Train the Mind

Over the past few months, I have been reflecting deeply on how to train the mind. This reflection was triggered by my sharing at a Buddhism event last year. There were about five speakers on stage, and I was one of them.

I noticed something interesting. During the other speakers’ sharing, the audience responded with frequent applause. During my sharing, the audience was mostly quiet, although they did applaud at the end. I was also the youngest among the speakers. Did they share better than me? Not necessarily. While I was on stage, I began to train my mind in real time no matter they clap or not . I reminded myself to be steady like a rock. This advice came from my Master and was also echoed by a colleague.

There are so many external noises around us. Learning how not to be affected by them is important for everyone. How do we maintain inner peace when facing judgment, whether from family or constructive feedback at work? This is a lifelong practice.

At work, we are offered weekly counselling services and are encouraged to attend. I had been very busy and had not yet started using this service. One day, I happened to meet the counsellor in the staff tea room, and we had a short ten minute conversation.

She shared a powerful idea. People often train their muscles, but we should also train our brain. Just like muscles, the brain can be trained. I strongly agree with this, as my religious Master has taught the same.

The counsellor explained neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself through experience and repeated practice. In simple terms, the brain forms new connections and strengthens helpful patterns over time. This happens when we consistently do things such as learning new skills, building new habits, reflecting and reframing our thoughts, getting quality sleep, exercising, maintaining good nutrition, and engaging with constructive feedback.

Modern neuroscience is now confirming what Buddhism has taught for over 2,500 years. The mind is not fixed. Every thought we think and every action we take plants a seed in the storehouse consciousness (Alaya-vijnana, 八识田).

Neuroplasticity tells us that the brain rewires itself through repetition. Buddhism teaches that we reap what we sow. Together, they reveal a liberating truth. We are always becoming what we repeatedly think and do. There is no standing still. We are either cultivating wisdom or reinforcing confusion.

The counsellor also mentioned the idea of fixed assumptions. Based on past experiences, we sometimes conclude that a person will never change. However, this belief is often not true. Change can be slow and difficult, but many people can change with the right support, environment, and intention.  I am not trying to change anyone.  I am responsible for the lens through which I see the world. When I see every situation as a teacher, every criticism as a mirror, and every setback as an opportunity for deeper understanding, I begin to develop true inner freedom. So for me, nothing is purely negative. Everything becomes something I can learn from. Everything can be transformed into something meaningful.

I also remember a previous counsellor who shared a simple but profound idea. Do not assume what others are thinking, because we truly do not know their minds. This aligns closely with Buddhist teaching: “Do not focus on the faults of others. Do not give rise to negative thoughts. Do not indulge in speculation, because our thoughts are not complete and cannot fully understand others. Observing others’ faults easily becomes a cause of our own downfall.” Religion, when understood correctly, helps train our mind, reshape our thinking, and bring ease into our lives.

Physical training

After that short conversation, I became even more committed to training my mind. Of course, physical training is equally important. Body and mind are not separate. A healthy body supports a clear mind, and a cultivated mind supports a healthy body.

Exercise can increase dopamine levels, which is part of the body’s natural reward system that reinforces healthy behaviours. At work, we are encouraged to exercise and are even offered discounts at certain gyms. I have maintained this habit for a long time.

Growing up, I saw my father using the treadmill every day and praying regularly at the altar. Parents truly set examples for their children. I followed his example by using the treadmill since I was little and developing faith from a young age. These habits continued through my school years and into my working life. I observe my colleagues. Some go swimming at 7 am every morning. Some go to the gym after work. Others attend yoga classes weekly. From my own experience, exercise helps me concentrate better. After intense workouts, I feel relief from stress and feel even happier. Exercise stimulates the mind and uplifts the mood.

Conclusion

We should cultivate ourselves physically and mentally.

No matter who we are, everyone faces impermanence. At the beginning of this year, on a peaceful Friday afternoon, I opened an email that shocked me deeply. A promising lawyer had passed away unexpectedly while on holiday. This reminded me that fame and wealth are impermanent. Titles cannot protect us. Being busy is not the same as truly living.

This experience strengthened my belief that we must cultivate ourselves. Religion not only trains the mind but also has the power to reduce great suffering to something more manageable. I will share more about this in the future.

Have a blessed and peaceful Easter.