Thought and thinking.

Taking every thing apart simplifies every thing!

 On first observation, thoughts and thinking seem the same. There are thoughts in the mind, due to experience and subliminal programming: these thoughts are stored in our memory bank. This is a filter through which we perceive everything. I know people who think they are the result of their thoughts – “These thoughts are me! I am the acquisition of all my thoughts!”

 This is so funny, because they are actually admitting that they have (possess) thoughts. Remember: we cannot be what we perceive. In this case, the Awareness has gone unnoticed. In general, because awareness goes unnoticed, perception automatically scans the memory bank for similar experience, and then makes a judgement and reacts. This is our normal patterning, and we can see this process of programming and re-programming day in and day out.

 Thinking needs space: we require a conscious effort not to react, but rather evaluate the situation, and consciously scan the mind for information. There is a gap in our normal response. This is still conceptual, but adds intelligent understanding.

 We can upgrade this thinking process by being aware of awareness, of the emptiness of emptiness. At first there are no thoughts, but merely space – Essence. This space is empty awareness, which notices an imbalance through this pure perception. Compassion arises, and we use/scan the mind, to readdress that imbalance using the data from our understanding.

 I sometimes find intense scanning very helpful in stilling the mind, because the mind is inactive but awareness is not! There is an element called ‘the messenger in the mind’ – it is sometimes known as Manas, Mercury or Hermes – which brings forth answers: if these are not satisfactory, merely say “Not this,” and it will re-scan.

 Of course, we need a background of experience and knowledge for this to happen, but sometimes something unexpected arises, and inspires. This could be called “Blessings”. Blessings are the result of supplicating the enlightened ones, the masters who have gone before. This practice is called ‘Guru Yoga’.

 A simplified version of all this is just having a good heart!

Om mani peme hung (Mantra of the Lord of Compassion)

 Tony