“They gain and lose in an illusory form, but they are attached.”
Originally, everyone possesses Buddha-nature, the same as the Buddha, and inherently possesses immeasurable supernatural powers. Yet, they constantly suffer from gains and losses in the five desires, leading them to live a life of petty greed and lowly pursuits, just like flies scurrying about in search of food and dogs groveling on the ground. Like flies, they ceaselessly search, their eyes darting to and fro, following scents in their relentless pursuit of sustenance. Their movements are swift and agile. Like dogs, they spend their days with their heads bowed, noses to the ground, sniffing for food. This is what is meant by living a life of petty greed and lowly pursuits, which, when extended, can be described as a life of mere survival, enduring humiliation and burdens.
For the sake of a momentary, petty gain, they engage in widespread speculation and intrigue. Their stinginess and miserliness are all to satisfy their own selfish desires. Many people are in a worse state than flies and dogs, desperately seeking their own immediate survival, compromising their principles, and even colluding with such people. Or, in exchange for a small personal benefit, they are forced to endure humiliation to please others, even when they are already overburdened. Yet, they continue to live this way in order to conform to the rules of society and secure a place for themselves. This is what is meant by eking out a meager existence and enduring humiliation and burdens. When a group of such people gather in one place, it can be called a den of iniquity.
However, no matter how much they crave the illusory pleasures of the five senses, it is like trying to grasp the moon’s reflection in water – they can never be attained. For in this realm, all people are like this, believing in their own delusions, sensations, and impulses. Like flies and dogs, they ceaselessly chase after these illusory pleasures, gathering together in a cycle of endless creation, gain, and loss.
Originally, each of them was destined for a life of luxury, possessing a wish-fulfilling jewel. Yet, they have devalued themselves, choosing to become servants and wander aimlessly. How foolish and laughable!
In short, sentient beings are constantly driven by their sensations. When they sense the pleasures of the five desires, they impulsively pursue them.
Due to the constraints of lyrics, it’s not just the pleasures of the five desires. When something contradicts these pleasures, they feel anger and resentment. Once this feeling arises, they impulsively act out, perhaps engaging in fights. And when the pleasure of the five desires arises, they impulsively pursue them. Moreover, they are deeply convinced of their delusions and act with great confidence in these pursuits.
Whether it’s the impulse driven by the pleasure of the five desires or the impulse driven by the anger and resentment that arises from their violation, these are all manifestations of grasping and fearing loss. In reality, one neither truly gains nor loses anything. Yet, people continue to live a life of petty pursuits and lowly desires. This is the state of sentient beings.
Day 12/09/2024