The Delusional Series
Compiled according to the teachings of the Master
Author: Fafu
The Delusional Series: Part 8 –Illusory12
(lower)
Pretending to be something one is not is ultimately futile. Such pretenses will eventually be exposed, and others will see through them. On the other hand, if one is honest and sincere, others will be more sympathetic, for they too have experienced similar struggles. When one’s pretense is revealed, it only invites aversion, not compassion.
Therefore, afflictions are truly harmful and should be completely eradicated. If one is truly free from afflictions, they would never dare to follow them. If one is not afraid of afflictions, it either means they have not fully understood their harmful nature or they are simply ignorant of the consequences they bring.
Take the robber as an example. He deliberately put on a tough act, but in reality, that was his true nature. He only feigned a stronger appearance to bolster his own courage and intimidate others. However, this facade ultimately failed him. If he were truly as formidable as he pretended to be, how could he have been captured? In that era, where strength was everything, no one would have been able to subdue him. Yet, here he was, bound and helpless. This clearly indicates his lack of true skill. Even if he were poisoned, a truly skilled martial artist would have been able to overcome it.
If one insists on deluding oneself, they will inevitably create their own illusions. These delusions will manifest in their thoughts and actions. When driven by greed, delusions will select thoughts and actions that align with this desire. Conversely, when confronted with situations that contradict their greed, delusions will generate anger. In essence, delusions feed on afflictions, using them as raw material to create various mental states.
Even when one is asleep and seemingly free from afflictions, these afflictions still lurk in the subconscious mind, influencing dreams. In some cases, afflictions may even control one’s dreams. There are instances where individuals, upon waking from a dream, desire to continue it.
It is beneficial to record one’s delusions without immediately analyzing them. By keeping a detailed record of the entire process, one can later analyze how these delusions arise, what materials they draw upon, and how they are assembled. It is like watching a film reel, with images flashing rapidly before the mind’s eye. Each delusion is fragmented and discrete, but the speed at which they arise gives the illusion of continuity. In reality, they are individual fragments, often unrelated to the previous thought. By recording these delusions, one can observe them objectively and realize that they are not oneself. The true self is the observer of these delusions, not the delusions themselves.
You simply haven’t practiced enough. These things require training, just like any skill. With consistent practice, one can eventually master the art of observing their own delusions. As long as these delusions persist, one cannot attain peace of mind. How can one expect to simply observe their suffering without experiencing it? The suffering itself is an affliction. One should allow this suffering to intensify, and then gradually diminish it. Through countless repetitions of this process, one will eventually realize a profound truth: they have the power to both amplify and diminish their suffering.
Initially, when one begins this practice, their understanding may be hazy. Although they may intellectually grasp the concept, they may not fully comprehend its essence. However, after thousands of repetitions, a deep understanding will emerge. This understanding is qualitatively different from the intellectual understanding gained through mere contemplation. It is a firm and unwavering conviction, born out of countless hours of practice. At this point, one may question the purpose of amplifying suffering. The answer is simple: by learning to amplify both suffering and happiness, one can truly let go of both.
Those who have not undergone this extensive training often seek shortcuts. They believe that mere understanding is sufficient. However, the Buddha himself stated in the Shurangama Sutra that simply memorizing the Dharma without practicing it is futile. It is like memorizing a cookbook without actually cooking. One could spend thousands of years memorizing recipes, but they would still starve. The only way to truly nourish oneself is to apply the knowledge gained from the cookbook. Similarly, one must practice the Dharma to truly benefit from it.