Thoughts vs. Thinking

Nguyen makes a critical distinction between 'thoughts' and 'thinking.' Thoughts are neutral and spontaneous, serving as the raw materials for creation, while thinking—the process of analyzing and judging these thoughts—leads to suffering. This insight contradicts the societal emphasis on constant mental activity, proposing instead that peace comes from observing thoughts without attachment. For instance, an initial thought about a desired salary can be exciting, but overthinking it with doubts and fears transforms it into a source of stress. 'Thoughts create. Thinking destroys.' This concept encourages a more mindful approach to mental activity, where the goal is not to eliminate thoughts but to reduce the harmful effects of overthinking.