FCA Sunil Chapain on May 22, 2025, 3:54 a.m.
Why does thought arise?
Thought emerges as a necessity—a tool that enables humans to plan, adapt, and
navigate the future. To grasp its significance, let’s examine three distinct life forms on
Earth: plants, animals, and humans.
The Role of Thought in Di erent Species
Plants: The Stationary Beings: Plants are rooted in one place, growing and eventually
dying where they began. They do not need to actively seek food, shelter, or clothing, as
nature provides everything they require—sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. Since their
survival is entirely passive, driven by natural processes, plants have no need for thought.
Their existence is simple and unchanging.
Animals: The Instinctive Thinkers: Unlike plants, animals must actively search for food,
water, and shelter while staying alert to predators. This necessity for survival introduces
a basic form of thought. Animals remember where to find resources, recognize danger,
and act accordingly. However, their thinking is limited to immediate needs—survival and
safety. Animals consume resources directly from nature without modification and do not
store food for the future. If they fail to find sustenance when needed, they perish. Nature
equips them with instincts, allowing them to swim, hunt, and protect themselves without
formal learning.
Humans: The Advanced Thinkers: Humans are fundamentally di erent. Unlike animals,
humans are not born with innate survival skills. They lack natural protection against
environmental challenges and cannot consume food directly from nature without
processing it. Humans must learn skills like cooking, building, crafting clothes, and
creating shelter. Additionally, they have the unique ability to store resources, plan for the
future, and develop security measures. Since survival depends on these actions, nature
has endowed humans with advanced thinking capabilities to explore their potential.
Thought is essential for memorizing, developing skills, storing resources, and more—all
critical for human survival. Whether this is a blessing or a curse from nature is a matter
of perspective.
Nature’s love for plants is evident in the way it provides for their every need, ensuring their
survival without e ort. Without plants, Earth would not exist as it does today. Animals,
too, are cared for by nature, receiving directly consumable resources like food, water, and
shelter. Humans, however, seem almost like an unintended species. Nature does not
provide humans with directly consumable resources; instead, they must process and
transform what is available—peeling, cooking, and combining ingredients like rice and
vegetables before eating. The same applies to clothing and shelter. Humans cannot
sustain themselves directly from nature. Earth would likely remain the same, if not better,
without humans, as seen during the age of dinosaurs or any era before human existence.
For humans to live a comfortable and fulfilling life, they must strive, explore their
potential, and contend with nature. This requires time, long-term planning, and the ability
to imagine a future where their goals are achieved. Thought, therefore, becomes
essential. Extraordinary individuals like Buddha, Mahavir, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk
achieved greatness through immense e ort and motivation, driven by their imagination—
rooted in thought itself.
The Dual Nature of Thought
Thought, like fire or water, has a dual nature. Fire can cook food or destroy a home; water
can quench thirst or cause floods. Similarly, thought is humanity’s greatest gift—it drives
innovation, progress, and wisdom. The same thinking ability that produced enlightened
figures like Buddha and Mahavir, or innovators like Bill Gates and Elon Musk, can also
lead to destruction when uncontrolled. Negative, unregulated thoughts can consume
individuals, causing chaos and self-destruction, much like an unchecked fire or flood.
Cause of Every Pain is Thought
The root of every pain or problem lies in thought itself, as problems arise from the gap
between expectation and reality. When our thoughts create desires, hopes, or
expectations, they often paint a picture of how things "should be." However, reality may
not align with these mental constructs, leading to disappointment, frustration, or
su ering. This discrepancy between what we envision and what actually exists is the
essence of a problem. For instance, if we expect success without setbacks or
relationships without conflicts, the inevitable challenges of life feel like pain because
they clash with our expectations. Thus, thought is not only the source of our aspirations
but also the cause of our struggles. By recognizing this, we can learn to manage our
thoughts, align our expectations with reality, and reduce unnecessary su ering.
Mindfulness and self-awareness become essential tools in bridging this gap, allowing us
to accept reality as it is and respond to life with clarity and balance.
Even Fear & Greed Are Due to Thought
Fear and greed, like many other emotions, stem from thought. Fear often arises from
imagined scenarios that may never occur. For example, the fear of ghosts is rooted in
uncontrolled thoughts—no one has ever seen a ghost, yet the mind creates vivid images
of them catching or harming us. This kind of thinking, detached from reality, fuels
unnecessary anxiety and fear. Similarly, greed emerges from thoughts of endless desire—
imagining that acquiring more wealth, possessions, or power will bring lasting happiness.
