HOW TO READ PEOPLES MIND

To understand anyone’s thoughts, you need to master three crucial techniques. Mastering these methods allows you to effortlessly discern what others are thinking. Let me share a Buddhist tale that illustrates how to read minds.

Long ago in a small village, there lived two brothers. The older brother was blind and stayed at home, while the younger one worked as a farmer. Their farm was often ruined by animals, which troubled the younger brother. He eventually asked his blind brother to help by scaring away the animals with his shouts whenever he heard them. The elder brother agreed, and the younger one built a small hut in the field for him. This arrangement worked well; the elder brother’s shouts effectively scared away the animals.

One day, a deer broke into the field, followed by a king in pursuit. The king asked the blind brother if he had seen the deer. The blind brother replied, "I am blind and cannot see, but the deer you seek is not worth chasing." Astonished, the king demanded to know how the blind brother knew this. The blind brother explained that the deer was a pregnant doe and not worth the king's effort. To verify, the king sent his commander after the deer, who confirmed it was indeed pregnant. The king, amazed, asked the blind brother how he knew.

The blind brother explained that despite his blindness, he could discern the truth through observation and intuition. The king then asked another question, demanding to know if his wife was faithful. Under threat of death, the blind brother agreed to answer but asked to be left alone with the queen. When the queen angrily beat him for wanting to touch her, the blind brother reported her unfaithfulness to the king, who confirmed it with the queen herself. The king, once again impressed, asked how the blind brother knew.

The blind brother continued to answer the king’s questions with remarkable accuracy, demonstrating his profound understanding of human nature and body language. He explained that he could read people's minds through their actions, even though he could not see their faces.

The blind brother then offered to teach the king the three methods to understand others’ thoughts:

1. **Eye Contact**: He explained that eyes reveal much about a person's thoughts and feelings. Observing someone’s gaze, pupil size, and eye movements can indicate their emotions and honesty.

2. **Facial Expressions**: He taught that the face is a window to the mind. A person's expressions, such as a smile, frown, or raised eyebrows, can reveal their true feelings and thoughts.

3. **Body Language**: He emphasized that gestures and posture speak volumes. Movements like tapping fingers, crossing arms, or leaning forward indicate a person's mental state and intentions.

The blind brother advised the king to focus his mind and remain present to accurately read these signs. He stressed that only by being fully present could one truly understand another’s thoughts.

The king, enlightened by these teachings, recognized the value of focusing on the present and observing others to understand their minds. This tale teaches us that by mastering these techniques and maintaining a calm, present mind, we can perceive the thoughts and feelings of others.

The Zen Journey team thanks you for your support and encourages you to apply this knowledge to elevate your life.