Book 4 (Part II)

57 and almost irresistible, although so deeply-seated that in normal thought one may not always be aware of it. Buddha, taking the bull by the horns, made this idea the first to be attacked. Each must decide for himself whether this is a wise course to pursue. But it certainly seems easier to strip off first the things which can easily be done without. The majority of people will find most trouble with the Emotions, and thoughts which excite them. But it is both possible and necessary not merely to suppress the emotions, but to turn them into faithful servants. Thus the emotion of anger is occasionally useful against that portion of the brain whose slackness vitiates the control. If there is one emotion which is never useful, it is pride : for this reason, that it is bound up entirely with the Ego . . . No, there is no use for pride ! The destruction of the Perceptions, either the grosser or the subtler, appears much easier, because the mind, not being moved, is free to remember its control. It is easy to be so absorbed in a book that one takes no notice of the most beautiful scenery. But if stung by a wasp the book is immediately forgotten.