Today's theme is thoughts. At some point, we've all wished we could control our unpleasant thoughts. If it were possible, we could eliminate suffering by ensuring only pleasant thoughts arise. However, in reality, trying to control our thoughts often proves challenging. So, how should we deal with them? The goal isn't to stop thinking or to change how we feel; it is about not being entangled by our thoughts.
Consider thoughts as a merry-go-round. They can sometimes seem enjoyable and tempting with their glamorous allure of carousels, wooden horses, carriages, beautiful lights, cute music, and decorations. You might think that once you hop on, it will take you somewhere, but in reality, it just goes round and round. Almost all thoughts create the illusion that there is a solution within them, but they rarely accomplish anything.
Sometimes, thoughts are like spam emails, scams, or aggressive sales pitches. If you don't engage in conversation with an aggressive salesperson, they'll eventually give up and disappear. Similarly, if you don't open the spam email or click the link, you avoid unnecessary suffering. Even if unpleasant thoughts come, let them be; don't engage with them.
Thoughts can also be compared to farts. Just as farting is a natural part of our physical system, thoughts are a natural part of our mental system. Sometimes, a fart is silent and odorless; other times, it can be loud or have a strong odor. If left alone, any fart will dissipate and disappear. However, we often find ourselves judging farts—whether they smell awful, might embarrass us if others knew, or if we have them too frequently. By paying unnecessary attention to them, we prolong their presence. Are we doing the same with our thoughts? Are we attaching judgments of good or bad to our thoughts, allowing them to linger?
It's perfectly fine to have thoughts, whether pleasant or unpleasant. Pleasant thoughts are naturally welcome, but it's essential not to hold onto them because they generate attachment, causing suffering. Also, intentionally do not let go of unpleasant thoughts, including worries, anxieties, regrets, frustrations, or fears. Aversion of unpleasant thoughts reinforces your mental patterns. By not judging your thoughts, you reduce the pattern of judging yourself. The key is to allow your thoughts to be without getting entangled—what the Japanese call sonomama, meaning "leaving it as-it-is." By doing so, the grip on those thoughts loosens, and liberation unfolds. Trust the process.
Words and Photography by K E I K O
Comments