The Delusional Series
Compiled according to the teachings of the Master
Author: Fafu
The Delusional Series: Part 12 –41 Ignorance 5
It is crucial to understand that within the illusion, all actions are based on misconceptions. This constant creation of misconceptions leads to the eight sufferings. While the Buddha teaches us to avoid creating suffering, beings continue to plant incorrect seeds and cultivate them improperly. They desire fruits that are incompatible with the seeds they have sown, such as seeking both delicious food and perfect health. These desires are based on a misunderstanding of reality, as all phenomena are impermanent and illusory. The true and unchanging nature of reality is emptiness, or śūnyatā. The concept of “empty, illusory, and middle” is essential in Buddhism. The three wisdoms—śamatha, vipasyana, and dhyana—are necessary to realize this truth. These three wisdoms must be cultivated simultaneously. Detailed instructions on how to cultivate these wisdoms can be found in the Śūraṅgama Sūtra.
While a complete understanding of illusion leads to non-attachment, it does not imply abandonment. To abandon the world entirely is not the path to enlightenment. The detachment spoken of here is a detachment from erroneous views, causes, conditions, and the belief in the inherent reality of phenomena. It does not mean withdrawing from the world. In fact, it is through active engagement with the world, even while recognizing its illusory nature, that one can truly awaken others. This is what is meant by “performing great deeds in the dream world.” By recognizing the illusory nature of all phenomena, one can become a guide for others who are lost in the dream, helping them to awaken to the true nature of reality. Even after awakening, one can continue to engage in the world, but now with greater wisdom and compassion.
If one cannot transcend the illusion, all subsequent spiritual progress becomes impossible. It is as if one were to mistake a dream for reality. If we continue to perceive the world as inherently real, and if we do not actively cultivate the correct causes and conditions to alleviate suffering, we will remain trapped in the cycle of samsara. To truly attain happiness, one must first alleviate the suffering of others. By helping others to awaken from the dream of existence, we also free ourselves from suffering. Therefore, while understanding the illusory nature of reality is essential, it must be coupled with the active practice of compassion and the alleviation of suffering.
I have repeatedly emphasized the importance of dedicated practice in understanding the illusory nature of reality. Initially, one must recognize that all phenomena are like dreams. Just as we mistake dreams for reality during sleep, we also mistake our waking experiences for ultimate reality. However, both dreams and waking experiences are ultimately empty of inherent existence.
Although both dreams and waking experiences are illusory, it is important to understand that they are not identical. While both lack inherent existence, the content and nature of dreams can be influenced by our thoughts and intentions. Therefore, by learning to control our dreams, we can begin to shape our waking reality. Once we fully comprehend the illusory nature of existence, we can detach ourselves from erroneous views, causes, conditions, and the belief in inherent existence.