Dharma Talk: Risking Climbing the Glass Wall of a Building - Expressing Ego and Its Consequences

The act of a young man recklessly climbing a glass facade without safety gear is a clear manifestation of delusion and clinging to the self, which brings suffering upon himself and those around him. In the light of the teachings of the Buddha, Shakyamuni, and the Venerable Elder Thich Thong Lac, we will analyze this action and find a path to awakening.

Analyzing the Action through the Four Noble Truths and the Three Marks of Existence

This action stems from a series of unwholesome deeds and suffering that the individual and those connected to him must bear.

1. The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha)

The suffering here isn't just the risk of death; it is also the fear and anxiety of the onlookers, the mental anguish of his family, and the shock and distress of anyone who might have been struck by his fall. This action doesn't bring true happiness; it’s merely a fleeting moment of self-gratification, followed by legal consequences, public criticism, and the deep sorrow of his loved ones. It is a vicious cycle of suffering.

2. The Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya)

The deepest root of this suffering is craving (tham ái) and delusion (vô minh):

• Craving: The man craved the adoration and praise of the crowd. He craved the feeling of victory, of his ego being satisfied. When this craving becomes the driving force of life, it leads a person to disregard danger and consequences.

• Delusion: This is the root of all problems. He was deluded into thinking that this was "conquering himself," failing to see that his action was self-inflicted suffering and inflicting suffering on others. He failed to see the impermanent nature of life and the non-self nature of all phenomena. The "self" he tried to satisfy was nothing but a fleeting illusion.

3. The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha)

To escape this cycle of suffering, one must eradicate craving and delusion. This means letting go of the attachment to fame, praise, and the illusion of the "self." One must develop the correct understanding that true happiness doesn't come from reckless acts but from the peace and tranquility of a calm mind.

4. The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga)

This is the Eightfold Path, the practice that transforms delusion into wisdom, and unwholesome deeds into wholesome ones.

The Eightfold Path: A Call to Awakening and Advice

Following the Buddha's teachings, we must apply the Eightfold Path to help this man and others awaken.

1. Right View & Right Thought (Wisdom):

   • Right View: One must clearly see the truth of impermanence, suffering, and non-self. Realize that this body is impermanent and can be lost at any moment. See that his action is an unwholesome deed because it causes suffering to himself and others. The "self" that gets satisfied is just a temporary illusion, not a true reality.

   • Right Thought: Instead of thinking about reckless acts for fame, one should direct their mind toward thoughts that bring benefit to themselves and others. Right thought involves considering one's own safety, the happiness of one's family, and not causing harm to anyone.

2. Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood (Morality):

   • Right Speech: Speak truthfully, without exaggeration, and do not make excuses for dangerous behavior.

   • Right Action: Engage in wholesome actions that do not harm oneself or others.

   • Right Livelihood: Earn a living in a righteous way, through work that is beneficial to society.

3. Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration (Mental Development):

   • Right Effort: Continuously strive to cultivate wholesome deeds (good actions) and abandon unwholesome deeds (dangerous thoughts and actions).

   • Right Mindfulness: Practice being present and aware of every breath and emotion. When the desire to act recklessly arises, recognize it without acting on it.

   • Right Concentration: Meditation helps calm the mind, preventing it from being controlled by cravings and the agitation of the ego.

Advice and a Call to Awareness

This man's actions are a profound warning to us all about the destructive power of the ego and delusion.

• Don't cause suffering to yourself: Love and cherish this body. It is a precious opportunity to practice and live a meaningful life, not a tool for reckless stunts exchanged for fleeting vanity.

• Don't cause suffering to others: Each of us is a part of a community. Our actions affect not just ourselves but everyone around us. Live responsibly, bringing peace, not fear, to others.

• Awaken from the illusion of the ego: Fame and praise are like fleeting bubbles on the river of life. We need to find our value not through external validation but through inner peace and tranquility, by planting wholesome seeds and reaping good fruit.

Let the light of the Dharma shine into our hearts, helping us to see the impermanent nature of life, let go of the ego, and live a life of peace, not causing suffering to ourselves, to others, or to all living beings.