Dear friends, hello! Hello, dear friends!Welcome to this episode of the podcast, brought to you by the Australia Buddhas’ Practice Incorporated.
Today, I’d like to talk about a topic that is ever-present in our lives yet often overlooked—“arrogance” (or pride), and how it affects our lives, as well as how we can achieve freedom through recognizing shame and awareness.
1. Arrogance Is Everywhere
Each of us lives amidst afflictions every moment. These afflictions are not abstract concepts but are vividly reflected in our every word, deed, and action. You can see traces of it in a person’s demeanor, expressions, words, and movements.
For example, when we show impatience, speak with arrogance, or act sluggishly or impulsively, these are manifestations of arrogance. In Buddhism, “arrogance” is not a lofty theory but a practical truth of life. If we observe carefully, we’ll realize that arrogance influences us at all times.
Ask yourself often: Do I have arrogance? Do my demeanor, expressions, words, and actions carry the shadow of pride? This is the first step in self-reflection.
2. Gentle Like Water
What is a person without arrogance like? They are humble, gentle, willing to give to others, and ready to contribute time, effort, and resources without reservation.
For example, if you’re a leader, who comes to mind first when something good happens? It’s always the humble, reliable person who gets things done. Why? Because they lack arrogance, their humility earns trust, and their actions inspire confidence.
Everyone wants such people around them, but we are often conditioned by worldly views to think humility is bad and bowing down is weakness. From childhood to adulthood, these notions become deeply ingrained, making us unwilling to lower ourselves. As a result? We never receive true blessings.
In contrast, a person without arrogance is gentle like water, able to adapt to others, earning respect and help. But an arrogant person is like a porcupine, covered in spines, constantly clashing with or hurting others. Such stubborn people are beyond even the Buddha’s help. Imagine if everyone around us were unyielding and refused to compromise—what would life become? This is worth deep reflection.
3. The Delusion of Self
When it comes to afflictions, many say, “I don’t have any afflictions right now!” But this very statement is already a sign of arrogance at work.
When you deny having afflictions, that’s the affliction of arrogance. When you doubt whether you have afflictions, that’s the affliction of doubt. When others point out your flaws and you get angry, that’s the affliction of anger. When you think you’re great but no one acknowledges it, that’s the affliction of greed. When you don’t understand why things are the way they are, that’s the affliction of ignorance.
Friends, afflictions are everywhere! We are surrounded by them every moment. It’s only because of a lack of awareness that we remain in a state of delusion, unaware, even harming ourselves without realizing it.
4. The Chain of Delusion, Sensation, and Impulse
Where do afflictions come from? From delusion. Delusion is like the headquarters, weaving all our afflictions.
For example, why do we crave? Because something tastes good, feels useful, or is fun. Why do we know it’s good? Because we’ve felt or experienced it. That first sensation plants the seed of delusion. Later, when we recall that sensation, an impulse arises: I want to eat it again! I want to play again! I want to possess it again!
This is the chain of “delusion—sensation—impulse.” When the impulse comes, we feel confident and determined to achieve our goal. But this impulse often leads us astray, ruining what was originally good.
5. Recognizing Shame Is the Direct Cause of Awakening
So, how do we break free from arrogance and afflictions? The answer is: recognizing shame and awareness. Buddhism teaches us that recognizing shame is the direct cause of bodhi, or awakening. What is bodhi? It’s awareness. The more you recognize your afflictions and the shame they bring, the more you awaken; the more you awaken, the more you can let go.
The key is: Can you clearly recognize yourself? Can you catch your delusions? When greed, anger, or arrogance arises, can you recognize the shame in them and not follow their lead?
Even if we can’t analyze every affliction in detail, as long as we refuse to follow them, we won’t be destroyed by them. Greed ruins good deeds, anger spoils opportunities, and arrogance blocks blessings. Only awareness, coupled with recognizing shame, can protect our hearts and preserve our blessings.
6. Conclusion
Friends, arrogance and afflictions are everywhere. When we are willing to be humble, gentle like water, and adaptable to others, we earn respect and help.
Thank you all! See you next time!
