Self and Phenomena: Why Do We Always Feel Like the Center of the Universe?

Venerable Thich Chan Quang offers a profound insight into the nature of self and all phenomena. His teaching helps us recognize the traps of clinging to the ego, allowing us to live with greater lightness and peace. Have you ever wondered why each person feels their world is the most important? As a child, I often pondered why I possessed a private world of thoughts and feelings. I naturally asked myself if everyone around me had such a world too. As I grew older, I realized this was the ego—an invisible yet solid force that makes us mistakenly believe we are the center of the universe. In his dharma talk "Self and Phenomena," Venerable Thich Chan Quang illuminates this issue with deep awareness and caution.

### The Ego – Each Person’s Private World

Venerable Chan Quang shares that from childhood, he felt a strange sensation. He observed an inner world where he processed thoughts and experiences uniquely. This led him to question whether others also possessed such private universes. We must realize that while everyone has their own "universe," clinging to the ego causes us to view our perspective as the only reality. When the ego becomes strong, we easily become stubborn, selfish, or even cruel.

### Four Steps from Clinging to Hell

The teacher warns that the path from clinging to the ego to becoming malicious consists of just four steps. It begins with clinging to the self, moves to clinging to one's opinions, then to selfishness, and finally to arrogance and cruelty. From believing our views are absolute, we stop listening to others. We focus solely on our own pleasure, eventually harming others without remorse. Venerable Chan Quang explains that these transitions happen quickly if we lack vigilance. With mindfulness, they are difficult to cross; without it, we fall through them instantly.

### Pleasure and Praise – Traps for the Ego

A root cause of clinging to the ego is indulgence in pleasure. The teacher states that enjoying happiness always leads toward selfishness, regardless of the source. Even when performing good deeds, if we cling to the joy they bring, we remain trapped in self-interest. Praise is another subtle trap. When complimented, we should smile outwardly but not accept the praise inwardly. If we feel elated by compliments, our selfishness grows. Therefore, practitioners must remain highly alert against every form of pleasure and flattery.

### Gentleness – A Sign of Light Clinging

Venerable Chan Quang offers an interesting observation: gentle people usually have a lighter grip on the ego, even if they do not practice meditation. Conversely, some skilled meditators may still harbor significant pride, making their clinging heavier than that of ordinary people. He teaches that gentleness guarantees a lighter ego. To judge the weight of someone's clinging, simply observe how kind they are. Thus, we must not let external appearances of spiritual practice deceive us.

### Humility and Bowing to the Buddha – The Path to Liberation

How can we overcome clinging to the ego? The teacher reminds us that humility brings everything, while arrogance destroys everything. Daily humility, chanting the Buddha's name, and bowing help us recognize our limitations. We rely on the Buddha's blessings to keep our minds free from selfishness, arrogance, and laziness. Even Bodhisattva Samantabhadra made vows to honor all Buddhas, so how much more should we? Spiritual practice is not about creating a better "self." It is about gradually wearing down the ego until we no longer see ourselves as separate from others. This is the wondrous liberation described in the sutras as inconceivable.

Life contains suffering, but the greatest pain is not poverty or disability. It is selfishness and arrogance. If today you begin to let go of your small "I" and view others as precious worlds, you will find more ease and happiness. Bow to the Buddha daily, live gently, and do not let the ego lead you down those winding paths. Remember: humility gains all, while arrogance loses everything. May you have a peaceful day.