1. Humans are caught in a cycle of madness

Humanity has achieved great advancements in fields like art, medicine, and technology, yet it remains plagued by a kind of madness. Ancient religions and philosophies describe this madness in different ways. Hindu sages labeled it "maya," a collective delusion, while Buddhism calls it "dukkha," or suffering. Christianity interprets sin as "missing the mark"—a fundamental misunderstanding of life’s purpose.

Despite all our progress, history is filled with horrific violence. The twentieth century alone saw genocides and large-scale wars involving tools of unprecedented destruction, such as atomic bombs and nerve gas. These events highlight how deeply entrenched this madness is in human nature. It goes beyond violence toward each other and extends to our exploitation of animals and nature.

We destroy forests, pollute water, and abuse countless species in the pursuit of selfish needs. This cycle of destruction reveals that the problem isn’t external but internal—rooted deeply within the human mind. To fix this, we must look inward and challenge our own destructive tendencies.

Examples

The brutal regime of Soviet Russia demonstrated systematic cruelty and greed.
Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge massacred a quarter of its population, fueled by its cruel ideology.
Factory farming epitomizes humanity’s cruelty toward other species, treating animals as expendable.

2. Traditional religions distort their original messages

While many religions offered a path to peace, their core messages have been misunderstood or corrupted over time. Spiritual teachings from figures like Buddha, Lao Tzu, and Jesus emphasized principles such as compassion, humility, and connection. However, these messages often became tainted by external interpretations or even used as justifications for division and violence.

For example, Christianity teaches love and empathy at its core. Yet, events like the Crusades and the Inquisition were executed in its name, clearly at odds with Christ’s original teachings. Similarly, religious leaders have often been persecuted or deified, which detracts from their true wisdom. Elevating them to god-like status distances their teachings from ordinary people.

This distortion showcases the human difficulty in maintaining spiritual clarity. Progress in science and technology has increased this difficulty by fueling weapons of destruction. Without addressing the egoistic human mind and recognizing the distortions in belief systems, humanity continues its destructive patterns.

Examples

The Crusades contradicted Christianity's teachings of love and peace.
Misinterpretations of Buddhism led to caste systems in some regions.
Modern advancements like AI and biotechnology have amplified risks created by human ego.

3. The ego is at the root of our problems

The ego constructs an identity around thoughts, possessions, and societal roles. It offers a false sense of self, trapping people in cycles of comparison and dissatisfaction. The author argues that the ego is a mental construct, not the real “self.” Letting go of the ego is essential for personal and collective well-being.

The ego thrives on separation—separately identifying oneself from others, nature, and even the present moment. This separation perpetuates discontent and blinds us to our shared humanity. Letting go of the ego requires reconnecting with a deeper awareness, which resides outside of everyday thoughts and emotions.

One life-changing moment for the author came when he observed a woman shouting to herself on the subway. Initially, he judged her, only to realize that he too harbored ego-driven, self-centered thoughts. This sparked a realization that the ego affects everyone, pushing them toward madness in small yet significant ways.

Examples

People feel superior due to material possessions or social status.
Comparing inner thoughts to an observing awareness helps separate from the ego.
The author's subway story illustrated how the ego traps us in judgments and delusions.

4. Holding onto the past fuels pain and suffering

Many people ruminate endlessly on past grievances, allowing these memories to dominate their present. Such behavior only perpetuates misery and disrupts inner peace. Focusing on past wrongs often creates resentment, anger, and even a sense of identity around suffering.

This cycle is encapsulated in a Zen story the author shares: two monks encounter a woman struggling to cross a muddy road. One monk carries her across and promptly forgets the event. Hours later, the other monk complains about the first monk’s action. This underscores how people cling to events long past, to their own detriment.

Ducks offer a stark contrast to humans in this regard. After a fight, ducks shake it off and swim away, leaving the conflict behind. Humans, however, dwell on perceived slights, often thinking, "What if?" or "Why me?" This habit blocks the ability to live fully in the present.

Examples

Zen monk Ekido’s prolonged resentment contrasts Zen's teachings on letting go.
A person might replay workplace arguments for days, fueling stress and anger.
Ducks physically "shake off" tension—a lesson we can adopt metaphorically.

5. True purpose lies in the present moment

Many people tie their sense of purpose to external achievements, such as their career, relationships, or personal goals. While outer purposes are valuable, they often depend on external circumstances, which can change or fail over time. By contrast, inner purpose, which connects us to the present moment, brings lasting fulfillment.

Inner purpose means awakening to life beyond thought. It reflects a state of presence, free from ego and judgments. By aligning actions with this purpose, individuals can find joy regardless of what happens externally. Outer achievements then become secondary expressions of their inner fulfillment.

For example, parents who solely define their purpose around their children may experience loss of identity once their children grow independent. Similarly, competitive individuals relying on being “the best” can only sustain purpose by fostering failure in others. Inner purpose, however, remains constant and fulfilling.

Examples

A writer grounded in present awareness can enjoy creating, rather than fixating on applause.
Empty-nest parents redefining their purpose can experience new beginnings.
Awareness separates fulfillment from career success or failure.

6. Acceptance transforms unenjoyable moments

Life isn’t always filled with joy, but acceptance can help make even mundane or unpleasant tasks manageable. Acceptance means embracing each moment as it is, without resistance. This openness allows people to experience peace, regardless of external struggles.

Imagine filing taxes, doing laundry, or facing traffic—tasks that are neither exciting nor particularly meaningful. By resisting these moments mentally, people create additional frustration. However, if they adopt an accepting mindset, they reclaim peace. If something cannot be accepted or enjoyed, the author advises stopping the activity entirely, as resistance would only fuel inner discord.

Acceptance doesn’t mean becoming passive; rather, it involves engaging with life in a harmonious way. This small shift can transform the way people handle challenges, from broken appliances to difficult relationships, without losing emotional balance.

Examples

Acceptance helps a person complete mundane chores like laundry without stress.
Traffic jams aren't worth mental anguish; they are opportunities to practice calm acceptance.
A once-annoying coworker may become tolerable with a shift to peaceful acceptance.

Takeaways

Observe your thoughts to distinguish between ego-driven stories and genuine awareness.
Practice acceptance during challenges; breathe deeply and embrace what cannot be changed.
Reflect daily on moments of presence—pause, breathe, and sense life beyond your thoughts.