Thought in the Mind

 ~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Forests in Thailand are not quiet places. Birdsong can be loud and raucous. In the evening the cicadas can make such a din that it is impossible to hold a conversation. On occasions in the past I have had to end (amplified) Dhamma discourses to the Sangha because the croaking of bullfrogs made them inaudible. But the natural sounds of the forest, however loud, do not disturb its atmosphere of peace. Strangely enough, the sounds seem to be a part of the peace, or even to enhance it.

In daily life it is not possible to fulfil all our responsibilities with a completely quiet mind. There is thinking that needs to be done. But if we persevere with our Dhamma practice, the chasm between thinking mind and non-thinking mind narrows. Thought in the mind is experienced more like birdsong in the forest than a pneumatic drill by the roadside.

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.