Why Thinking Causes Suffering — And How to Stay Awake in Reality

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A Psychiatrist’s Guide to Finding Lasting Peace and Inner Safety (An-sim)

"Thinking is the enemy!" How does that statement make you feel?

Recently, I watched a video by Dr. Jeon Hyun-soo, a prominent psychiatrist, and it contained such profound wisdom that I felt a deep calling to share it with you.

This is because, after listening to various masters and reading the Sutras for a long time, I realized the answer is simple yet profound: Be present. Establish mindfulness.

As Ven. Jeongmok once said, "The state of non-greed, non-hatred, and non-delusion is Nirvana itself."

A life-changing moment in 2017 shattered my long-held illusions about my own mind.

While washing dishes, a thought about an acquaintance popped into my mind. Before I knew it, one thought led to another, and my mind began to drift away. Within moments, I was shocked to find myself thinking about something completely unrelated.

My mind had jumped from A to Z in a split second! That was the day I realized how chaotic the "world of thoughts" can be.

Since that day, I began to notice my thoughts, and the meditation I had been practicing before started to become much easier. In fact, for a long time after that, I was under the impression that I didn't have many thoughts anymore.

However, that sense of calm was challenged once again. Recently, I encountered the teachings of Dr. Jeon, who opened a new path in "Buddhist Psychotherapy."

He even closed his clinic twice long ago to dedicate himself to deep Samatha and Vipassana meditation in Myanmar. Watching his video, I was surprised to realize just how many thoughts I was still having, even though I thought I had reduced them.

His bold declaration—"Thinking is the enemy"—resonated deeply with my own journey of letting go.

If you have been suffering from anxiety, the following practical steps from Dr. Jeon’s lecture will offer you a clear and reliable path to peace.

The Paradox of Thought: Why Thinking is the Enemy of Peace

We often take pride in being "deep thinkers," but Dr. Jeon challenges this common assumption.

Thinking is our "enemy" because it rarely stays in the present. It dwells in the past (regret and anger) or the future (anxiety and fear).

These thoughts consume our energy and steal our peace. True spiritual progress is measured by how much "silence" you can maintain.

As the Buddha suggested, if thoughts are unwholesome, it is better to sleep than to be consumed by them. When we stop these thoughts and focus on the "now," our suffering disappears, and we find true security.

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Practical Method #1: Anchoring Your Mind in the Body

The mind is subtle and slippery. Dr. Jeon explains that the mind can only focus on one object at a time. Therefore, to stop the 'enemy' of wandering thoughts, we must anchor our mind in the present moment through the physical sensations of our body.

He clarifies a key point: Thinking is necessary only when we study, work, or run a business. Beyond that, whether a thought feels positive or negative, it is simply a distraction from the present. The real key is to let go of all unnecessary thoughts and return to the reality right in front of our eyes.

In particular, he warns that once a negative thought takes root, others swarm in like a cloud of flies. This is why we must notice them the moment they arise and "put out the fire" immediately.

He encourages us that while catching these thoughts may feel difficult at first, it becomes easier with every repetition. Just as we exercise our physical muscles, our "mental muscles" grow stronger with practice.

To build this strength, Dr. Jeon suggests starting with these simple ways to stay present:

The First Moment of Awakening: Notice the very first sensation the moment you wake—like the subtle friction of your eyelids.

The Action Itself: Focus entirely on the physical sensation of whatever you are doing right now—whether it’s brushing your teeth or walking.

Focusing on Your Breath: Following the Nikayas, Dr. Jeon emphasizes mindfulness of breathing (Anapanasati). As Thich Nhat Hanh once said, "Feelings come and go like clouds. Conscious breathing is my anchor."

When we stay present in the body like this, any wandering thought becomes immediately clear. This awareness makes it much easier to "Stop and Return" to the now before we get swept away.

[My Personal Practice: Visual Reminders]

To make this mindfulness a habit, I have placed Post-its and A4 notes in plain sight—on the bathroom door, the front entrance, the refrigerator, and on the kitchen cabinets and drawer fronts.

They carry simple but powerful reminders: "Am I awake right now?" "Return to the Present," "Focus on the Now," and "Anchor Your Breath."

Whenever my eyes land on one, I am instantly pulled back from the shadows of the past and future into the safety of the present. These visual cues have been a tremendous help in my journey.

Practical Method #2: The "Silent Movement" Technique

Dr. Jeon provides a beautifully simple exercise for immediate concentration:

The Experiment of the Cup. Pick up an object, then put it back down. Now, try to do it again so that it makes absolutely no sound.

