The Delusional Series
Compiled according to the teachings of the Master
Author: Fafu
The Delusional Series: Part 13 – 44 Deaf and Blind 3
Why do we call it a script? Because our consciousness, clouded by defilements and reinforced by habitual patterns, constructs narratives based on our desires. What we deem “good” is merely that which satisfies our cravings. Anything that doesn’t align with our desires is labeled as “bad.” For instance, we might find the spicy cuisine of Sichuan unbearable, the sweetness of Shanghai overwhelming, and the blandness of Guangdong unpalatable. Our minds, clouded by these defilements, create narratives that reinforce our own preferences, condemning as “wrong” anything that doesn’t conform to our limited perspectives. These narratives are further embellished by emotions and attachments, leading to a distorted view of reality. We become the director, writer, and actor in our own personal dramas, creating a world that conforms to our desires and prejudices.
In the tale of Rashomon, each character’s narrative is clouded by their own defilements and biases. Driven by the desire for self-justification, they embellish their actions and motivations, seeking validation and sympathy from others. The robber, the murdered samurai, and his wife each present a self-serving account, manipulating the truth to cast themselves in the most favorable light. The robber seeks to be seen as a hero, while the woman feigns helplessness and seeks pity. However, beneath their facades, all are motivated by the same underlying desire: to protect their ego and avoid taking responsibility for their actions. They are trapped in a cycle of self-deception, constantly constructing and reconstructing their narratives to suit their own purposes.
These delusions, born from greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt, fuel our narratives. We become so engrossed in our self-created dramas that we lose sight of reality. We identify so deeply with our characters that we believe ourselves to be the very roles we play. But these are merely performances, elaborate fabrications of the mind. We weave these intricate tales, convincing ourselves of their authenticity. And, in a further act of delusion, we even reach across time and space, adopting the roles of others that we admire.
Essentially, you are all like Ding Chunqiu, craving the adoration and flattery of others. You thrive on praise and crumble under criticism. If someone doesn’t elevate you, you seek to bring them down. This pattern of seeking validation and inflicting harm persists across lifetimes, as you endlessly cycle through various roles and identities.