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The Net of Love 3
Net of attachment is the web of clinging that arises from sensual desire, causing the mind to scatter, the fire of craving to flare up, and leading to suffering. Even if the tree of sensual desire is cut down, it can sprout again, as stated in the eighth gatha: if the root of sensation has not been completely uprooted, suffering will still be present. To eradicate at the root does not mean to suppress sexual energy, but to transform the mind with insight and compassion, so that this energy does not make us suffer. It is the transformation of the mind, not the body; only when, through insight, we can distinguish the origin of craving and use loving kindness to heal, can we truly be at ease.
The ninth gatha reminds us that it is not about changing the outer prison, but transforming the habit energies within—those deep-seated habits that lead us from one suffering to another. In Dharma discussion, the sangha focuses on
- habit energy (deep-seated habits, hidden seeds)
-
complexes (comparison of better, worse, equal)
because they play a key role in both suffering and liberation. The four wrong perceptions (samyojana) cause us to misunderstand reality: - perceiving permanence instead of impermanence
- perceiving happiness instead of suffering
- perceiving self instead of non-self
-
perceiving purity instead of impurity
When we contemplate the object of desire in the light of impermanence, non-self, and impurity, insight will arise, cutting off suffering at its root. The inner strength of insight and compassion, as well as the support of the sangha, the Buddha, and the Dharma, are the conditions that strengthen the path of liberation.