The Four Main Deviations

The main idea of the Path is the cessation of suffering.
What are the main deviations – errors?

  1. To take life as a game is a deviation, as such a point of view ignores the very existence of the realms of suffering.
  2. To take life as work for the attainment of heavenly realms is deviation, as such a view overlooks the possibility of the very insight – the freedom from conditioning.
  3. To see practice as an escape from suffering is deviation, as fear on its own is a basis for new suffering.
  4. To see practice as struggle with egocentrism is deviation, as this strengthens the belief in the reality of the emotional- intellectual entity (“I”- the soul), which is subject to suffering.

What are the errors in the course of practice?

  1. If there is an extreme point of view, which is bound up with action, the error is not to apply the contrary point of view for neutralizing the prevailing one.
    For instance, if the concept of “struggle” is strong and the direct realization hasn’t been ripened, then the idea of “game” would be effective. If “game” prevails, then you are to apply the idea of “work”. If the idea of “work” has fascinated you with grandiose projects, then thinking of “escape” would be effective. And, at last, if “escape” has brought the mind to the state of anxiety, which seems to be unyielding to the direct realization, you are to be inspired by the idea of “struggle.”
  2. To apply an unsuitable medicine is an error. For instance, to apply the idea of “game” or “work” to a state of unaccountable anxiety is an error.
    Summing up, we may say that common errors arise from the conceptual replacement of the idea of Path by ideas as medicine. Errors on the Path occur from the neglect and the ignoring and careless application of the ideas as medicines.