Seeking the Dharma is a journey that every practitioner must undertake. It is the fundamental process of returning to the source of our existence. However, as you walk this path, you will inevitably encounter a significant challenge. The greatest obstacle you must face and eventually overcome is none other than yourself—the 'I'.
This is a vital lesson in your practice. We often find ourselves trapped in a web of complications and suffering precisely because we cling to this sense of 'I'. If you could truly reach a state of , where there is no selfishness and no ego, how could any of these problems continue to exist? From the moment you were born until this very day, this 'I' has been a constant presence. To progress, you must face the problems brought about by this 'I' with absolute honesty and clarity. You must recognise the true face of this 'I' for what it really is.
The Anatomy of the False Self
Your sense of self is not a singular, solid entity. It is a complex construct that obscures your original nature. We can break down the components of this false self to understand why it causes us so much distress:
The Physical Body:
This is the vessel composed of the four elements—earth, water, fire, and wind. It is a temporary representation of , constantly changing and decaying. It serves as a dwelling place for your , your , and various spiritual attachments that influence your actions.The Five Aggregates:
From this physical form, your mind generates , , , and . These processes give rise to endless afflictions, confusion, and the habit of constantly comparing yourself to others.The Personality:
Your personality is merely a fragment of this false self. It has been carried over through countless lifetimes, never truly purified. It is the driving force behind the actions that keep you trapped in the cycle of rebirth, and it is the primary reason why many practitioners fail to achieve true success in their practice.The Emotional Experience: Your feelings—, anger, sorrow, happiness, separation, and reunion—are all part of this false self. They are the scripts that keep you performing in the dramatic play of life, causing your mind to rise and fall with every passing event.
Transcending the Obstacles of the Self
In the process of seeking the Dharma, you must learn to let go of everything that constitutes this false identity. You must be willing to abandon your rigid personality, your fluctuating feelings, your subjective views, your opinions, your notions of right and wrong, your attachments, and your deep-seated prejudices. Only by discarding this 'I' can you truly receive the genuine benefits of the Dharma.
As long as you have a body, you will be subject to the cycle of birth, old age, sickness, and death, and you will remain bound by the weight of your karma. You must learn to put down the attachment to your body so that it no longer acts as a barrier to your progress. By doing so, you can elevate your spirit, realise the Truth in this very lifetime, rediscover your true self-nature, and finally break free from the cycle of rebirth.
Returning to Your Original Nature
Rediscovering your true self-nature is the ultimate purpose of seeking the Dharma. As you engage in your practice with active and persistent diligence, you will begin to uncover the qualities that have always been inherent within you:
:
The natural, boundless love for all beings.Wisdom:
The clear, unobstructed understanding of the Truth.Inclusivity:
The ability to embrace all things without judgement.Mind-capacity: The vast, open state of awareness that is not limited by the ego.
When you cultivate these qualities, you will naturally be able to let go of all illusions, the false self, and the obstacles posed by the physical body. You will continue this journey until you reach the state of , where you can see your original face clearly. In that state of absolute freedom, you will be able to save the world, rescue all suffering beings, and guide them toward rebirth in the of Ultimate Bliss. .
