Think Without Translating

At the end of this article is a wonderful Taoist story about how we often jump to conclusions too soon. And how we can learn to see the truth when we think without translating. Our rigid opinions can cloud and alter our thinking. We are so concerned with making an inflexible judgment when we hear news – whether it be good or bad. The problem we run into is we think we know all the information. But we don’t know. And our small minds can over-react and assume we have it all figured out.

Let Go Of Your Opinions…And Think Without Translating

Franz Anton Mesmer, a master hypnotist who practiced in Paris in the 18^th century, was an avid student of the mind. And he was the man who came up with the theory of “animal magnetism”.

As a man always looking to improve his mind, Mesmer offered the following sage advice – “Think without translating.” That is a profound statement. There are many ways to look at this. But a simple way to understand this is to let your mind do its best to allow your mind to find the answer – while you are suspending your judgments, opinions and interpretations.

Don’t allow your preconceived notions affect your thinking. Think without translating. Your opinions and beliefs are all lies. Let them go….and see the truth.

“May Be”

An old farmer had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically. “May be,” the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed. “May be,” replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. “May be,” answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. “May be,” said the farmer.