Get rid of the redundant thoughts

Distracting thoughts can be a burden, these must be done away with

From the moment you begin practising mindfulness, you'll discover its refreshing nature, and as you progress, it might seem simple to you. However, challenges arise when thoughts involving greed and ill will persist in your mind, resisting normal dismissal. Everyday thoughts can be easily addressed through mindfulness practice, but those filled with distractions require skilful measures for removal. Lord Buddha, provides five solutions for addressing such problems or provides five methods to help overcome such thoughts

The first method involves replacing one thought with another, akin to using a unique tool to remove a thorn stuck in the foot. If a thought filled with hatred arises, counter it by recalling the virtues, merits or positive qualities of the object or person involved, fostering friendly feelings. Similarly, if greedy thoughts surface, focus on the negative aspects of the person or thing to foster detachment. Anitya meditation (impermanence meditation) is another approach, contemplating the fleeting nature of things and recognizing their inevitable destruction.

Additionally, you can practice Anitya (impermanence meditation). Anitya involves recognising the transient nature of things, objects, and people. If not today, then tomorrow, they are destined to undergo change or destruction. It is advisable to contemplate the fleeting nature of things and recognise their inevitable destruction.

The second method involves thinking about the danger associated with a troublesome thought, considering the potential harm it can bring. For instance, consider a scenario where a girl has adorned herself with beautiful ornaments and attire to go out. Now, imagine someone placing a dead snake, dead dog, or dead rat around her neck. How would she feel? Given the unsettling experience, she would swiftly discard the object.

To eliminate any thought, you need to perceive the potential threat or danger associated with that particular thing or person, considering the harm it may pose to you. The third method encourages forgetting the troubling thought, redirecting attention elsewhere, much like averting one's gaze from an indecent scene.

The fourth method involves introspection, questioning the reasons behind engaging in a particular thought and delving into its root causes. By questioning yourself, such as why am I engaging in this activity? What motivates me to do this? By delving into these inquiries, you can effectively extricate the thought from your mind.

If, even after employing the aforementioned four methods, the thought persists, the fifth and final method, as elucidated by Lord Buddha, entails pressing the teeth together, forcing the tongue to the palate, and emphasizing this action until the unwanted thought dissipates. Lord Buddha illustrates this approach by likening it to a strong man holding a weak person, applying pressure until the thought is effectively expelled. By employing these five methods, you can efficiently remove unwanted thoughts from your mind.