However, this pursuit is often insatiable, as the mind keeps conjuring new desires,
distancing us from contentment and grounding in the present.
Mindfulness acts as an anchor, keeping us connected to reality. By focusing on the
present moment, mindfulness helps us recognize that fear and greed are products of
uncontrolled thoughts, not reflections of truth. It allows us to observe these thoughts
without being consumed by them, fostering clarity and balance. When we practice
mindfulness, we see reality as it is, free from the distortions of fear and greed, enabling
us to live with greater peace and responsibility.
The Importance of Planned Thought and Mindfulness
To harness thought e ectively, humans must cultivate planned thinking. One of the most
e ective ways to achieve this is through mindfulness—the practice of being fully present
in the moment. Whether cleaning, driving, or eating, focusing entirely on the task at hand
is key. Studies suggest that an average human has around 60,000 thoughts per day, many
of which are unnecessary distractions—fantasies, grudges, fears, or imagined scenarios
that never materialize. These uncontrolled thoughts pull individuals away from reality,
creating mental clutter and anxiety.
Uncontrolled thoughts can lead individuals down a path of addiction, as the mind, when
left unregulated, often seeks escape from reality or temporary relief through fantasies
and distractions. Some people may turn to drugs as a means to cope with these
overwhelming or chaotic thoughts, seeking solace in substances that promise an illusion
of peace or happiness. However, addiction due to uncontrolled thoughts ultimately
makes individuals selfish, as their focus narrows to their own cravings and needs, often
at the expense of their responsibilities to society and the broader existence. In contrast,
cultivating mindfulness and controlled thinking fosters a sense of responsibility,
grounding individuals in the present moment and enabling them to contribute positively
to their communities and the world around them. By mastering their thoughts, humans
can rise above destructive patterns and embrace a life of purpose and connection.
By practicing mindfulness, one can channel thought productively. Just as controlled fire
and water are essential to life, thought, when directed purposefully, becomes a powerful
tool for growth and fulfilment. Mindfulness is not about suppressing thoughts but about
consciously directing them toward the present moment. Through this practice, humans
can transform their thinking from an unregulated force into a source of clarity,
achievement, and inner peace.
Work and Karma Yoga
Continuously practicing Karma Yoga—the path of selfless action—helps detach us from
uncontrolled thoughts and brings us closer to reality. Karma Yoga teaches that our
authority lies only in deciding what to do, not in controlling the results of our actions.
When we focus on performing our duties with responsibility and dedication, without
being attached to outcomes, we naturally align ourselves with the present moment. This
detachment from results and attachment to righteous action frees us from the chaos of
uncontrolled thoughts, which often stem from desires, fears, or greed.
Nature has gifted humans the extraordinary power of thought to explore our potential and
doing Karma Yoga is aligning with nature itself. However, if we fail to use this gift properly
and allow our thoughts to remain uncontrolled, the results will also be chaotic and
destructive. Uncontrolled thoughts lead to selfishness, fear, greed, and actions that harm
both individuals and society. This is against the purpose of nature, which intends for us
to use our thought capacity responsibly and constructively.
Choosing a profession or work that serves society responsibly not only benefits others
but also brings personal fulfilment. When we work selflessly, we contribute to the greater
good while staying grounded in the present. Not practicing Karma Yoga means going
against the natural order, as we are products of nature, and acting against its principles
is inherently wrong. Nature expects us to work responsibly, as this is the only way to align
with its purpose and make the greatest gift of thought meaningful and beneficial.
Karma Yoga, mindfulness, and Meditation are essential practices to harness the power
of thought constructively. Karma Yoga keeps us engaged in purposeful action,
mindfulness anchors us in the present moment, and meditation helps calm the mind,
allowing us to observe thoughts without being controlled by them. Together, these
practices align us with nature’s intention for humanity—to use our thought capacity
responsibly, work for the welfare of society, and live a meaningful, happy life. By
embracing these principles, we not only fulfil our potential but also contribute to the
harmony and progress of the world. Going against nature by neglecting these practices
leads to chaos, while aligning with it through Karma Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation
brings peace, purpose, and fulfilment.
