The Delusional Series
Compiled according to the teachings of the Master
Author: Fafu
The Delusional Series: Part 14 –49 Central Command of Afflictions 5
The Buddha proclaimed that all sentient beings possess the wisdom and virtues of a Tathagata. It is delusion and attachment that prevent us from realizing this innate potential. If we can discard these delusions and attachments, our innate wisdom, natural wisdom, and all-encompassing wisdom will spontaneously manifest. If you are wise, you will reflect upon how these delusions and attachments have caused you suffering. Those who are truly wise find joy in every aspect of life.
Delusions cannot force you; you willingly engage with them. There is a strange fascination in this, for you will discover experiences you have never had before. These experiences are novel and peculiar, and you may wonder how such a phenomenon could exist. The intrigue is immense. You may even find yourself wishing for more of these experiences, as they provide a deeper understanding of the nature of delusions.
As you progress through this practice, you will gradually come to understand how delusions subtly manipulate you into behaving in destructive ways. For example, if you have a craving that is not satisfied, it can lead to anger, which in turn can cause you to lash out at others. Such actions not only damage your relationships but also tarnish your reputation. Initially, others may have held you in high regard, but as you repeatedly engage in these negative behaviors, your image will deteriorate. You may wonder why you have never been able to form deep, lasting friendships. The answer lies in the insidious influence of delusions.
When you were younger, you may have had a few close friends, but as you’ve grown older, those friendships may have dwindled. This is a direct result of the destructive nature of delusions. The more deeply you explore the nature of delusions, the more clearly you will see how every action they instigate ultimately leads to suffering. Once you have a complete understanding of this, you will be able to resist their temptations, no matter how great the reward. Even if someone offered you a vast sum of money to indulge in a delusion for a single day, you would refuse. You would know too well the terrible consequences. This is what is meant by understanding the law of suffering and pleasure: engaging with delusions leads to suffering, not happiness.
To achieve this level of understanding, it requires time and dedicated practice. Eventually, you will reach a point where you will have no desire to engage with delusions at all.
