Lecture Series on the Five Types of Attractions
Good morning everyone.
Today, we begin our lecture series on the Five Types of Attraction — a concept that offers profound insights into how the state of our inner mind influences what we attract from the external world.
In Buddhism, it is often said that our inner state shapes the circumstances we encounter. For practitioners walking the Bodhisattva path, there are five common scenarios of attraction that require our careful attention. These attractions arise not only from the mind but also from the body.
When our internal organs—the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys—are out of balance or unhealthy, we become more prone to attracting negative, yin-like experiences. These might include feelings of being at a disadvantage, jealousy, envy, misunderstanding, slander, or harm.
Let us start today with the first type of attraction: "Being at a Disadvantage."
This refers to the perception of being treated unfairly—feeling as though others are receiving more recognition, affection, or opportunity, while you are left out or pushed aside. From a psychological and spiritual perspective, this sense of disadvantage can be linked to an imbalance of yin energy in the spleen. When the spleen is unhealthy or overburdened by yin energy, it fosters a persistent sense of unfairness.
For example, in a family with multiple children, it’s common for some siblings to feel neglected if their parents favor others. Let’s say the parents give more attention to the eldest or youngest child. This can leave those in the middle feeling frustrated, as though their efforts are unnoticed or undervalued.
Now, according to the Five Elements philosophy, the spleen governs our sense of balance and fairness. When the spleen’s yin energy is too strong, it creates an emotional need for validation and recognition. This can manifest as self-pity, resentment, or a sense of being overlooked.
Change Your Perspective
So, how do we move beyond this feeling of being at a disadvantage?
First, it’s important to let go of the expectation that we must always receive praise or fairness in personal relationships. While fairness is vital in society, love is at the core of personal relationships. And love isn’t about keeping score.
Instead of comparing yourself to others or demanding equal treatment, cultivate humility and genuine joy for others’ happiness. Rejoice in their successes. For example, when dining, avoid thoughts like, “Why am I not being served first? Why does no one mention my name? Why am I never praised?” Such thinking creates an excess of yin energy in your spleen, which only amplifies the feelings of disadvantage.
When your spleen is healthy and balanced, you won’t dwell on perceived slights. You’ll approach life with composure, grace, and a lighthearted smile. You’ll stop holding grudges or resenting others, and you’ll find that people respond to you more positively.
Simple Example
Let’s look at a simple example: imagine attending a talk or lecture. Some people fight over the front seats, feeling the need to be seen or recognized. Others isolate themselves, sitting far in the back, believing they’re invisible or unworthy. Both behaviors reflect an unhealthy spleen.
The lesson here is to live lightly and naturally. Don’t get upset if you’re not “on top.” Don’t compare yourself to others or try to prove your worth. Life, like the earth, has its highs and lows—its hills and valleys. Accept these differences with joy and ease.
If someone ignores you, pushes you aside, mistreats you, or speaks unfairly about you, respond gently. Don’t demand to be treated better or fight for acknowledgment. Such reactions only create more yin energy. Instead, a genuine smile can transform the situation, attracting positive yang energy and better circumstances.
On the Bodhisattva Path
As practitioners of the Bodhisattva path, remember: there is no need for constant conflict or competition. In the spiritual path, we aim to transcend such struggles. Competition belongs to the worldly path, not the spiritual one.
So, my friends, let us walk lightly, letting go of the need to prove ourselves or demand fairness. Let us cultivate kindness, humility, and joy—for when we do, we’ll find that life becomes smoother, relationships become richer, and our path becomes brighter.
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