This quote is a profound statement about the power of the mind in Zen philosophy. Zen, a school of Buddhism, emphasizes meditation and intuition rather than ritual worship or study of scriptures. In this context, “learning how to make new realities” refers to the power of our mind to shape our perception of the world. This doesn’t mean we can alter physical reality, but rather that we can change how we perceive, understand, and respond to it.
The “building things inside your mind” part of the quote is about cultivating a rich inner life. It suggests that through meditation and mindfulness, we can grow our understanding, empathy, and compassion. We can also build resilience, equanimity, and other qualities that allow us to navigate life more effectively.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, this idea is more relevant than ever. We are constantly bombarded with information, much of it designed to provoke emotional reactions and shape our perceptions. By practicing Zen, we can learn to take a step back from this onslaught, to observe our reactions without getting caught up in them. This allows us to respond rather than react, to make conscious choices rather than being driven by unconscious impulses.
In terms of personal development, this quote suggests that we have the power to shape our own growth. We can choose what qualities we want to cultivate, what perspectives we want to adopt, and what kind of person we want to become. We can’t control everything that happens to us, but we can control how we respond to it. In this way, we can “make new realities” for ourselves, creating a life that reflects our values and aspirations.
