STUDENT:

Isn't it possible to see vexations rising and to know that you are in the midst of vexation without having seen your original nature?

SHIH-FU:

It is not the same. People who have not seen their self-nature are not clearly aware of their vexations. They might be able to recognize obvious vexations, but they wouldn't be aware of the milder, subtler vexations. People who have experienced kensho recognize anything that involves self-attachment. It is an immediate, direct awareness. People who have not experienced kensho might recognize large vexations, but it is through a rational process, not through direct awareness.

Sometimes people believe that they have seen their true nature. They may even guide others in practice, believing that they are now teachers or masters. But in their own lives, they continue to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, eat meat, fool around, be prideful, etc. Others might question them saying, "Master, if you know these are bad habits, why do you continue? Why don't you change?"

They might answer, "Yes, they are bad habits, but at least I'm clearly aware of them. Most people do not even realize these are bad habits." So they continue with their lives, taking sips of liquor, then saying, "Ah, this is a bad habit, " smoking cigarettes and saying, "Bad habit, " playing mah-jongg with beautiful partners by their sides, all the time saying, "More bad habits." What do you think? Could it be they know something we don't know?