Mind That Heals, Mind That Hurts 2. WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE MIND 2.1 “Mind is the forerunner of all states.” – The Buddha “By mind the world is led; by mind the world is moved. All good and bad things exist in the world because of the mind. Our actions are all led by the mind; Mind is their master; mind is their maker. If one speaks or acts with a defiled mind, then pain pursues him, even as the wheel follows the hoof of the ox. If one speaks or acts with a pure state of mind, then happiness follows like a shadow that remains behind without departing.” - Dhammapada 1,2 What this means: 1. Mind is the source of everything in this world, both good and bad. Everything is mind created. 2. Our actions, both speech and deed, also originate from our mind. Our mind is the creator (maker). It’s also the controller (master). 3. If our thoughts are unwholesome, our speech and actions will be unwholesome, and sufferings must naturally follow. 4. If our thoughts are wholesome, our speech and actions will be wholesome, and happiness must naturally follow. “Whatever (harm) a foe may do to a foe, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind can do far greater harm to oneself.” – Dhammapada, 42. << Previous : Next >>