Do Not Delude Yourself

There is a Zen phrase: 'Maku-moso'.
It means 'Do not delude yourself'.

In Zen, delusion is interpreted as being trapped by one's own thoughts and ideas.

Especially trivial distractions and mistaken assumptions.

We weigh down our hearts with nothing but delusions, whether about ourselves or others.

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For example,

You made a mistake at work.

'I'm such a failure.'
Yes, that is a delusion.

'Everyone must be disgusted with me.'
'Maybe I offended that person.'

There is no stopping anxiety-driven delusions.

Even toward people you dislike,

Starting from the speculation of 'They must be thinking this,' the delusion that 'They definitely think this' grows in your mind.
Eventually, it escalates to 'That person is this kind of human' and 'I can't forgive them, they are a terrible person.'

You end up feeling irritated and frustrated by a villain you created in your own head.

If a few people talk badly about someone together, the delusion spreads further and further, endlessly. A villain is born.

I do this often, too. I reflect and think, 'I should stop this.'


The right way to deal with people you don't get along with is to 'not look, not think, and not get involved.' It is better not to pick up things that might become seeds of irritation.

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Worrying about anxieties that haven't even happened, or feeling down by comparing yourself to others and thinking 'I'm not good enough,' is just a waste of time that drains your mental energy.

Worries never actually happen, and differences between people are just individuality.
Inferiority exists precisely because you are one of a kind.

It is obviously better to think about how to develop your individuality.

Do not delude yourself.

Let us live with a peaceful heart.