When one encounters obstacles or temptations, it is like encountering a fork in the road. One can take the path of the world or one can take the path of the soul. In the world’s path, you can do whatever you want and get away with it, so long as no one sees you do it. In the path of the soul, it all comes to bear on you.  You reap what you have sowed.

In the path of the soul, one understands that suffering, temptations or obstacles are the result of our past actions on our evil thoughts; one then calms one’s mind and does not take action on any evil thoughts that may have been provoked by these obstacles.  This process gradually eliminates evil thoughts from the mind.

In the path of the world, one does not know where sufferings and temptations come from; and becomes agitated and takes action on any evil thoughts that may have been agitated by these sufferings or temptations. This results in the continual suffering of others. This behavior also results in the accumulation of more evil thoughts in the mind; and it results in more inappropriate actions when their souls deliver their fate, resulting in more negative fate and suffering in their lives. The cycle of suffering continues from one lifetime to another.

There will always continue to be a fork in the road or choice for those who choose the path of the world: the opportunity of change is always open. For those who choose the path of the soul, the path of the world would gradually disappear, leaving a straight path to a joyous and spirited life for eternity.

Evil thoughts are greed, arrogance, miserliness, covetousness, and self-love

Reference from the Anthology of Osashizu Translation