2

In this following context, what does the verb phrase 'exposed to' mean?

Does it mean 'experienced'?

Context:

Without birth there cannot be decay and death. If we had not been born, we would not have to die, and would not be exposed to all sorts of misery.

Source: P. 41 ''The Fundamentals of Buddhism" by Nyanatiloka Mahathera

Improve this question
2
  • 2
    Have you consulted any dictionaries? If so, please edit your question to include what you found and what you're still unsure about. Otherwise, this question is off-topic for lack of research.
    – gotube ♦
    Commented May 31, 2023 at 16:41
  • Note the passive verb form. A person being exposed to attack means there is a risk of him being attacked (even if he doesn't actually get attacked). But if he experiences an attack, that means he's definitely been attacked for real! In practice in your cited context, though, we all do experience the misery that we're exposed to. Into each life a little rain must fall, and all that. (And I still think he/they should have written/sung A Little, not Some! :)
    – FumbleFingers
    Commented May 31, 2023 at 20:02

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

I found the whole text here. The context of that sentence is when the author explains proposition #11, part of the explanation of paticca-samuppada which

shows the causes and conditions of all the suffering in the world; and how, through the removal of these conditions, suffering may rise no more in the future.

About proposition #11:

Now we have reached the eleventh and last proposition: Jati-paccaya jara-maranam: "Through rebirth decay and death are conditioned." Without birth there cannot be decay and death. If we had not been born, we would not have to die, and would not be exposed to all sorts of misery. Thus rebirth is a necessary condition for decay and death, and for all other forms of misery. Hence it was said: "Through rebirth decay and death are conditioned."

Because the context is about removal of the causes and conditions of an individual's suffering in the world, "exposed" here mean vulnerable / susceptible.

Other examples of "exposed" in this meaning:

  • If we go out in the rain without bringing an umbrella, we will be "exposed" to being wet.
  • If we put all our money in stocks, we will be "exposed" to the risk of market crashing.
  • Etc.
Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .