In the Ofudesaki, God tells us that there are paths of the mistaken mind (verse 3-95). These paths are regret, covetousness, self-love, greed, and arrogance (3-96). These path all lead to suffering of one. God does not tell us that these evil thoughts in our minds cause suffering by themselves; but it is the action on these thoughts that completes the path of suffering.

If we are able to resist acting on these evil thoughts when obstacles arise in our lives, we will be able to complete the path of joy.  We reap what we have sowed, as depicted by the picture.

But what is the other benefit of not acting on our evil thoughts. Like any neural pathway, if we do not act upon the path, the pathway becomes weaker, and the impetus, evil thoughts in this case, is eliminated. We can purify our minds if we continue to resist our evil thoughts.  This will result in only joy coming from our hearts!