“Let all know I did it, let all in every matter be under my authority”: thus grows the fool’s thought, and thus grow craving and pride.

Mameva kata maññantu — let them think I did it: the ambitious fool’s internal monologue is revealed with clinical precision. The desire for authorship, recognition, credit — “let everyone know I did it” — is the fuel of spiritual ego.

Gihī pabbajitā ubho — both lay and ordained: the desired dominion knows no bounds. The ambitious fool wants recognition in all spheres, from all types of people.

Mamevātivasā assu kiccākiccesu — let all in every matter be under my authority: this desire for total control is the description of narcissistic leadership disguised as service. Recognizable in any era and tradition.

Icchā māno ca vaḍḍhati — craving and pride grow: they feed each other. Each recognition obtained does not satisfy but increases hunger. The model of the āsava explains that craving for recognition, if not examined, becomes an unstoppable torrent.