Our Mind Creates our Experience
"Experiences are preceded by mind, led by mind, and produced by mind. If one speaks or acts with an impure mind, suffering follows, even as a cart follows the hoof of the ox.
Experiences are preceded by mind, led by mind, and produced by mind. If we speak or act with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow that never departs." (Dhammapada 1, 2)
The Differnece between Pure and Impure Mind
The term "impure" might be misunderstood, so let’s clarify. In Buddhism, "impure" refers to a mind colored by hatred, craving, or ignorance. It’s not about sin or morality in a traditional sense. An impure mind is one driven by addiction, aversion, or simply being unaware of what's happening.
The opposite is a pure mind, one that is free from grasping, pushing away, or ignorance. A pure mind is awake and aware, and when the mind is pure, happiness follows naturally. The Buddha uses the metaphor of a shadow—it’s not something you have to actively pursue. Happiness arises as a natural consequence of a pure mind.
Making a Difference by Starting with our Mind
Both verses point to the centrality of the mind. This is our starting point. A lot of the time in our secular, materialist world, we're obsessed with trying to get what's out there just right—the job, the family, the house, whatever it is. We have this sense that the material world has to be perfect for us to be calm and happy.
The Buddha, however, taught that this is not the starting point. The starting point is the mind. The shape of the material world is a reflection of our inner state. We create this individually and collectively, all the time. If we start with the mind, we have a better chance of truly making a difference.
Meditate to Transform your Mind
This focus on the mind is why Buddhists meditate—not because they like pins and needles in their legs or because they lack energy to change the world. Buddhists meditate to first master their own mind. You can’t effectively teach or help others if you’re not calm, patient, or present within yourself. Meditation cultivates these qualities.
If we want a more sane world, it starts with our own minds. This is the language of the Dhammapada: before criticizing the chaos "out there," we must ask how sane and in control we are in our own minds.
Learn More about Transforming Self and World
Buddhism is a path of radical transformation for mind, body and society. At the Croydon Buddhist Centre we create a supportive context for people to learn Buddhism and meditation from expert teachers, amongst like-minded people. Visit our Courses page to start your journey.