The pursuit of "truth, goodness, and beauty" is a virtue in the world, but if one falls into "opposition, attachment, or self-attachment," one will deviate from the teachings of Buddhism. This is not simply the work of Mara, but rather the result of one's own ignorance, which creates the "inner Mara's attachment to external appearances." According to Master Hsuan Hua's teachings, this deviation mainly stems from the following points: If one clings to virtuous practices, they become afflictive obstacles: If worldly good deeds are accompanied by a desire for reward or fame and gain, they become "defiled good deeds," which will increase arrogance and attachment. This is the key to deviating from the formless and non-abiding Buddhist teachings. When one is attached to appearances and seeks higher states, the mind is burdened by "mara obstacles": If a practitioner is attached to pursuing states (such as supernatural powers, strange sensations, or a self-exalted spirituality), mara will take advantage of the situation (the so-called "yin mara"). Master Hsuan Hua often said, "If Buddha comes, cut him down; if Mara comes, cut him down." This teaches that no matter what situation one faces, one should not be attached. Seeking the Dharma outside of oneself is Mara. This force is essentially the delusion and ignorance within one's own mind. If one can practice truth, goodness, and beauty with a pure, selfless, and unattached mind, one will be in harmony with the Dharma; if one does it with a clinging and greedy mind, one will stray from the right path.
