The Delusional Series
Compiled according to the teachings of the Master
The Delusional Series: Part I – Calculation (The Principles of Success and Failure)(Upper)
Buddhist scriptures state, “Afflictions are like thieves.” All beings are bound by afflictions, akin to harboring a thief within one’s own abode, causing self-inflicted harm to one’s spiritual merit. The thief referred to here is the delusion of grasping at the self, phenomena, and the three poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion. Beings are entangled in self-centered calculations, believing that success hinges upon clever strategies. Little do they realize that they are constructing their own prisons, confining their minds and bodies.
In the novel “The Legend of the Condor Heroes,” Xuzhu is often criticized for his apparent stupidity and incompetence. Upon closer examination, however, one realizes that Xuzhu’s success is precisely due to his undivided mind and detachment from fame and fortune. His perceived clumsiness is, in fact, a manifestation of wisdom. The world often places great emphasis on intelligence and talent, believing that these are prerequisites for success. Yet, it is often the case that cleverness can lead one astray. Xuzhu’s example demonstrates that the path to success does not lie in cunning calculations but in simplicity and selfless service.
Murong Fu, a character in “The Legend of the Condor Heroes,” is portrayed as a master strategist solely focused on personal gain. Every action he takes is meticulously calculated for his own benefit, embodying the principle of self-interest. However, this extreme self-interest ultimately leads to his downfall. Despite his meticulous calculations, Murong Fu overlooks the power of goodness. Buddhism emphasizes the law of karma, where good deeds lead to good consequences and bad deeds lead to bad consequences. Murong Fu’s various schemes, being inherently evil, naturally cannot yield positive results. Consequently, his tragic end is a direct result of his evil actions.
Murong Fu, while being a skilled strategist, is also a man of decisive action. His endeavors are often characterized by a feverish intensity, yet each attempt ends in failure. For instance, in his pursuit of Duan Yanqing as a surrogate father, his elaborate schemes backfire, inadvertently elevating Duan Yu to the position of heir. Moreover, his cruel treatment of his closest confidants results in his eventual isolation. Murong Fu’s experiences serve as a testament to the fact that even the most meticulous planning, when devoid of benevolence, is doomed to fail. This aligns with the Buddhist concept of karma, where actions have corresponding consequences. Whether in politics, business, or any other aspect of life, excessive calculation not only fails to yield benefits but can lead to even greater losses.
Duan Yu, Qiao Feng, and Xu Zhu, three protagonists in Jin Yong’s novels, exhibit distinct philosophies of life. Among them, Xu Zhu’s character is particularly thought-provoking. His actions are consistently motivated by benevolence and selfless altruism. In stark contrast, Murong Fu is perpetually preoccupied with personal gain. Through a comparative analysis of these two characters, we can observe that Xu Zhu, who prioritizes the well-being of others, ultimately achieves success, while Murong Fu, who is driven by self-interest, repeatedly fails. This suggests that one’s achievements are not solely determined by intelligence or ability but also by one’s underlying mindset. Buddhism emphasizes karma, where one’s intentions and actions shape their destiny. Xu Zhu’s success is a direct result of his compassionate and selfless nature, while Murong Fu’s failures are a consequence of his selfish desires. Therefore, we can conclude that by cultivating a selfless and altruistic mindset, one can achieve personal fulfillment, whereas excessive focus on personal gain often leads to failure.