The Ego, Greed, Anger, and Ignorance

Human sufferings come from greed, anger, and ignorance. Greed, anger, and ignorance arise wherever one has an attachment to the self or the ego. As long as there are distinctions between "You" and "I," "They and "We," and between "Yours," "Theirs," versus "Mine" and "Ours," there are aggressive behaviors, crimes and wars, and with them, all kinds of destruction and suffering. Those who are able to see beyond their own "selves," and those who can nurture a boundless love for all beings, usually may improve life, and bring joy and happiness to every being on earth.

I am skeptical about social political revolutionaries, and all kinds of slogans, propaganda, doctrines, or ideologies that often go with them. I think they are whimsical and unsubstantial. You may temporarily save some poor and underpreviledged people in some historical contexts, but you cannot save all of them all the time from social injustice. Likewise,overthrowing one regime through violent measures sometimes makes conditions worse for the multitude. History has proved that some successive leaders could be worse than the predecessors.

After all, everywhere there are always the rulers and the ruled, the powerful and the powerless, the elite and the "pariah." They exist as such for generations. Among both groups, at every imaginable level, are the good and the bad, those with some dignity and those without, those well-trained, skillful, refined, with some good vision, and those ignorant, greedy, and narrow-minded, and never advancing. Now and then there arise some exceptional characters who have the capacity to attract a large group of followers or supporters, and lead them to carry out certain goals which may be necessary and beneficial at some point of time in history. However, it would be a big mistake to idolize such characters as if they were gods or god-sent, while they are just human with some hidden follies and vices skillfully shrouded or well-camouflaged.

The best "revolution," I believe, is the revolution within oneself, or self transformation, which one initiates voluntarily to improve oneself every day. Nobody knows you better than yourself. Why don't you be honest to yourself, if you really want to improve your life and the world around you?

When you are going to think, say or do something, just ask these questions:
"Is this going to be constructive or destructive?"
"Is this going to be beneficial to me and others in the long term?"
"Is this going to harm myself and others now and in the long term?"
"Is this going to increase greed, anger and ignorance in me and in others?"
"Is this going to decrease greed, anger, and ignorance from me and from others?"

By practicing asking such questions every day, and by observing one's thought, word, and deed every second or minute, one hopefully may improve oneself and the world.

Do not begin with grandiose plans, such as launching this charity foundation and donating one's fortune to that organization, or saving this country from some tyrant, or eradicating all social injustices. Look closely and ask, What is behind all those plans and actions? Who will be able to follow up regarding the transparency and efficiency of those plans and activities? Maybe there are some ego, greed, anger, and ignorance hidden somewhere!!!

Instead, let's begin with the improvement of one's own thought, word and deed. This is not an easy task. On the contrary, it is a huge, strenuous, life-long, and highly detailed-oriented task. Face yourself, and see if you can conquer your own vileness. Before you plan to preach, be a good example, for actions speak louder than words. Most importantly, you are your only master. Even the Buddha is only your GUIDE. It is YOU who actually embark on the transformation journey. Gautama Buddha said that He never preached a word, and at His demise advised His disciples to be their own torch, and to let the DHAMMA be the GUIDE. We all need to contemplate the Buddha's SILENCE.