Conceit – Māna

On the Uposatha, Tahn Pamutto reflects on one of the higher fetters known as Conceit, or Māna. This commonplace word was used by the Buddha as a catch-all for those processes by which we create an idea of self and other. This is different from Ignorance, which is the defunct view of a self in phenomena. Conceit are things we actually do to reinforce and strengthen and get satisfaction from that view.

The most well known formula for conceit comes from the commentaries, a nine-point matrix that describes the creation of self through viewpoints about others. This is a good starting point for beginning the investigation into this subtle and pervasive aspect of the creation of our own suffering.

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