Chapter 3: Thought

The author compares the work of straightening a trembling, unsteady mind to the craft of a fletcher straightening arrows, establishing that mind discipline is difficult but achievable.

The author uses the image of a fish thrashing when removed from water to illustrate how the mind trembles in its struggle to escape Mara's dominion.

The author asserts that taming the mind, though difficult, is good because a tamed mind produces happiness.

The author exhorts the wise to guard their thoughts because thoughts are imperceptible, artful, and uncontrolled, and well-guarded thoughts produce happiness.

The author states that those who control the mind, which is elusive and embodied in the heart, will be freed from Mara's bonds.

The author argues that if one's thoughts are unsteady, if one doesn't understand the true law, and if one's peace is disturbed, then knowledge will never become perfect.

The author describes how when thoughts are not scattered and the mind transcends thinking of good or evil, the watchful person has nothing to fear.

The author instructs one to recognize the body's fragility like a jar and make thought firm like a fortress to attack Mara with knowledge as a weapon.

The author stresses the transience of the body, which will soon lie despised and useless on the earth.

The author argues that a mind directed toward wrong causes greater mischief than any external enemy or hater could inflict.

The author asserts that a well-directed mind provides greater service and benefit than any mother, father, or relative could offer.