Ideas

Main idea

His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains that thought is a mental act linked to the heart, and it can be good or evil depending on the person’s spiritual and life condition.

Relationship between thought and heart

Thought and heart are intertwined: what the heart stores comes out in thought, and what a person thinks penetrates the heart and produces feelings and emotions that affect behavior and speech. Therefore the spiritual matter begins with guarding the heart then guarding the thought.

Sources and gates of thought

He clarified that the sources of thought are multiple: the senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell), the environment and friends, readings and media, and the nature and temperament of the person. Also thoughts generate thoughts and settle in the subconscious mind and later appear as dreams or reactions.

Layers of thought and its depth

There is a superficial layer and a deep layer of thought; what is taken deeply settles in the subconscious and affects long-term, while superficial thoughts pass away. Therefore do not take worldly matters deeply so they distract you from prayer and the spiritual life.

Danger and power of thoughts

Thoughts can bring psychological and physical illnesses if they dominate us (stress, blood pressure, ulcers, diabetes). Also receiving a thought internally makes it a real sin, whereas if it came from outside its culpability depends on our acceptance or rejection of it.

How to resist and spiritually treat

He advised to repel thoughts at their beginning: dismiss them quickly with prayer, by reciting verses and spiritual practices, by praising, and by meditating on God’s grace and the saints. Also cleanse the heart from old deposits and do not leave the mind empty for harmful thoughts to occupy.

Practical protection

He urged to always occupy the mind with beneficial things (prayer, reflections, spiritual readings, service, learning) so it is not empty and exploited by the devil, and stressed the importance of good companionship, a pure environment, and training the self in firmness and discernment.

Spiritual conclusion

In summary: guard your heart, thought, and senses; strengthen your heart with love of God and spiritual readings; and expel bad thoughts immediately so that the doors of your mind and heart remain closed against the evils of the devil.

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