The Nature of Evil Thoughts

The Deceptive Nature of Evil

What is the true nature of an evil thought? When we speak of evil, we must ask ourselves: what truly defines it? If your heart is not at peace, or if you perceive the faults and shortcomings of others, you are witnessing the manifestation of an evil thought. Evil is not merely an external action; it is rooted in an evil heart. It is a force that diminishes our spirit, destroys the purity of our environment, and causes harm to ourselves and others. It creates obstacles that prevent us from achieving our spiritual goals.

In the state of an awakened being, there is no distinction between good and evil. However, within this Five Turbidities and Evil World, the moment we begin to perceive evil, dislike it, analyse it, or speak of it, we have already fallen into the trap of evil itself. These perceptions are merely reflections of an evil state of mind. When your face and heart lose their natural coolness and serenity, it is a sign that your mind has been clouded by these negative projections.

The Roots of Our Internal Chaos

In the natural order of the universe, what is evil? Evil is, in essence, a non-reality. It exists only within the realm of false appearances. These false appearances are a product of our own internal vanity and delusion. If we did not possess this physical body and the attachments that come with it, this concept of evil would not exist. Therefore, we must realise that evil is merely a fabrication. It is not the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. When we cling to these delusions, we only bring suffering upon ourselves. There is no deeper meaning to be found in them; they are simply a source of unnecessary pain.

Karma is created through these evil thoughts. Yet, how many people truly realise that they are actively creating karma in their daily lives? Evil has its own distinct appearance within the cycle of karma. Why does it arise? It arises because the heart is not balanced. When the heart is filled with chaos, it produces a stream of deluded thoughts. When you look at others and see only their faults, you are actually observing the chaos within your own mind. This chaos breeds further delusion, and within that state, you cannot have a pure or positive perspective. You see only the worst in others, or you dwell on negative behaviours and thoughts. The moment these thoughts or actions impact others, you have begun to create karma, and the cycle of cause and effect is set in motion.

The Transformative Power of Compassion

Whether it is a negative emotion or a fleeting, harmful thought, everything we harbour affects our consciousness. When we allow ourselves to act on these impulses—using harsh words, losing our temper, or harbouring thoughts of harming others—we enter a state of deep negativity. In such moments, we have lost control of our true self. The force of these evil thoughts takes over, leaving our hearts agitated and restless. We end up hurting others and damaging ourselves, all because of a surge of negative energy.

Often, we are unaware that we are creating evil. How many times have you acted with malice without even realising it? We often assume that we are in the right, failing to see that our very gaze—sharp, critical, and judgmental—is already causing harm. When we focus exclusively on the perceived sins of others, we must remember that the definition of sin is often something we have projected onto them. If we were to change our perspective, to look at the same situation with a heart of tolerance, compassion, and vast mind-capacity, we might realise that the other person is not inherently evil. They are simply in a state that requires adjustment, patience, and appropriate guidance.

Transcending the Duality of Good and Evil

If we view the world through the eyes of kindness, we will find that there are no truly evil people. There are only those whose hearts have become misaligned, leading to unfortunate results. If we focus on the potential for goodness, we can achieve a harmonious outcome. Whether we see good or bad depends entirely on the single thought arising in our hearts. Nothing is absolute. Every situation holds the potential for reconciliation.

If we judge others based on a single concept, we seal their fate as either good or bad. The one we label as bad is then left to suffer the full weight of our negative thoughts. In truth, the side we label as evil is the very side that most needs our positive energy and care. By tolerating the mistakes of others, we create space for goodness to emerge. Evil can be transformed into good, but this depends on whether we are willing to offer the opportunity. Are we willing to let evil return to the path of goodness?

Every person possesses both the potential for good and the potential for evil. It is not only those whom society labels as evil who are capable of such thoughts. We must examine our own hearts. Perhaps we are the ones who are truly evil, frequently seeing the faults in others or harbouring restless, negative thoughts. If we can diligently adjust these tendencies, our character and our true self will become more complete and harmonious. Only then will our achievements in this world, and our spiritual accomplishments, be truly authentic.

Ultimately, the concepts of good and evil are merely a game—a confrontation between two types of energy. But which side is truly correct? When even our goodness cannot tolerate evil, then that goodness is no longer genuine. Between good and evil, the only path is to reach a state of non-discrimination. We must realise that changing our own mind is the only true path. Good is simply the other side of evil; in essence, they are not different. Evil thoughts are merely illusions we have created. If you do not wish to create karma, you must transform your mind to be pure and kind, free from all discriminations. When we stop discriminating, we return to simplicity. Namo Amituofo.