The material world around us is a shared world, where things can interact with one another. The inner world, however, belongs to each individual. There are thoughts that only the person knows, and aspects that only that person can influence.
When entering the inner world, the actions we use in the external world may not produce the expected results when applied internally. Effort, determination, and discipline can help accumulate material wealth and achievements in society. But can effort, determination, and discipline bring a person peace and happiness? A reflexive answer—either yes or no—does not offer much value. When we directly observe how our desires drive us to search for peace, and the results we achieve when striving to become happy, we will see that there are things that cannot be attained through willpower and effort.
Actions with intention can change the outside world and help a person achieve material goals. But can intentional actions truly bring what someone seeks within? Do we become diligent after trying hard to stop being lazy? Do we become cheerful after convincing ourselves that we should not be sad? Do we stop worrying after rationalize our anxieties? Attempting to force change the inner world only gives the appearance of change. Once the effort stops, the person returns to how they were before, because the root of the problem still remains. In the inner world, real change only happens when a person is not trying to induce change.
In the external world, progress can be seen when we possess more or are able to do more. In the inner world, progress cannot be measured by acquiring more. We may set standards for what a “good inner life” should look like and then try to check off those criteria. We may engage in many activities to maintain peaceful feeling, pursue many achievements to have more moments of happiness, memorizing more knowledge to feel wise. Does this tendency lead a person to fulfillment, or does it only lead them on a endless pursuit? Recognizing the true value of what we pursue and stopping the pursuit of fictional goals is progress spiritually. Such progress creates inner space for us to observe what is happening in the present. This act of observation brings value far beyond the knowledge we copy from others.
Knowing more may help a person navigate the external world more effectively. In the inner world, however, knowing too much can prevent a person from understanding oneself. Having an answer or an explanation for an inner problem does not mean we are aware of the factors related to it. Listening, reading, and studying to obtain answers about a problem can help a person answer questions and comment on the issue. Observing the problem, observing the mind’s actions and thoughts when the problem arises—helps us see the root of the problem. A person who understands themselves can describe what happens in their inner world. But someone who merely memorizes explanations about the inner world and can reason about psychological issues does not necessarily understand their own inner world.
Direct experience—personally witnessing what is happening in one’s own mind—is the only way to understand the inner world. There is no universal standard, specific process, or general guideline that can guide a person along this path. Standards, processes, and guidelines can obscure one’s vision and bind a person. The inner world becomes clearer when a person begins to understand the very presence of confusion within oneself. The journey of discovering the inner world is a deeply personal one. Nevertheless, understanding one’s inner world is the foundation for understanding others and the surrounding world. When the inner world reveals more clearly to a person, it is then that person becomes more deeply connected with the world around them.