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The Buddha pointed out that there are four pervert notions deeply ingrained in all beings. They are:- 1. Seeing permanence in the impermanent 2. Seeing pleasure in what is unpleasurable 3. Seeing beauty in what is repulsive 4. Seeing a self in what is not - self These perversions prevail at three levels. In one’s perceptions, in one’s thoughts, and in one’s views. The mirage-like perception implants the seed of these illusions and delusions. Thoughts nurture them and views strengthen them. The final outcome is a wrong perspective on life which keeps one in bondage to samsaric suffering. This is the topsy-turvydom that the world finds itself in. In order to correct this lop-sided view of the world, the Buddha had to recommend four trained perceptions as contemplations.
1. The perception of Impermanence These trained perceptions require a high degree of clarity and a depth of vision for their devlopment. When systematically developed they lead one from this topsy-turvydom to wisdom which assures the freedom from bondage to samsaric suffering. |