Ensnared by foul odors 2

Compiled according to the teachings of the Master

Author: Fafu

The gradual nature of greed and delusion is akin to the imperceptible growth of a child. Just as one is unaware of their own physical growth, so too are we often oblivious to the insidious growth of these mental afflictions. Excessive indulgence in food, for instance, can lead to physical ailments. While these ailments are perceptible, the subtle damage inflicted upon the mind remains hidden. With each excessive meal, the mind becomes increasingly clouded, though this process is gradual and often goes unnoticed. Once the mind has deteriorated, it becomes exceedingly difficult to restore it to its former clarity. For when a part of the mind has become corrupted, it remains so until it is gradually healed and renewed.

Not only does this affliction harm you, but it also misuses the Dharma to justify its own existence. It entices you to use the teachings of the Buddha to condemn others. By citing the Dharma, one might claim, “Because of this teaching, his actions are wrong; he is evil.” It might exploit the death of an elderly person, for instance, by accusing the individual of malicious intent, saying, “How wicked of him to wish for the old man’s demise! Despite his outward show of affection, he secretly harbored a desire for their death.”

Thus, this affliction can manipulate any situation, including the Dharma, to serve its own purposes. It will not help you to appreciate the virtues of others; instead, it will compel you to find fault. It will not encourage you to cultivate gratitude or generosity; rather, it will drive you to condemn and criticize. While it may seem paradoxical, this affliction can indeed misuse the Dharma, twisting the teachings to justify its own malevolent intentions. Therefore, we must be vigilant and cautious. If necessary, we must seek refuge and protection. I have personally experienced this, and I can assure you that it is true.

In essence, we are engaged in a spiritual battle against these afflictions. Although the path may be long and arduous, perseverance will eventually lead to inner peace and freedom.

Continue to combat these afflictions. Persevere in your efforts, and you will eventually notice them weakening. With continued practice, you will find that they have completely vanished. You may call out to them, challenging them to reappear, but they will be unable to.

Why? When these afflictions can no longer manipulate your mind, they lose their power. They only thrive on control. Once they are unable to sway you, they have no reason to remain. Moreover, it is humiliating to be constantly defeated by these afflictions. When they can harm you, but you cannot retaliate, what is the point of enduring such suffering?

In truth, these afflictions are powerless to harm you. It is time to truly cultivate the Dharma. These afflictions are not far from any of us. As soon as one indulges in greed, they begin to take root, sooner or later.

There is no escaping this inevitable outcome. No one is exempt.

Upon seeing the suffering of these beings, some Bodhisattvas felt great compassion and wished to bring them before the Buddha. Many refused to go, but some did. Those who went confessed their inability to cultivate the Dharma, feeling a sense of unease about their spiritual condition. The Buddha explained that their inability to progress stemmed from their past actions, particularly their habit of criticizing and condemning others. To rectify this, the Bodhisattvas were advised to sincerely repent and vow to refrain from such negative speech. They were told that this process of repentance would continue until the end of the Dharma age.

The Buddha explained that the duration of their repentance was commensurate with the gravity of their past negative actions. When asked if ordinary beings must also repent for a similarly long period for their misdeeds, the Buddha replied affirmatively, emphasizing that repentance is not a superficial act but a profound process that requires time and effort.