Why Does the Sensation of Being Attacked Arise?

Question: When explaining some Buddhist principles in certain group chats, if attacked by so-called Buddhists who lack right knowledge and right view, I feel uncomfortable all over, as if bitten by a poisonous snake. It feels like the other person is filled with negative energy, even worse than ordinary non-Buddhists. Why do I have these feelings?

  Answer: In such situations, first, one should reflect on whether one’s speech was untimely or inappropriate, lacking skillful means; or whether there was arrogance, looking down on the other; or whether one’s own faith and receptivity are insufficient, etc. Second, one should consider: being attacked and opposed is a normal phenomenon. Sentient beings, due to ignorance, have different understandings, leading them to cling to their own views and even exhibit bias. Third, one should observe the psychology of sentient beings more, understand them better, learn communication methods and skills, etc. When encountering problems, blaming others cannot solve the issue; only by examining oneself can one correct oneself, thereby enabling others to accept one’s sincerity.

    If one’s views are not accepted and one feels attacked, leading to the aforementioned feelings, this indicates that one’s self-attachment is very strong, leaving no room for others’ rejection or disapproval, and one cares too much about others’ attitudes toward oneself. From the description above, it can be seen that there is a serious sense of self-importance, an inflated ego that unconsciously looks down upon and despises others, thus giving rise to those unwarranted feelings. If one possesses right view and right principles, one should maintain an empty mind that goes with conditions, speak with humility and skill, remain indifferent to the other’s attitude and reactions, be unconcerned with others’ evaluations, free from attachment to any outcome, and always maintain a humble and gentle attitude. In this way, one’s intention and energy will subtly influence and transform the other party, making one’s views more easily accepted, and at the very least, avoiding verbal conflict. This is why I say that when encountering problems, one should first examine oneself.

  In dialogue, if one first assumes oneself to be "right" and possessing the "right Dharma," one places others on the "wrong" side, viewing them as lacking right knowledge and right view. This sets up an opposition between right and wrong, inevitably leading to disputes and conflicts, as no one wishes to be considered "wrong." If one considers oneself "right," it implies that others are "wrong," which they naturally resist, leading to conflict. Contradictions often escalate in this way. A person’s tone of voice often reveals their attitude and stance; when the other party perceives this, they may react with aversion, leading to emotional responses, inappropriate language, and the emergence of conflict.

  Over all these years of teaching the Dharma, I have never said that what I teach is the "right Dharma" or that I represent the "right Dharma." Such terms have never appeared in my teachings; you can check the books to verify this. Therefore, I never engage in opposition with others. Even if some do not accept the Dharma I teach, it is not because of me personally but due to reasons unrelated to me; the problem does not lie with me. A wise person, in speech and action, does not place others in opposition to oneself and does not create enemies for oneself. Those with severe self-attachment constantly create enemies, even imagining everyone as a potential adversary. By doing so, they naturally find enemies everywhere. And how far can a person with enemies everywhere go? Can their endeavors proceed smoothly?