Hi all,
I have always considered the mind as the master of our entire experience since it creates the world that we see, hear, feel, taste etc. However it was interesting to hear an alternative perspective that the mind is also comparable to a slave as per Bakkula Theros sermon a few weeks ago. Bakkula Thero said the mind is much like a newsreporter that can only perceive what is presented in its environment. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about this topic and could elaborate further on the alternate perspective of seeing the mind as a slave. Thankyou
Hi Lotus53,
Unfortunately, I didn’t attend the sermon, so I’m not sure if my thoughts would help. I feel like in a way you and Bakkula Thero are talking about the same thing. The world we see, hear, feel, taste etc. is unique to each person. In that sense I suppose you could say the mind is the master of our own world, but then our master is a slave to its environment. For an example, durian smell is extremely divisive. Someone that likes durian can’t help but find its smell pleasant, while the other can’t help but find it repulsive. Here, the mind created a different experience for both, but when durian is present in its environment, the mind doesn’t have a choice but to create this experience. Please, feel free to question anything that is unclear. Thank you.
Thanks so much for your thoughts Vethara. That was a very good example, it helped clear my understanding. Much merits