Quote:
"You see, I've only just come to realize that all of my problems and lack of progress is the fault of other people. It must be the only explanation, because still I dwell on anger, still I hold on tightly to my attachments to the point where my knuckles are white, still I judge others and shout at them and pity their uselessness and tell them there they're no good, all the while being sneaky, devious, false in speech and non-virtuous in my actions.
I do all these practices and still there is nothing. Other people must be so dumb, so superficial and empty and ignorant if even by my practicing the Dharma they're still not any nicer or smarter or more aware. Boy, they have real problems; no wonder the Dharma is degenerating: God only knows what could withstand such ignorance that people have; it's a good job I'm always there to point out their flaws!
I know the problem can't be me. Definitely not. I'm doing everything right and I pray every day for the benefit of all sentient beings, so therefore it can't be my fault - it must definitely be the fault of others. Yeah, that's it. It's other peoples' fault that I still cling to anger and jealousy and pride and frustration; it's other peoples' fault that I'm not making loads of progress in my practice. It's nothing to do with me. I'm doing everything there is do be done and since no-one is smarter than me and since no-one has the same level of understanding as me, then it's logical: my problems and other peoples' problems aren't my fault. No, it definitely isn't my fault."
Who among us hasn't thought these thoughts, at least in part?