Smart Brain, Foolish Heart

A smart brain is useless if your heart is foolish.


We spend a lot of time thinking things through and trying to apply logic to this very illogical world of ours. In our society, intellect is valued over insight. Many people think that wisdom means having a lot of facts, figures, and concepts in their heads. What seems like a good idea one day can turn out to be the worst thing ever when all is said and done. Thinking with one’s head while ignoring one’s heart is what brings about wars, inequality and economic collapse.

Sometimes I am asked what “Buddhist philosophy” really is. The best answer I can offer takes on the form of a very simple question:

“Who are you?”

“Who am I?” is the most important thing a person could ask themselves. The answer to this question cannot be arrived at solely through psychotherapy or religion, and I wouldn’t hold my breath for some philosophy or course in magical thinking to do the trick either. 

When we sincerely ask ourselves this question, the logical part of our brains short-circuits and something else has to kick in to help us realize what our true nature really is. Thinking just doesn’t cut it, and no amount of intellectualization in the world will help you see it.

Asking this question and beginning the process of experiencing who and what you really are is the most important thing you do in this life. It’s what determines the way in which you go about the business of living and loving. The more clear you are on your truest, deepest nature, the less caught up you will be in all of the ups and downs of life. You’ll be able to ride the highs and lows of your daily situation the way a seasoned surfer rides the ocean waves. 

Asking this question and beginning the process of experiencing who and what you really are is the most important thing you do in this life. It’s what determines the way in which you go about the business of living and loving. The more clear you are on your truest, deepest nature, the less caught up you will be in all of the ups and downs of life. You’ll be able to ride the highs and lows of your daily situation the way a seasoned surfer rides the ocean waves. 

If this sounds perplexing to you, I’ll give you a little hint: 

What is it right now that is reading these words? Is it your eyes alone? Your brain? Your intellect? What’s coming before all of that and making this process of reading possible?

If you start to smile when you consider this question, it means you're on the right track. 

Enjoy!