The Delusional Series
Compiled according to the teachings of the Master
Author: Fafu
The Delusional Series: Part 15 –51 The Perils of Delusional Awakening1
Delusion invariably corrupts one’s existence. For instance, it can undermine one’s physical health, disrupt one’s professional environment, and damage interpersonal relationships. In essence, delusional thinking has the potential to destroy all aspects of life.
Consider the dietary habits of people from Shanghai who have a penchant for sweets. This dietary preference leads to an imbalance in nutrient intake, with an excess of certain substances and a deficiency in others. While the immediate consequences may not be apparent, over time, these imbalances can accumulate and manifest as various ailments.
It is a universal truth that individuals develop dietary preferences based on their upbringing and cultural environment. For example, people from Sichuan province in China have a strong affinity for spicy food. If a person from Shanghai were to attempt to consume the same level of spiciness, they would likely find it intolerable. Conversely, someone who has grown up in Sichuan may feel unsatisfied if a meal lacks sufficient spice.
Wisdom is the clear comprehension of things as they are, without embellishment or fabrication. It is a state of knowing that is grounded in reality and free from delusion. Delusion, on the other hand, is characterized by its lack of adherence to reality and its tendency to create false or distorted perceptions. It is a wandering of the mind that is unconstrained by facts or reason. The Chinese character for “delusion” (妄) is the opposite of “reality” (實), emphasizing the contrast between the false and the true. Therefore, anything that conforms to reality cannot be considered a delusion.
What, then, is true? This question also demands careful examination. For example, when we purchase two kitchen knives, we perceive them both as being quite real. If someone were to say that both knives are made of iron, this statement, while not entirely incorrect, would be overly simplistic. The iron content of different knives can vary significantly. By merely stating that a knife is made of iron, one overlooks the nuanced differences in the composition of these objects, and thus fails to understand why they might perform differently. True understanding, or wisdom, lies in recognizing these subtle distinctions.
Consider the concept of the fifty defilements in Buddhism. When one reaches the stage of perception consciousness, one no longer utters false speech. However, even at this advanced level, one’s perceptions can still be mistaken. This is because one is still grasping at illusory phenomena without realizing the true nature of reality. Simply perceiving a phenomenon is not sufficient; one must understand the true nature of that phenomenon.
Not all perceptions are false. A perception is true when it corresponds accurately to reality in every detail and at every level of analysis. Only then can one be said to have achieved a correct understanding. If a perception does not align with reality, it is ultimately a failure.
Even when constructing a narrative or plan, one must always adhere to the truth. For instance, Mei Changsu, a character from a popular Chinese novel, made a crucial error. While he was generally adept at gauging people’s personalities and behaviors, he misjudged a certain situation involving a princess who was invited to a dinner. This oversight highlights a common human tendency: when we anticipate a particular outcome based on our understanding of someone’s character, we often jump to conclusions and make hasty judgments. Mei Changsu realized his mistake and subsequently discovered that the person he had suspected was not the culprit. However, it was too late to prevent the unfortunate consequences.
This example underscores the importance of basing our judgments on concrete facts and avoiding making assumptions based solely on generalizations about people’s behavior. While it may be tempting to rely on patterns and habits to predict how someone will act, it is essential to remember that individuals are complex and can surprise us. For example, if we know that a person generally enjoys being flattered, we might be inclined to use flattery to manipulate them. However, this approach can be risky, as it oversimplifies human nature and can lead to unintended consequences.
