Right Thought

September 9th, 2007 · No Comments

Part of the Eight Fold Path to end suffering in our lives is called Right Thought, or Right Thinking, Right Intention. In Pali we use the term (Samma Sankappo). Right Thought along with Right Understanding helps to dispel what the Buddha calls the three great poisons of greed, hatred and ignorance.

Right Thought is comprised of three individual parts; renunciation, loving kindness and compassion. It is important that we cultivate each of these elements. Let us first take a look at renunciation.

Renunciation is the antidote for greed and its symptom craving. Greed has a habit of leading down paths we are unable to control. Greed can never be satisfied. All the energy you use to pursue and obtain a prize is followed by the energy to keep and maintain it. Greed leads to suffering and never takes us to a path where we may search out and find a lasting peace and happiness. What we need to remember is that the objects of desire are impermanent. So with this in mind, we may use the tool of renunciation as a way to be released from the suffering that craving imposes upon us.

Letting go seems simple. In reality we must acknowledge that it is not. We come to recognize that renunciation and the act of letting go is the opposite of greed and attachment. We humans do not like empty spaces. We fill our lives with so many things, in an effort to be satisfied. We find however, it is a shallow short lived happiness. Letting go is different in each of our universes. In meditation letting go is the system by which we allow thoughts to enter and leave in a natural way without taking time to classify of judge.

In the exterior universe letting go or renunciation takes on a different aspect. Renunciation is a tool by which we simplify our lives. Readily distinguishing our needs from our wants is a step toward renunciation and liberation.

Another way we may use this tool is by looking at objects as objects and nothing more. People and objects are not necessarily possessions. Breaking free from the mind domination is surely not easy. However, being difficult is not a reason we should not try. After all, the reward is peace and happiness.

The second aspect of right thought is loving kindness. It is a form of thought combined with the feelings of peace and contentment shared with ourselves and given freely to others in our meditation. The notions of loving kindness start in the interior universe in our meditation. They, however, emerge as a way of life and thought with regards to how we look at the facets of daily living. Loving kindness or Metta begins with the self. The next step is the extension of loving kindness to others. Loving kindness is offered to everyone without exception. From ourselves the joy and positive energy grows outward, acting in a way to help change the world and the external universe for the better.

Compassion or karuna is the third aspect of right thought. Compassion is the opposite of hatred and cruelty. We all suffer, this is the first noble truth. Compassion is centered on an object: that is, the object of compassion. Compassion acknowledges that we all suffer, but when exercised, offers a way to shield thoughts from doing harm by word or action. If we respond to anger or hatred with more anger and hatred we perpetuate the suffering.

Compassion and loving kindness are supportive efforts. When you are full of loving kindness your heart is open and your mind is clear to the suffering of others. It is important to remember that compassion for others as well as loving kindness for others begins with the self.

When we are open to the idea of mindfulness, we are able to see the small changes we make in our own lives. With this we can extend the treasure of loving kindness and compassion outside of ourselves.

We are thinking people. Learning to think properly: right thought is a step by which we help ourselves and others to overcome suffering. By using these tools we can see more clearly, we can learn to express our love and compassion more sincerely and we can continue to grow in understanding ourselves and our role in daily life.

I Wish You Peace,

Bhante Kassapa

Bhante n. Kassapa Bhikkhu
bhante_kassapa@yahoo.com
Buu Mon Temple
Port Arthur, Texas, 77640
409.982.9319