Bodhidharma
The Quote in Other Words
The unenlightened consciousness, which is plagued by countless sufferings, desires, and wrongdoings, is based on the three vices: covetousness, fury, and ignorance.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote highlights the negative impact of ignorance on the human mind. The ignorant mind is plagued by afflictions, passions, and evils that are rooted in the three poisons: greed, anger, and delusion. Greed refers to the insatiable desire for material possessions, power, and status. Anger is the intense emotion that arises when one’s desires are thwarted or when one feels threatened. Delusion is the false belief that one’s perceptions and judgments are accurate and objective.
The three poisons are interconnected and reinforce each other, leading to a vicious cycle of suffering. Greed fuels anger and delusion, while anger and delusion reinforce greed. The ignorant mind is trapped in this cycle, unable to break free from its own destructive tendencies. However, by cultivating wisdom and compassion, one can gradually overcome the three poisons and attain liberation from suffering. This requires a deep understanding of the nature of reality and a commitment to ethical conduct, meditation, and other spiritual practices.