Conceit (māna)

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Conceit (māna) is one of the most subtle of defilements – so much so that some of its forms tend to be considered as virtues. Etymologically, conceit is related to the idea of measurement. Conceit arises when we form an idea of self based upon measuring ourselves against others. The image given in the texts is of raising a flag, where the flag is our self-importance.

There are three kinds of conceit:

1)     Superiority conceit: comparing oneself with others in terms of race, nationality, family, wealth, power, status, physical appearance, intelligence, morality, spirituality etc, one believes ‘I am superior to them’

2)     Inferiority conceit: based upon the same comparisons, one believes: ‘I am inferior to them’. This kind of conceit is often confused with humility.

3)     Equality conceit: based upon the same comparisons one believes ‘I am equal to them,’ This kind of conceit is often praised as an antidote to the first two kinds.

In Buddhism, all three kinds of conceit are considered obstacles to wisdom because when comparing oneself to others in these ways one feels the illusory sense of a solid separate, permanent self, ‘me’. And it is this false idea of self, the Buddha revealed, that lies at the root of human suffering.

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.