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Chapter 7: The Root of Downfall A disciple asked me, "What is the root cause of downfall into the Three Lower Paths ?" "Greed." "How can we tell that greed is the cause?" "By carefully observing the phenomena of sentient beings, we will discover that no one can ever be fully satisfied when it comes to greed. Craving for the unattainable will lead to anguish. A fear of loss creeps in once one obtains an object that is highly desired. Whatever one has, one wishes for more. Incessant desires lead to insatiable greed!" "The human heart can never be complacent!" "Correct." I said, "Due to the compulsive drive of greed, one constantly hopes for more wealth, fame and sexual gratification. As a result, we resort to the use of force or trickery, starting a chain of events that will inextricably be linked to bad karma. How then can one escape from degeneration into the Three Lower Paths?" "The underlying rationale is easy to understand!" replied the disciple. I said, "Once explained, the reasoning makes perfect sense. However, people still find it difficult to resist temptation. The greed of the six sense organs, the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind, upon coming into contact with the Six External Objects of form, sound, smell, taste, touch and phenomena becomes uncontrollable. One thus sets out to look for sensual stimulation and material comforts to the heart's content. Who can truly resist the temptations of lewd pleasure, fortune and power? Not only so, one will also resort to stealing and cheating, and there is basically nothing one will not do in order to fulfill one's extreme desires!" "What then is the solution?" "In this respect, Shakyamuni Buddha had clearly outlined the solution. In order to achieve liberation and be free from all hindrances, Buddha wanted practitioners to overcome and renounce all forms of greed." I hereby tell my disciples, In the Buddha's time, Shakyamuni Buddha wanted arhats to cultivate the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths expound the absolute truth. As long as one continuously cultivates the Four Noble Truths, one will eventually attain enlightenment and be free from downfall. The Four Noble Truths represent the genuine and unmistakable truth!
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