Where do thoughts arise from?

In Vedanta, it is said that thoughts arise from the causal body. However, do not look at the causal body as some body with form. It is actually nothingness. It is EMPTY. We only use the concept ‘causal body’ to explain a potential for something to appear. Just like we use the wave function in quantum mechanics as a mathematical statement to describe the probability of a particle being in a specific place with defined properties when it’s not observed/measured.

 

The causal body is equated to deep-sleep wherein the sleeper does not desire nor does see any dream. In deep sleep, there is a potential to wake up to a world of name and form made of thoughts — and so we awaken every morning to a dream we refer to as creation. However, it is ALL IMAGINARY. There is really nothing there, YET, there is something that appears to be there when we identify with it.

 

As to who controls thoughts, the answer is NO ONE. Again, it is emptiness. There is no conceivable entity so who can be there to control it? Sure, we give names like Ishwara or God, but ultimately those roles are empty. These are only concepts we use when we perceive there to be things happening and so the ego wants to attach names and roles to everything it perceives as separate from itself. Ultimately, everything is empty, INCLUDING this thought of ‘who you think you are’. Furthermore, there is only consciousness.

 

In truth, consciousness does not identify with anything, YET, at the same time, it apparently does, and so we bring in words like Maya to explain this inexplicable phenomena for those who are ignorant and want answers as to why they are not knowers of this truth.

 

This causal body is the gateway to the Atman (i.e. Turiya) and is also the gateway to creation (both the dream and waking state). Where will you take your attention and which will you identify with? Who is it that will make this choice? These are all questions that will need to be answered on your own.

 

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