December 15, 2005

Thought is Powerful

When we believe an untrue thought, it hurts. That's the most direct way to know it's not true, it hurts. Pain comes from there being a difference between reality and what we think about reality. When we believe the untrue thought for long enough, reality will change to match the thought.

Let's take an example. Say I believe the thought "nobody likes me". For most people, this thought is painful, because it's not true. This thought will make me behave in an aggressive and hostile way. Eventually, nobody will like me. Then the thought will no longer be painful. Then, it's very likely that the thought will leave me alone.

Reality is trying to bring itself into alignment. We keep fighting against it. If we don't align ourselves with reality, then after enough pain, reality will align with us.

The Buddha said:

We are what we think.
All that we are arises with our thoughts.
With our thoughts we make the world.

[Translation by Thomas Byrom]