Observing Thoughts to See the Three Poisons

The insight method that I developed and have been sharing since 2022 is, as far as I know, a unique and innovative approach. It begins with the simple observation of thoughts.

Why focus on thoughts? Because they are coarse and easy to detect. But that is just the starting point. By watching and counting thoughts throughout the day using a mini counter, one not only becomes aware of their thought patterns but also gains insight into deeper mental and physical phenomena.

What kind of phenomena? Feelings, intentions, emotions, perceptions, thought patterns, and bodily sensations, to name a few. Through these observations, one comes to recognize the Three Poisons—lust, hatred, and delusion—underlying unwholesome reactions.

By continuously observing without interfering—without trying to modify thoughts or bodily sensations—one directly experiences the arising and passing away of the Three Poisons. This leads to a profound realization of impermanence, suffering, and non-self—the crown jewel of the Buddha’s teachings.

The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity. It is easy to understand and apply, yet it is intense and effective, ultimately leading to liberation.