The Delusional Series
Compiled according to the teachings of the Master
Author: Fafu
The Delusional Series: Part 11 –36 Thought 6
Let’s see how long you can continue to chase after delusions. Eventually, the delusions will deplete their energy and fade away. If you starve them, you’ll find yourself liberated. However, due to the strength of your habitual patterns, you’ll be tempted to indulge as long as these delusions persist. Therefore, it’s essential to strictly adhere to your precepts. For instance, if you’ve taken the five precepts, consistently examine your thoughts and actions against these vows. By doing so, you can effectively curb your delusions. With persistent effort, even the most stubborn of habits can be overcome. When you focus solely on cultivating merit and adhering to your precepts, you’ll experience a profound transformation in this lifetime. Your fortune will accumulate rapidly, and you’ll be free from the destructive forces of delusions. Ultimately, your destiny is entirely in your own hands.
Since you’re so fixated on this particular delusion, let’s see how you’ll deal with it. It’s entirely up to you to decide how much effort you’re willing to put in. Your decision directly affects your destiny. You’ve cultivated these delusions yourself, and they’re causing you harm. If you want to liberate yourself from this suffering, you must make a determined effort to eliminate these delusions. What’s the point of learning these teachings if you don’t apply them to your own life? The key is to focus your mind completely on whatever task you’re engaged in. Don’t let your mind wander. For example, when you’re driving, focus solely on driving. When you’re eating, focus solely on eating. By adhering strictly to these principles for a few years, you can break free from the cycle of self-harm.
It’s truly tragic how delusions can harm us without any external provocation. Often, we create our own turmoil through the power of our imagination. Delusions allow us to fabricate elaborate scenarios from nothing, leading us down destructive paths. Those who suffer from severe mental illness are a stark example of how unchecked delusions can disrupt one’s life. To combat these harmful thoughts, we must stop feeding them. Instead, focus on fulfilling your duties and adhering to your precepts. By doing so, you’ll naturally channel your energy into constructive activities. If you find yourself getting caught up in delusional thinking, quickly pull yourself back to the present moment. With consistent practice, you’ll notice that it becomes increasingly difficult for delusions to arise. Eventually, you’ll realize that you’ve been inadvertently fueling your delusions with your own thoughts. By cutting off this supply of energy, you can effectively eliminate them.