Mind

“Mind precedes all mental states.
Mind is their chief; they are mind-made.
If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts,
Suffering follows him like the wheel that follows the ox.

Mind precedes all mental states.
Mind is their chief; they are mind-made.
If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts,
Happiness follows him like his never-departing shadow.”

The above are verses 1 and 2 from the famous Buddhist book The Dhammapada, which contains poetic statements of the Buddha. These words are not points of doctrine, however, simply to be studied and recited as some kind of dogmatic teachings, but are meant for reflecting upon, as with every utterance of the Awakened One. So, let’s take a brief look at them.

“Mind precedes all mental states” is clear enough: everything that we experience is in the mind, not just thoughts, feelings, memories and other obvious mental stuff, but also the physical phenomena. All of it is perceived here in the mind, nowhere else. We don’t actually experience the world ‘out there’ in the world, but encounter it here, in the mind. Sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tangible objects are collected by the senses and known in consciousness, which is an aspect of the mind.

“Mind is their chief; they are mind-made.” All experiences are conditioned by our minds, for how we know them depends on our particular perspective, which in turn derives from our past history, on our mental habits. This is the psychological host of all mental and physical stuff, and colors the way that we see them. For instance, if you and I were to look at my living room, we might see somewhat different things – I may see it as a homely, relaxing environment, whilst you might experience it as an unsightly mess!

“If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts, suffering follows him like the wheel that follows the ox.” These words are moving on to the effects of how the mind approaches the world, and are concerned with karma (action), and its results. In Buddhism, three main types of action are recognized; physical, mental, and verbal, and they all have results that may be good or bad for us, depending on their ‘quality.’ For if our thoughts, words and deeds are born of an impure, that is selfish, mind, they will incur negative reactions. But, if they are done in a positive, selfless state of mind, good repercussions will follow: “If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts, happiness follows him like his never-departing shadow.” 


The mind is our real abode. It’s where we construct our universe, not only of the physical information received via the five physical senses, but also of the mental habits that help shape it. Mind is, indeed, the chief of all mental states; shaping our experience of the world both now and in the future. To become aware of the importance of the mind and to see the way that it molds every aspect of life, is to discover a priceless tool that enables one to grow in wisdom.

The above post first appeared on the blog 'Forest Wisdom,' which was reborn as this one.