The Eight Consciousnesses
“We always have an opinion on everything, we always personalize everything. It’s almost like our habit; we like to personalize things.” – Venerable Guan Cheng, the International Buddhist Temple
Venerable Guan Cheng of the International Buddhist Temple wisely observes, “We always have an opinion on everything, we always personalize everything. It’s almost like our habit; we like to personalize things.” This inherent human tendency to form judgments on every matter, regardless of our expertise or direct involvement, can often lead to unnecessary mental noise and even discord. We readily categorize and label information, often without fully understanding its nuances or context. This constant internal commentary, driven by our ingrained need to have an opinion, can create a state of perpetual mental activity, potentially hindering our ability to find peace and clarity.
Furthermore, the habit of personalizing everything, as highlighted by Venerable Guan Cheng, significantly shapes our interactions and perceptions. We tend to interpret events and statements through the lens of our own experiences, beliefs, and insecurities. This can lead to misinterpretations, where neutral remarks are taken as personal attacks, or general observations are perceived as direct criticisms. This ingrained habit of personalization can create unnecessary emotional turmoil and make it challenging to engage with others and the world around us with objectivity and understanding. Recognizing this tendency as a deeply ingrained habit is the first step towards cultivating a more open and less reactive approach to life.
International Buddhist Temple: https://buddhisttemple.ca/
YouTube Channel: BDG: Buddhistdoor Global
YouTube Videos: Venerable Guan Cheng’s lecture series