Have right thoughts - The Buddha

In each day, thousands of thoughts move through our head. Switching back and forth or changing topics. The good thoughts, the bad thoughts, the angry thoughts, righteous thoughts, etc. It could stay a second or it could stay for an hour. The thoughts just circle round and round until it gets tired and whithers off but it will return some day. This is our monkey mind.

Budda teach us to have the right thoughts and this is one of principle in the 8 fold path. Right thoughts would lead to right action and the usage of the right words. How can we know what are the right thoughts ? Thoughts that are non harmful to people, thoughts of loving compassion or loving kindness? Yes, these could be the right thoughts.

What about the thought of sex in the mind or thinking of killing somebody or causing harm to your adversaries ? Are these bad thoughts which carry bad karma? Only thinking and not happening and there is no harm to other people, why does this carries bad karma or are bad thoughts?

My understanding is that bad thoughts as it remained as thoughts are harmless and have no consequences. But, if we focus our thoughts in a negative act or thoughts, it could pyche you up and amke you miserable. If something unfair to us and if we keep thinking about it, this make us unhappy and it swells in our head and this could prompt an involuntary action and leashes out and harm other people. If you continue to think about sex, you could court trouble by engaging yourself to solicit sex from your female compansions and could result in some legal reprimand.

There is a Chinese saying " When you are always near black color, you will turn into black and if you choose to be close to white, you will become white". So, Buddha's teaching is logical. Stay away from negative, angry or bad thoughts and think of the positve and good things, you will be happy and in control of yourself. Stay in the light and you will be bright and if you choose to stay in the dark, you will be alone as nobody will notice you.

Have righteous thoughts which will lead to righteous actions and you will have a right thinking mind.

Namaste.