Your Hidden Enemies: Greed, Hatred, Delusion | Calm Mind

Your Hidden Enemies:

Greed, Hatred, Delusion.

Introduction

Who are our real enemies? Many believe external factors like people who hurt us or situations that make life difficult are the main obstacles. However, in Buddhism, the real enemies are not outside but within us. These hidden enemies Loba (greed), Dwesha (hatred), and Moha (delusion) are the root causes of suffering. They drive all negative thoughts and actions, leading to endless cycles of dissatisfaction and pain.

Understanding these hidden enemies and how they manifest is crucial for personal growth. The best way to overcome them is by following the Buddha’s words, found in the original Theravāda Buddhist scriptures, the Tripitaka. Without this, we risk being misled by modern interpretations that may not align with true Buddhist teachings.

Understanding the Three Hidden Enemies

1. Loba (Greed)

Greed is an insatiable desire for more more wealth, power, pleasure, or recognition. It keeps us constantly chasing after material possessions and sensory pleasures, never feeling satisfied.

How Greed Manifests:

• Craving for material wealth and status
• Attachment to physical pleasures
• Hoarding resources without concern for others
• Addictions to food, entertainment, or luxury

Buddhist Teachings on Greed:

• Dhammapada Verse 186-187: “Not by a shower of gold coins does contentment arise in sensual pleasures. Of little sweetness, and painful, are sensual pleasures.”
• Sigalovada Sutta (Digha Nikaya 31): Advises laypeople on responsible wealth management and warns against attachment to riches.

2. Dwesha (Hatred)

Hatred arises from anger, resentment, and ill will toward others. It poisons our hearts and leads to conflict, revenge, and suffering.

How Hatred Manifests:

• Holding grudges and resentment
• Feeling jealous of others' success
• Reacting violently in words or actions
• Enjoying the misfortune of others

Buddhist Teachings on Hatred:

• Metta Sutta (Khuddaka Nikaya): Teaches the practice of loving-kindness to counteract hatred.
• Dhammapada Verse 5: “Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world; by non-hatred alone is hatred appeased.”

3. Moha (Delusion)

Delusion is ignorance or misunderstanding of reality. It prevents us from seeing things as they truly are and leads to wrong views.

How Delusion Manifests:

• Believing in false teachings
• Misunderstanding cause and effect (karma)
• Clinging to the illusion of self
• Ignoring the impermanence of life

Buddhist Teachings on Delusion:

• Avijja Sutta (Anguttara Nikaya 10.61): Explains how ignorance keeps beings trapped in samsara.
• Satipatthana Sutta (Majjhima Nikaya 10): Encourages mindfulness to overcome ignorance.

How to Identify These Hidden Enemies

The best way to recognize Loba, Dwesha, and Moha is through self-reflection and mindfulness. The Buddha emphasized that without deep awareness, these enemies control our thoughts, words, and actions.

Practical Ways to Identify Them:

1. Observe Your Reactions: Notice when greed, anger, or confusion arise in daily life.
2. Question Your Desires: Ask yourself whether a craving is truly necessary or just an attachment.
3. Pay Attention to Emotions: Negative emotions often signal the presence of these hidden enemies.

Overcoming the Hidden Enemies: The Buddha’s Way

1. Reading the Real Teachings

To understand the true words of the Buddha, one must read authentic Theravāda scriptures the Tripitaka. Modern interpretations may mix personal ideologies with Buddhism, leading to confusion.

Where to Find Authentic Teachings:

• Sutta Pitaka (The Discourses of the Buddha)
• Vinaya Pitaka (Monastic Rules)
• Abhidhamma Pitaka (Higher Teachings)

Reading one sutta per day, even briefly, can help in grasping the true path.

2. Practicing Meditation

Meditation allows us to observe our thoughts and weaken the grip of greed, hatred, and delusion.

Recommended Meditation Practices:

• Metta Bhavana (Loving-Kindness Meditation): To counter hatred.
• Vipassana (Insight Meditation): To understand reality and remove ignorance.
• Asubha Bhavana (Contemplation of Impurities): To reduce attachment to physical pleasures.

3. Living According to the Dhamma

• Following the Five Precepts: Non-harming, truthfulness, avoiding intoxication, and ethical conduct help in reducing these enemies.
• Developing Right View: Understanding karma, impermanence, and non-self.
• Associating with Wise Teachers: Surrounding oneself with those who truly understand and follow the Buddha’s words.

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Conclusion

Our greatest enemies are not outside forces but the greed, hatred, and delusion within us. By following the real teachings of the Buddha, reading authentic scriptures, and practicing mindfulness, we can weaken these hidden enemies. As we do, we move closer to ultimate peace Nibbana.

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FAQs

1. What are the three hidden enemies in Buddhism?
The three hidden enemies are Loba (greed), Dwesha (hatred), and Moha (delusion). They are the root causes of suffering and negative karma.

2. How can we identify these hidden enemies in daily life?
By observing our thoughts and emotions, questioning our desires, and practicing mindfulness, we can identify greed, anger, and ignorance in our actions.

3. What is the best way to overcome greed, hatred, and delusion?
Following the real words of the Buddha, reading authentic suttas, practicing meditation, and applying the Dhamma in daily life.

4. How can beginners start reading authentic Buddhist scriptures?
Start with the Dhammapada, Metta Sutta, and Satipatthana Sutta from the Tripitaka, available from trusted sources like Access to Insight or Sutta Central.

5. Why is it important to follow the original Theravāda teachings?
Modern interpretations may mix personal beliefs with Buddhism, leading to misunderstandings. The Tripitaka contains the real words of the Buddha, free from distortions.

Namo Buddhaya!