This body is made from aggregates. Stuff put together to make a living thing. The mind is of this body. So what all a person thinks, .. is what a person is . Buddha said something about a person is the sum total of their thoughts. When the body dies, so shall the mind of this body dies too. But, you are not just these thoughts. In Buddhism, it is sometimes called Buddha nature.

A person’s thoughts create and shape the mind of the person having the thoughts. But, the real truth of the person is not his thoughts. In meditation, we let go of thoughts and let the mind calm. In an instant, clarity can be seen and we see the truth of our nature. Some call that awakening. Zen calls it Kensho. It does not happen easily and yet, it is not hard. A glimpse to the truth of our nature.

One’s sense of self is developed and involves thoughts. This constant monologue in the mind. But, that is not our true self. Letting the waters settle, the mud clears and one can see clear thru the waters. So, it is said of the mind. To let go of thoughts, the mind settles and clarity opens and one can see the truth. Sorry, rambling again.