7. Conceit (Mada)

I see through the illusion of pride and vanity.
With humility, I embrace my true self, free from toxic illusions, and connected to the light of wisdom.

Mantra:

Om Vajra Sattva Hum

7

Conceit

(mada)

Conceit is self-deception, false pride, building castles in the air. The word mada in Sanskrit means self-intoxication. The player is intoxicated by false vanity, pride, power, possessions, accomplishments, or achievements. When he has any kind of delusion about himself, he is taken over by mada.

After entry into the game the player becomes subject to mada, conceit, false identification of all kinds. Pride and vanity are two great intoxicants — and one drinks them in bad company. Bad company, the outcome of delusion and greed, is the snake that leads the player to conceit. In this space the player is completely trapped by his own game. The bad company he keeps is a manifestation of evil desires.

Everyone plays his own game and throws his own die. Once the die is cast he has no option. A player with no desires does not seek out company. But since desire is in the nature of the game, the seeking out of company is inevitable at some point in his development. The player needs a group to reinforce new identifications. The danger comes when the player is overwhelmed by his desires. His behavior patterns alter radically. The right no longer seems right, nor the wrong improper. His desire must be sated at any cost, and thus he creates bad karmas and keeps bad company — those who support him in his wrongdoing. As a man is known by the company he keeps, the player can stop generating bad karmas by seeking out good company.

A sun-family member, 7 is associated with Saturn and the principle of darkness. Seven are the days, the notes of the musical scale, the days of the week, and the chakras. One with two odd numbers (two 3s) on either side, seven is the number of the problems of adjustment. Seven is lonely in nature, and aspires for completion.

Seven is associated with ketu, the south node of the moon, also known as the dragon’s tail. In modern Indian numerology, the number 7 is ruled by Varuna, the deity presiding over water, which is related to the planet Neptune in Western numerology. Seven is the number of writers and painters, who, when not evolved, live in false pride and are famous for building castles in the air and being always anxious about the future. They dislike following the beaten track and have very peculiar ideas about religion. They create a religion of their own and spend their life in amusement.

Art

Here's the artwork inspired by the concept of "Conceit" (Mada) in the Sanskrit context. The central figure embodies the intoxication of self-pride and vanity, encapsulated in a web of their own creation, making himself bigger than he is. The unique setting includes the podium and a Greek temple floating in the air, enhancing the theme of lofty ambitions and grandeur. The 'castle in the air' in the background further underscores the concept of unrealistic aspirations.

A person who looks down on or insults others is also an example of conceit. This person, for example, may belittle others based on their appearance, wealth, or education.

Song

Conceit (verwaandheid)

Conceit's dark veil, a self-made masquerade,
Intoxicated minds, by power's fleeting shade.

False pride takes hold, in castles built on sand,
A twisted view, where truth won't take a stand.

Good company sought, a light to pierce the night,
Breaks darkness' hold, and sets intentions right.

The game unfolds, with choices made each day,
Who will we be, on this karmic highway?