Delusional Disorder

(Bệnh hoang tưởng của tu sĩ by BìnhChâu on Sun Apr 11, 2010 12:45 pm, translated by ngocxuan. Edited by XiaobaiYun.)

Delusional Disorder with Psychotic features”
by BìnhChâu on 11 Apr 2010, 12:45

Let’s dissect the phenomenon of delusional disorder in the context of religious history.

Throughout history, religious faiths have demonstrated a common trend: practitioners, particularly those holding titles like Religious Heads, tend to elevate themselves above all others. They foster an environment where their followers extol their leaders’ supposed uniqueness and power. It’s a dynamic where leaders are placed on an unattainable pedestal, with followers eagerly promoting them to the top spot.

The motivation behind this behavior is clear: followers seek to align themselves with greatness, aiming to secure a position just beneath their revered leaders. It’s a hierarchical structure where followers vie for the coveted spot of being second-in-command. However, such blind devotion often leads to a distorted sense of reality, where leaders and their supposed infallibility overshadow critical thinking and rational discourse.

Despite Buddhism’s emphasis on the concept of non-self, it’s evident that Theravadians have elevated Gautama Buddha to a status surpassing even that of Maha Brahma, the Creator God of Hinduism. This adulation is such that Mahayana Buddhism posits the existence of countless Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, more numerous than grains of sand in the Ganges, inhabiting Buddha-realms across the ten directions. This teaching serves to dispel the misconception held by some Buddhists that Sakyamuni Buddha is the sole Buddha. Sakyamuni Buddha is akin to just one grain of sand amidst countless others. If we were to liken the title of Buddha to a Ph.D. degree, then Sakyamuni would be but one doctorate among many, including those from the past and those yet to come (often referred to as Buddhas of three ages). It is my hope that Buddhists, in general, will come to grasp this concept, thereby refraining from overemphasizing the uniqueness of Sakyamuni Buddha any further.

An article titled ‘A Riddle on Divine Mission’ conveyed a profound message: “Whether or not there are religious leaders, the earth will still rotate on its axis.” This statement underscores the transient nature of human leadership throughout history. Despite the grandeur and influence attributed to leaders, their impact does not extend to altering the fundamental mechanics of our planet’s rotation. Instead, they are mere passengers on the journey of Earth’s orbit, their lifespan fleeting compared to the enduring presence of entities like tortoises, sequoia trees, or mountains.

Moreover, the article emphasizes the humbling reality that Earth itself is but a minuscule speck in the vast expanse of the universe. In light of this cosmic perspective, the inhabitants of our planet, including religious leaders, are insignificantly small in the grand scheme of existence.

The recurring tragedies among religious practitioners highlight a disturbing pattern in history. Their downfall often stems from a misguided quest for self-importance fueled by a partial understanding of supernatural phenomena and spiritual teachings. Fueled by ego, they arrogantly assume titles far grander than their actual merit. In temples, mediums dub themselves as “Mother Earth,” “Father Heaven,” or “Great Saint,” while in contemporary society, individuals unabashedly claim titles like “Supreme Master” or “Lord Maitreya.” Similarly, monks in monasteries adopt lofty titles such as “Most Virtuous One” or “The Highly Seated One.”

These exaggerated titles are difficult to justify and, frankly, appear comical when individuals openly declare themselves superior to others. The right to bestow such honors should rightfully belong to others, don’t you agree?

Moreover, monks in our temples often expect laypeople, regardless of their familiarity with Buddhism, to address them as “Teacher,” even if the layperson is older than the monk. Similarly, in the Christian tradition, followers are required to address priests as “Father” or “Holy Father” and refer to themselves with the kinship term “con,” meaning son or daughter.

This obligatory manner of address can cause discomfort for visitors to Buddhist monasteries who may feel uneasy about adhering to such formalities. However, failing to follow these rules could potentially offend the monks and priests.

Furthermore, many books on Tibetan Buddhism showcase numerous Tibetan lamas proclaiming themselves to be incarnations of the great disciples of Buddha Gautama, such as Ananda, Kashyapa, Maudgalyayana, Sariputra, and others, totaling about ten disciples. This practice is profoundly derisive. It seems these lamas have either not read or not grasped Mahayana scriptures, as they persist in the belief that Sakyamuni Buddha is the greatest of all, therefore his disciples must be the best. Eager for personal fame and fortune, they aspire to be recognized as incarnations of these revered disciples. When the names of the Great Disciples are exhausted, some lamas resort to bestowing themselves with honorific titles like Vajrapani or Avalokitesvara Incarnate or attach grandiose terms like Rinpoche (Most Precious One) or Kusho (Great Monk) to their names. These titles serve to elevate their status and demand respect from others. Recently, a certain Lama has even adopted the title “Dharma King,” a title that evokes unease merely upon hearing it.

This self-aggrandizement and the accompanying pompous rituals only serve to deceive and attract those who are spiritually gullible into offering their reverence and resources. To the discerning eye, it appears as nothing more than a circus, evoking both laughter and sorrow.

While self-aggrandizement is unfortunately common among individuals, it becomes particularly egregious when observed in religious practitioners, who one would expect to embody humility and virtue. Why do they succumb to the same cravings for fame and fortune, oblivious to the fact that they become objects of ridicule? Why do religious leaders themselves exhibit this despicable trait? These are questions that demand reflection.

In summary, individuals seeking power, fame, and glory are all afflicted by the same delusional disorder, ranging from mild self-conceitedness to severe egotism and arrogance. This affliction extends even to religious leaders who perceive themselves as unmatched both in Heaven and on Earth. In its severe form, this delusion can lead to a state akin to madness or possession. Despite this, the majority of believers continue to adhere to the narratives surrounding their religious leaders, having been subjected to generations of propaganda and indoctrination from a young age, fostering unconditional adoration and reverence.

I hope that this article will shed light on the signs and symptoms of delusional disorder, enabling us to recognize them and seek treatment promptly if we find ourselves affected by it.
BC