The Delusional Series
Compiled according to the teachings of the Master
The Delusional Series: Part I – Calculation (The Principles of Success and Failure)（Middle）
Xu Zhu, a character in Jin Yong’s novels, embodies a profound spirit of altruism. Since leaving Shaolin Temple, he has repeatedly found himself in perilous situations, yet he has consistently demonstrated selfless acts of kindness. Even when facing formidable opponents, such as Ding Chunqiu’s subordinates, he remains undaunted and eager to assist others. This unwavering dedication to helping others has enabled him to overcome numerous obstacles and ultimately achieve great success.
In stark contrast, Murong Fu is driven solely by personal ambition. His life has been dedicated to restoring his family’s kingdom, and his actions are invariably motivated by self-interest. However, his excessive calculations have not led to success but instead have resulted in tragic consequences.
Through a comparative analysis of Xu Zhu and Murong Fu, we can conclude that altruism is the cornerstone of personal achievement. Buddhism emphasizes karma, where good deeds lead to positive outcomes and vice versa. Xu Zhu’s success is a direct result of his virtuous actions. Conversely, Murong Fu’s failures can be attributed to his excessive self-interest.
Western philosophy offers similar perspectives. Forrest Gump, a character in the film of the same name, shares many similarities with Xu Zhu. Despite his apparent simplicity, he achieves remarkable success in life. This suggests that selfless giving and a kind heart often lead to unexpected rewards.
In conclusion, both Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism, and Western philosophies emphasize the importance of altruism. Through an in-depth analysis of Xu Zhu and Murong Fu, we can gain a deeper understanding of this philosophical concept and apply it to our own lives.
Musk’s recent actions can be seen as a modern parable. His selfless act of making advanced AI technology publicly available echoes the Buddhist concept of dana, or generosity. Buddhism posits that giving is the foundation of accumulating merit and can bring about positive karma. Musk’s actions are undoubtedly a practical demonstration of this principle.
In contrast to Musk’s selfless dedication, many people are preoccupied with personal gain and worldly success. As the text highlights, numerous entrepreneurs are often consumed by petty calculations and even resort to unscrupulous means for a small profit. However, such short-sighted behavior ultimately leads to failure. Musk’s success exemplifies the notion that selfless giving is the key to achieving great things.
Musk’s act of giving, paradoxically, has led to immense success. Those who relentlessly pursue personal gain, on the other hand, often find themselves trapped in endless competition. This demonstrates that an altruistic mindset is essential for extraordinary achievements. Musk’s actions not only set a new standard in the business world but also offer a novel perspective on life.
Musk’s actions exemplify the power of focus and altruism. While many marvel at his immense wealth, few delve into the profound philosophical underpinnings of his accomplishments. As Buddhist scriptures state, “Where the mind goes, energy flows.” Musk’s unwavering focus on technological innovation and human welfare has enabled him to achieve extraordinary feats.
In contrast, most people are distracted by worldly desires and succumb to the three poisons: greed, hatred, and delusion. Driven by fame and fortune, their minds are scattered, leading to a lack of accomplishment. This is because they fail to concentrate their efforts like Musk does.
Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness and detachment from external distractions. Only through undivided attention can one truly understand the nature of things and achieve greatness. A scattered mind is easily swayed by external circumstances, leading to self-deception and ultimately suffering.
Musk’s success is a testament to this Buddhist teaching. His dedication to technological innovation and his selfless contributions to humanity are a practical application of Buddhist principles.
