The Delusional Series
Compiled according to the teachings of the Master
The Delusional Series: Part 13 –42 Deaf and Blind 1
All beings have been dwelling in perpetual darkness, devoid of any illumination or discernible form, much like a blind person groping in a darkened room. How can one find anything when they are both blind and enclosed in darkness? The only recourse is to feel one’s way around. Even upon learning the Dharma, one must still rely on this tactile exploration. Yet, one cannot truly comprehend what they have touched. Deep down, however, there is a yearning for something, a constant seeking. Despite a lifetime of such groping, individuals invariably fail to attain their desired object. Consequently, they are reduced to a life of mere subsistence, eking out a meager existence. To sustain themselves, they must indulge in self-deception and self-comfort, for without such illusions, they would succumb to constant despair. Thus, the Buddha’s advent brought forth the light of wisdom, illuminating the path out of this darkness.
Yet, even with such illumination, the blind remain unable to perceive it. While those with sight can see, they are helpless in the face of blindness. Although the Buddha’s light illuminates all things with perfect clarity, the blind cannot see it. Thus, the Buddha is left with no choice but to heal the eyes of all beings. However, sentient beings resist this, declaring, “You cannot heal me! If you do, I will lose all that I cherish.” They fear losing their pleasures and comforts, saying, “I enjoy eating and drinking. If I can see, what will I do?” Therefore, they refuse to be healed, insisting that the Buddha must find a way to let them see, even in their blindness. This is what is meant by faith: even in blindness, one still seeks enlightenment. Without faith, one would simply ignore the Buddha’s teachings.
Those who are blind continue to play with fire, oblivious to the potential consequences. Even if they do not perish in the flames, they will surely suffer from the heat, their hearts filled with agitation and restlessness. How can one experience peace of mind while engaging in such destructive behavior? The Dharma, on the other hand, is like the cool light of the moon, offering solace and tranquility. Yet, these individuals insist on pursuing both the Dharma and their harmful habits, claiming that they are still practicing the Dharma. They are so attached to their fiery pursuits that they cannot let them go. They demand that the Dharma provide them with inner peace even as they remain entangled in their afflictions. Indeed, they even expect the Dharma to protect them from harm, even if they were to leap into a fiery abyss.
The Buddha, in His infinite compassion, has illuminated the world with His radiant light. Yet, even as the darkness has been dispelled, the blind remain unable to see. The Dharma offers a profound coolness to all beings, but those who are engulfed in the fires of desire and aversion refuse to emerge. They complain, “I have practiced for many days, but I feel no coolness. I am burning up with passion.” The teachings advise them to abandon their harmful habits, but they cling to them, insisting, “I love the fire. You must find a way to cool me down while I remain in the flames.” They demand instant gratification, expecting the Dharma to provide them with immediate relief without any effort on their part.
Frustrated by such demands, the Buddha roars like a lion, urging them to change their ways. However, these beings are deaf to His teachings, just as a deaf person cannot hear even the loudest roar.