“Unfortunately, to be honest, the reason we are here [in cyclic existence] is due to a fundamental problem - Not knowing who this “me” is. This is called ignorance, or a lack of wisdom. Our emotions, mental momentum, and perceptions all have a contaminated view. We read a book today [and think], “This is what Buddha taught. Ah! Got it, I’ve got it!” But do we actually understand it? No! Not at all! Later, we learn more [but only understand] the surface [literal] meaning of the printed text, which may not be the intended meaning from the Buddha. This is crucial to know!” - Master Jih-Chang
To what degree is this ignorance? “Our emotions, mental momentum” are our thoughts, “and our perception”, that is, the way we view a given issue, “all have a contaminated view”. Thus, it is called ignorance.
BW Monastery 吉祥宝聚寺 — Lecture No. 0017
Even though we are immersed in incorrect thoughts, emotions and perception, what is the immediate step we can take to start remedying it?