Meditation on Abandoning Self-Grasping Ignorance

Purpose of Meditation

• Fulfill the aim of renunciation by abandoning “origins” (delusions), especially self-grasping ignorance
• \text{Buddha in the Sutra of the }4\text{ Noble Truths}: “You should abandon origins”

Nature of Self-Grasping Ignorance

• Misconceives that self, body, and all phenomena exist inherently
• Known as the “inner demon” and main origin of samsaric rebirth
• Generates other delusions (attachment, anger) → non-virtuous actions → suffering in this and countless future lives
• Functions only to destroy mental peace, blocking real happiness
• Compared to:
  • Poisonous tree (self-grasping) → branches (other delusions) → fruit (all suffering)

Consequences

• Inner poison worse than any outer poison; pollutes perception, creating hallucination-like suffering
• As long as self-grasping persists, true happiness in samsara is impossible

Logical Conclusion

• Permanently abandoning self-grasping eradicates all suffering now and in the future
• Saraha: “If your mind is released permanently from self-grasping, you will be released permanently from suffering.”

Object of Meditation

• A firm determination to recognize, reduce, and abandon self-grasping ignorance completely

Contemplation Steps

1. Reflect on how self-grasping is the root of every problem
2. Generate strong resolve: “To free myself from all present and future suffering, I must abandon self-grasping.”
3. When this resolve becomes unwavering, take it as the meditation object

Actual Meditation Practice

• Hold the determination single-pointedly for as long as possible
• Conclude with dedication to put the resolve into daily practice
• Repeat regularly; continual familiarity weakens and eventually eliminates self-grasping