Obsession and concentration are similar. Both are states where a person’s mind is immersed in one thing. While an obsessed mind has no awareness, a concentrated mind has a clear awareness. When your mind obsesses about something, you remain totally unaware of the resulting negative impact. In a state of concentration, you can clearly see the consequences of your actions.
An obsessed mind finds it difficult to stop because it has no self awareness. The mind that is in a state of concentration can easily pause whenever it becomes necessary. When things don’t go as intended, the obsessed mind is easily led to suffering through anger or frustration. The mind that concentrates is free from suffering.
-Ven. Pomnyun Sunim
