[Buddha's Teachings] Overthinking is Poison! For Those Who Can't Stop Overthinking.
Hello, everyone. Thank you for watching my channel today. Today, we’re focusing on the common struggle of “overthinking.” In this video, I’ll explore the harms of overthinking and how we can overcome it through the teachings of Buddha.
The Anxiety and Suffering Caused by Overthinking
Have you ever had sleepless nights because you couldn’t stop thinking? “Am I doing the right thing?” “Did I make the right choice?” Thoughts like these swirl endlessly in our minds, making it hard for our hearts to rest. When this state continues, it doesn’t just affect your mind but also your body. Stress builds up, your appetite diminishes, and physical discomfort like headaches and tension can arise.
So, how did Buddha perceive this issue of overthinking? To understand, let me share a story with you.
The Young Monk’s Struggle and the Master’s Wisdom
Once, there was a young monk. Despite dedicating himself to his training, he constantly struggled with anxiety and doubt. “Am I truly on the right path?” “Am I meeting the expectations of my teacher and peers?” These worries plagued him, and sleepless nights became routine. Observing his struggles, the head monk shared these words one day:
“Overthinking is like stirring the waters of a pond. If you stir too much, the water becomes cloudy, and you can’t see the bottom. But if you let it sit quietly, the water clears, and the bottom becomes visible.”
Hearing this, the young monk felt he understood momentarily, but he didn’t know how to achieve this “calmness.”
The Journey to Find Answers
One day, the young monk heard about a master living deep in the mountains, known for helping people find peace and clarity. Determined to meet this master, the monk sought guidance from his teacher. The teacher gave him some advice before sending him off: “Do not seek answers too eagerly. Sometimes, the question itself holds the answer.”
The monk faced numerous challenges on his journey—confusion, fear, and loneliness. But gradually, he began to understand the importance of facing himself during the journey.
The Root of Overthinking and Its Solution
Let’s pause for a moment. What causes overthinking? Often, it stems from anxiety about the future or regrets about the past. Fear of what has not yet happened or attachment to what is already gone traps our thoughts in an endless loop.
Buddha proposed meditation as a practice to overcome this kind of suffering. The purpose of meditation is to break free from the storm of thoughts and focus on the present moment.
Practical Steps for Meditation
How can we practice meditation? Buddha’s basic approach to meditation can be outlined as follows:
- Sit in a quiet place and close your eyes.
- Focus on your breathing and notice its natural rhythm.
- If thoughts arise, don’t force them away. Simply acknowledge their presence.
- Redirect your focus back to your breathing.
By repeating this simple process, the “noise” in your mind gradually subsides, and calmness takes its place.
Overthinking is Poison
Overthinking is like drinking poison. At first, you may think, “This will lead me to the answer,” but in reality, it harms both your body and mind, often yielding no results. However, if we learn how to “detoxify” from this poison, we can regain peace of mind.
Taking the First Step to Act
Lastly, I want to emphasize the difference between “knowing” and “acting.” Simply understanding that “overthinking is poison” is not enough. It’s the small actions—like trying meditation or pausing for a deep breath in your daily life—that truly matter.
I hope this teaching inspires you to take steps toward reclaiming your peace of mind.
