Nguyen relates another Zen parable, where a samurai demands a Zen master tell him the nature of heaven and hell. The master dismisses him rudely. The samurai pulls out his sword, prompting the master to say, “that’s hell.” Moved by the master’s words, the samurai weeps and bows in gratitude, and the master says, “that’s heaven” (57). 

One cannot stop thinking entirely, but the key is not to hold onto one’s thoughts any more than absolutely necessary. Rather than try to control and redirect one’s thinking, it’s better just to let go. Nguyen uses the analogy of giving someone a cloudy, dirty bowl of water. Some might want to purify or strain the water, but by leaving it alone, the dirt will eventually settle at the bottom. Leaving something alone is the best way to restore it to cleanliness. Likewise, fighting against quicksand is the most likely way of getting trapped by it. As Nguyen writes: “The way to break free from our thinking is to relax our minds and trust that our natural inner wisdom will guide us back to clarity and peace and wisdom” (59). 

People will still think, and overthink, but the best thing to do is remember that inner peace is possible by letting go, even if it’s not always possible at every moment.