Possession and Comparison

Yutang Lin

It's hard to put a hold on where grasping-to-self lies.
Just watch ideas of possession or comparison arise.
As soon as ill feeling sensed, drop the idea right away.
Eventually through this way one's outlook will open up.

Comment:

Dharma teaches that one should renounce grasping to the idea of a self. Nevertheless, for each individual it is usually very difficult to realize where one's own grasping lies, not to mention to be able to reflect and comprehend its vanity. In general, it would be easier to detect one's own grasping in the areas of "intending to possess" and "comparing with others." In order to practice renunciation of grasping one could begin with paying attention to these two areas; as soon as grasping is sensed drop it right away.

Written in Chinese on April 24, 2005
Translated on April 25, 2005
El Cerrito, California

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