To do this, you must focus on the weight, the distance, and your micro-muscles. This is Samadhi (Concentration) in its purest form.

Freeing Your Mind from the Shadows of Others (Mental Hygiene)

A significant portion of our suffering comes from the "past" or "future." Past thoughts bring regret and anger, while future thoughts—like "What if...?"—bring anxiety and fear.

Whether it is one minute or one year from now, the future does not exist yet. We truly know nothing about it. To protect our mental peace, Dr. Jeon offers a liberating rule: "Don't carry people in your head."

Physical Presence Only: If a person is not in front of your eyes or their voice is not in your ear (via phone), do not keep them in your mind.

The Trap of "Love": We often think about loved ones and call it "affection," but often it is just attachment or anxiety. When you meet them, see them as they are now, not the image you’ve been building in your head all day.
Stop the Scenarios: Don't argue with people in your head. Don't seek apologies from people in your head. When they are gone, let them be gone.

When we stop carrying these "mental delusions" and return to the present, we finally find the room to breathe. This is true mental hygiene.

The Science of "Clear Comprehension" (Sampajanna)

When we observe the body and mind closely, we develop Clear Comprehension. This is not intellectual knowledge gained from books; it is the wisdom of direct experience.

Seeing the Process, Not the Concept

Most people eat while watching TV or scrolling through their phones. They don't "eat"; they just "consume."

Dr. Jeon shows us how much is actually happening when we eat—tiny details we usually miss:

The quiet intention to lift the spoon.
The physical sensation of the food entering the mouth.
The sudden rush of saliva—a detail most of us never even notice.
The texture of the food breaking down and the conscious act of swallowing.

By observing this process, we realize that "I" am not eating; rather, a series of causes and effects (Dependent Origination) is taking place.

This realization leads to the "Wisdom of Cause and Effect," which is the antidote to the confusion that leads to poor life choices and the suffering we create for ourselves.

Living in Reality: The Power of Present Concentration

The profound wisdom of Dr. Jeon’s "Psychiatry of the Present" ultimately converges on one simple truth: Stay awake in the present moment.

This message is the same golden thread that runs through the teachings of masters like Ven. Beobsang, Ven. Wonbin, and Ven. Jeongmok.

While their voices may differ, they all point to one destination: Staying Awake, Facing the Reality Right in Front, and Concentrating on the Here and Now.

As I study Dr. Jeon’s book, Samatha and Vipassana, I am constantly moved by his dedication to the truth.

By practicing his methods—from mindful breathing to the constant awareness of my current actions—I have found that "Present Concentration" is not just a technique, but the natural order of life.

When we return to the present, we find a sense of safety and a profound, quiet happiness.

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FAQ: Quick Tips for Mental Peace

Q1: How can I handle racing thoughts in daily life?

A: Don't follow them. The moment a thought arises, recognize it and simply "let it go." Drop the thought, focus entirely on your breathing, and return to the task at hand.

By detaching from the mental noise and anchoring yourself in your current action—whether working, walking, or eating—you find the most direct path to peace.

Q2: What is the most immediate way to reduce anxiety?

A: Stop immediately and return to the present. Anxiety is merely a "projection" of a future that hasn't happened yet.

When the mind is fully anchored in the Here and Now, the mental movie of fear dissolves, and anxiety simply has no place to stand.

Q3: Is thinking really "the enemy"?

A: Uncontrolled, negative thoughts are the real "enemy."

Dr. Jeon explains that while we need "necessary thinking" for work or study, thoughts anchored in the past (regret/anger) or future (anxiety/worry) are the primary sources of suffering.

Enlightening Wisdom: Lectures by Dr. Jeon

Watch these lectures to experience Dr. Jeon’s profound wisdom firsthand. These videos will guide you to drop the heavy burden of thought and find true peace.

1. "Thinking is the Enemy" — The Nature of Thought and How to Let Go

Dr. Jeon explains why uncontrolled thinking is our "enemy" and provides a practical guide on how to let it go. He emphasizes: Never try to resolve thoughts with more thinking. Learn his method for guarding your mind and returning to the present moment.

2. Understanding the Nature of Thought

I highly recommend watching the segment from [24:00 to 30:00]. In these 6 minutes, Dr. Jeon vividly explains the true nature of thoughts and why we must not be deceived by them.

[Watch Video: 24:00 ~ 30:00]

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