Sayadaw U Tejaniya says greed does not arise out of nothing, there is a reason why greed can arise, but he doesn't directly say what it is. What is it? And why does he do this?
In the teachings of Sayadaw U Tejaniya, greed (lobha) doesn't just pop into existence by accident; it arises due to unwise attention (ayoniso manasikara). Specifically, greed is rooted in a fundamental delusion (moha) regarding the nature of the object or experience you are pursuing.
The Underlying Reason: Perceived Permanence and "Self"
The "reason" greed arises is that the mind has already made a series of subconscious judgments before the feeling of "wanting" even hits.
- The Concept of "Subha" (Beauty/Pleatantness): The mind perceives an object as inherently "good," "beautiful," or "satisfying." It fails to see the changing, conditioned nature of that object.
- The "Self" Illusion: Greed requires a subject and an object. The mind creates a "me" that needs "that" to be happy. Without the delusion of a permanent self that can be satisfied, greed has no ground to stand on.
- The Ignorance of Dukkha: Greed arises because the mind believes that getting what it wants will result in lasting satisfaction, ignoring the inherent stress (dukkha) involved in maintaining or eventually losing that thing.
Why He Doesn't "Directly" Tell You
Sayadaw U Tejaniya is known for his "awareness plus wisdom" approach, which emphasizes discovery over intellectual mapping. There are several strategic reasons why he often points you toward the "why" without handing you a dictionary definition:
1. Knowledge vs. Realization
If he simply tells you "greed comes from delusion," you will store that as a fact in your head. When greed arises, you’ll say, "Oh, that’s delusion," but you won’t actually see the process. He wants you to catch the mind in the act. By investigating "Why is this greed here?" you start to notice the specific thoughts and values your mind is projecting onto the object.
2. The Role of the "Investigating Mind"
His practice is about developing the dhamma-vicaya (investigation of phenomena) factor of enlightenment. If the teacher gives all the answers, the student’s "investigative muscle" atrophies. He wants the mind to become inquisitive. When you ask "Why?", the mind becomes alert and begins to observe the subtle links between perception and feeling.
3. Contextual Variance
The "reason" for greed can feel different depending on the situation. In one moment, it might be a feeling of lack; in another, it might be a memory of past pleasure. By leaving it open, he encourages you to look at the specific conditions present in your own mind right now, rather than applying a blanket Buddhist theory.
How to Find the Answer Yourself
Next time you notice greed—whether it's for a cup of coffee or a better reputation—Sayadaw would suggest you ask:
- "What is the mind thinking right now?"
- "What does the mind believe about this object?"
- "Does the mind think this will bring lasting happiness?"
When you see for yourself that the mind is "over-valuing" something or seeing it incorrectly, the greed naturally loses its power. That direct seeing is the wisdom he is trying to cultivate.