Vedanā Is the Delusion of Illusory Clarity

All sensory perceptions are illusory delusions, fundamentally unreal—merely self-deception. Recognizing this self-deception marks the prelude to enlightenment. Understanding how one deceives oneself and learning how to cease self-deception constitutes enlightenment itself. Once freed from self-deception, one attains liberation.

All people live centered around sensory perceptions—they live for the sake of sensations. What exactly are sensations? How many endure profound suffering yet maintain a sense of self-satisfaction? How many, driven by these sensations, recklessly commit unwholesome deeds, only to suffer the painful consequences of such actions? All this stems from ignorance, delusion, and afflictions. How many can truly awaken to the immense suffering brought by their own folly? What does it mean to feel self-satisfied? It is the mind clinging to an "I," finding contentment in that "I." As long as this "I" can be shown off, the mind feels fulfilled, pleased, and at ease. Yet, when encountering adverse conditions, it becomes suppressed, giving rise to resentment, anger, and complaints. Why does this happen? Because the "I" within the mind feels thwarted, leading to discomfort, depression, and anguish. This is the notion of self in sentient beings.