The Delusional Series: Part 7 –Delusion, Sensation, and Impulse 10（lower）

The Delusional Series

Compiled according to the teachings of the Master

Author: Fafu

The Delusional Series: Part 7 –Delusion, Sensation, and Impulse 10

（lower）

It is the delusion, rather than reason, that holds more sway. When one is driven by the need to protect the ego, they are inclined to harm others. Even when trusting others, the ego may compel one to act against them. In order to maintain a sense of self-importance, one may resort to belittling others. This behavior is fueled by the accumulated experiences stored in the consciousness, which are acquired through the six senses. These experiences are stored in the eight consciousnesses and serve as the foundation for one’s delusions.

To follow one’s feelings means to act based solely on personal preferences and emotions, without considering objective circumstances or the perspectives of others. For instance, forcing someone from Sichuan to eat Shanghainese food for three years, believing that one’s hospitality is superior, would likely drive the person away. This is an example of acting based on one’s own subjective feelings.

Individuals have different definitions of good and bad, shaped by their unique experiences and cultural backgrounds. Consequently, everyone has their own distinct perceptions and preferences. Applying a universal standard to these subjective experiences inevitably leads to conflicts and misunderstandings.

The concept of good and bad is deeply ingrained in each individual’s consciousness, formed through past experiences and conditioning. This fixed perception influences one’s feelings and judgments. In essence, our feelings are a reflection of our underlying beliefs and assumptions.

Sensation and delusion are distinct concepts and should not be conflated. While sensations may provide the raw material for delusions, they are not synonymous. Delusions are primarily shaped by one’s subjective interpretations of these sensations, which are influenced by their past experiences and conditioning. For example, someone might believe that consuming a simple diet of rice and tofu is the healthiest option, unaware of the potential nutritional imbalances. This belief is based on a limited understanding of nutrition and is reinforced by past experiences. However, upon further investigation, they might discover that such a diet can lead to serious health problems due to nutrient deficiencies and excesses. This illustrates how our perceptions and beliefs can lead us astray, and how our actions based on these perceptions can have negative consequences. Ultimately, we must bear the consequences of our ignorance and misconceptions.

Impulsiveness can manifest in both introverted and extroverted individuals. Extroverted individuals may act impulsively in a more overt manner, engaging in harmful actions without hesitation. However, even those who appear outwardly calm may harbor intense inner turmoil. They may harbor resentment or hostility towards others, but suppress these feelings due to fear of retaliation. Such individuals may suppress their harmful impulses out of fear for the consequences. This internal conflict can lead to a great deal of suffering.

Confidence, in this context, is rooted in a deep-seated belief in one’s delusions, sensations, and impulsive desires. This confidence is often misplaced, as it is based on a distorted perception of reality. In Buddhist terms, such confidence is considered a form of delusion or wrong view. The individual is so convinced of the validity of their beliefs and desires that they act impulsively to fulfill them, often without considering the consequences. They are firmly convinced of these delusions.