58
The Tendencies
are, however,
much
harder
to
combat
than the three lower Skandhasput
together —for the simple
reason that they
are for the most part below
conscious-
ness, and
must
be,
as it were,
awakened
in order
to
be
destroyed,
so that the will of the Magician is in a
sense trying
to do
two opposite
things
at the same time.
Consciousness
itself is only destroyed by Samadhi.
One can
now
see
the
logical
process
which
begins
in
refusing
to
think of a foot, and ends by destroying
the sense of individuality.
Of
the
methods
of destroying
various
deep-rooted
ideas
there
are
many.
The best is perhaps the method
of equilibrium.
Get the mind into
the
habit of calling
up the opposite
to every thought that
may arise.
In
conversation
always
disagree.
See
the
other
man's
arguments;
but, however
much
your
judgment
approves
them, find the
answer.
Let this be done
dispassionately;
the more convinced
you are that
a
certain
point of view is right, the more determined
you should
be to find
proofs
that it is wrong.
If you
have
done
this
thoroughly,
these points
of view will cease
to
trouble
you ; you can then
assert your
own point of view with
the
calm
of a master, which
is more convincing
than the enthusiasm
of a learner.