas about the world.

1. Illusions (Ignorance)

“I am a view” (e.g., “I am a Democrat. I am a Republican”).

“This is my view” (e.g., “You must respect my opinion!”).

“I exist within my view” (e.g., “I see the world as awful and struggle living in it”).

We often cling to our views as if they define us. When we say, “I am this” or “I believe that,” we create a rigid identity around our opinions, locking ourselves into a narrow perception of reality.

2. Too much

This is the age of strong, divisive opinions. We don’t need to look far to see how this attachment causes harm. Nations are torn apart, relationships are fractured, and people suffer because they cling too tightly to their views.

Example:

Political polarization, where people are so deeply invested in their beliefs that they can’t tolerate differing opinions. Their perception of being “right” becomes the only reality, and they are ready to fight, argue, or even destroy in its defense.

3. Too little

At the other end of the spectrum, some people abandon their views entirely, often for the sake of peace or approval from others. This too is an attachment—just in reverse. The view becomes: “My opinion doesn’t matter,” which is still a strong, albeit negative, perception of oneself.

Example:

People-pleasing tendencies, where someone constantly agrees with others just to keep the peace. They suppress their true views, believing they don’t deserve to have an opinion. Monks or spiritual seekers can also fall into this trap—submitting so fully to a teacher or tradition that they lose their sense of discernment. The fault in this is that one becomes disconnected from their own consciousness and intuition, making them more susceptible to manipulation. The truth cannot be discovered externally; it can only manifest from within.

4. Wisdom

The Middle Path is not simply found between two extremes; wisdom transcends them by gaining insight into cause and effect and understanding conditions. Cause and effect offer us the opportunity to see a bigger picture.

Cause: By recognizing what gives rise to opinions and judgments within ourselves and others, we can better understand the past and it’s connection to the present.

Effect: We can foresee the future by understanding the results that follow from holding certain judgments and opinions.

Conditions: These provide insight into the present moment, enabling us to adapt. Sometimes opinions need to be defended, while at other times, they should be abandoned. The freedom to choose accordingly, based on the situation, demonstrates our progress on the path.

The Buddha’s Middle Path teaches us to observe cause and effect without clinging too tightly to perceptions or dismissing them entirely.

Your past experiences and views are valid; it’s not about erasing memories or destroying opinions. Nor is it about blindly following tradition or authority. Instead, it’s about adjusting your views to match the present reality, knowing when more is needed and when less is appropriate.

Example:

When you’re in a discussion, notice when it’s time to speak up and share your perspective, and when it’s wiser to listen and reflect. Not every situation calls for assertiveness, and not every silence is wise.

5. Practice

Daily practice:

Engage with people who have different opinions. Don’t cut them out of your life or block them on social media just because they hold opposing views. Blocking others doesn’t eliminate their existence; it merely closes you off from growth. Freedom isn’t about having no opinions, but about not being imprisoned by them. When we close the gate to something outside, we close ourselves within. Being a prisoner of ideas, views, and opinions is not freedom.

Meditation practice:

When you notice your mind starting to form strong opinions or preparing for an argument, observe it without reacting. Let your mind cool down and exist beyond what it believes is “right.” Can the mind see reality without the veil of preferred views?

PS. Funny thing also the discussion about views and opinions usually angers people, the attachment is that strong that some tend to get very defensive