In the realm of nonduality the idea of “no thought” is frequently thrown around as a state of mind that is to be achieved and maintained. But what does “no thought” actually mean? In this post we’ll explore this concept of “no thought” and discover its true meaning and its relation to the meditative life. (For a deeper understanding of nonduality and examples of practices to experience nondual existence, click here.)
What isn’t No Thought
The common misunderstanding of the concept of “no thought” is an obvious one. No thought does not mean that the brain doesn’t think. It does not mean someone is walking around in a zombie-like state of thoughtlessness. It isn’t a synonym for “braindead”, in other words.
This misunderstanding will never be found in ancient eastern texts or practices, nor will it be found in the lives of those who were recognized as “buddhas” or “enlightened ones”. In fact, in the nondual eastern philosophical realms one will find explosive brain activity and incredible conversations being had between masters or monks or lay practitioners on every level of intelligence.
I’ve seen many supposed “gurus” claim they have zero thoughts. That thoughts never even arise in their minds. In actuality, besides being an impossibility as a living human being with a functioning brain, this claim is far from the true meaning of the concept of “no thought”. Therefore, perhaps the true meaning will come as a surprise.
What is No Thought
The concept of no thought is one that offers great insight into the nature of the mind and the path to self-realization. Yet, “no thought” is probably not the greatest term for it. It’s quite obvious how this term can cause a bit of confusion about its meaning.
There is a Zen Buddhist text called the Platform Sutra in which Huineng, the Sixth Zen Patriarch, speaks on the concept of “no idea”. This term perhaps gets more to the heart of what is originally meant by “no thought”. “No idea” according to Huineng points to a state of mind that is beyond thought; a state of mind that is free from all concepts, dualities, discriminations, and “ideas” as egoic mental constructs. In this state of mind thoughts are free to arise and fall just like any other wave-form in this vast ocean of being; yet, one is not identified with thoughts in the usual egoic way.
In other words, thoughts still occur, but they are experienced and understood in an utterly different way than the usual experience. In this state one is free from the dualistic thinking, ideas, concepts, and mental constructs that underlie the “ordinary” thought experience. Thoughts arise in the mind without being identified with them. One simply understands and experiences that thoughts happen, just as a heart beats and the sun shines; thoughts come and go and pass just as clouds through an empty sky.
Let Go of Thinking and Let Thoughts Pass Like the Clouds They Are
Now is the time to realize that you are not your thoughts. You are not even the thinker of thoughts. Realize that thoughts simply happen. They are waves rising and falling in the ocean of existence. They are natural occurrences like the beating of your heart; like the grass growing in the field. They are not voluntary or involuntary. They simply happen.
Now let your thoughts be. Take no notice of them. Or, if you prefer, notice them, but remain unidentified with them. Unattached. Watch them like you watch clouds passing through the sky. Don’t worry about them, don’t get stuck on any single thought, just let them be, and let them go. The trouble comes when we let a thought “stick” and wear out its welcome. Perhaps an angry thought arises. We usually stick to the thought, focus on it, and freeze it to analyze and expound it. This sticking is then followed by angry actions. Rather than the old habits of the ego, just watch the thought like a cloud.
Watch it arise. Watch it pass by. Watch it drift away and disappear. You are beyond thought. You are the existence in which these thoughts rise and fall. You are the open sky in which these thought clouds appear and then vanish.
Realizing and practicing this in regard to thoughts is part of the meditative life. It comes with self-realization. The ego as a separate entity, a thinker of thoughts, dissolves. Anxiety becomes ridiculous. The infinite loop and obsession with thoughts ceases, and one simply is.
Questions
Questions happen. What questions arise when you practice letting thoughts pass like clouds? Let me know in the comment section below!