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The term "human mind" describes the state of the mind that is unaware of God the Parent's complete and perfect providence and is thus dependent on the limited human knowledge and resources it has accumulated over time. The movement of the human mind--which amounts to thinking, imagining, or making decisions based on that limited human knowledge--produces what we call "human thoughts" or, alternatively, "self-centered thoughts." Self-centered thoughts may be considered as a sub-category of human thoughts. Both terms describe the state of mind that is unaware of God the Parent's intention and lacks appreciation for the blessings received, but the term "self-centered thoughts" emphasizes the uses of mind that are conspicuously self-serving, excessively partial to oneself, or steeped in the desire for self-gain. Despite God the Parent's painstaking efforts to guide us, we find God the Parent lamenting in the Ofudesaki:Unaware of this, in the human mind, everyone has only self-centered thoughts. Ofudesaki VIII:13 Unaware of this, all of you everywhere are doing your own work only with self-centered thoughts. Ofudesaki XI:43 None of you needs self-centered concern. God will distinguish between each of you. Ofudesaki V:4 A Divine Direction adds: "So long as you are concerned only about your own interests, you cannot be called 'brothers and sisters'" [Osashizu, August 10, 1902]. Another Divine Direction teaches to the effect: "You look out only for yourselves without caring about others. If you would correct this attitude and settle God the Parent's intention in your mind, your physical complaints, too, would settle" [Osashizu, September 17, 1902]. The term "self-centered thoughts" does not merely apply to thoughts seeking personal advantage or gain. The Divine Directions also use this term to describe such things as our hesitancy to speak frankly with others out of our concern that they might think badly of us or hold it against us [See Osashizu, June 5, 1897, November 13, 1897, and November 3, 1899]. The Ofudesaki clearly teaches:Ponder over it from your innermost heart to understand. Through saving others, you will be saved. Ofudesaki III:47 Putting aside our self-centered thoughts and concerns for ourselves, let us pray for the well-being of others and do whatever we can to help others and, thereby, make progress along the path of single-hearted salvation. |
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