This is another in a series of reviews of the cetasikas, categories within which are found those factors that condition the mind. The topic for this talk focuses on three of the Unwholesome Particular Cetasikas: Desire, Wrong View and Conceit. Each of the cetasikas is reviewed regarding their characteristics described in classic Buddhist commentaries, along with how they associate with others of the unwholesome cetasikas to create distress and confusion in the mind–dukkha. Desire is described as the effect of Ignorance (The chief unwholesome cetasika) on pleasant feeling, which becomes craving. Wrong View, when combined with Delusion (synonymous with Ignorance), becomes clinging, and these two creates a false view–of an enduring, autonomous self. This manifests Conceit, which is the self-centeredness that is the result of craving and clinging, that is, dukkha. These conditions are described in the context of current social unrest and ecological irresponsibility, using contemporary psychological research and terminology. Antidotes for these mind conditioning functions are also suggested during the talk.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: The Unwholesomeness of Desire
The talk next week will focus on three more of the Unwholesome Particular Cetasikas, Aversion, Envy and Stinginess.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:38 — 116.5MB)