Thinking uses up a great deal of energy when working in the technological field, but you have to use it there because the whole of science is built on information, knowledge, correction, new discoveries and so on. There you have to utilise your highest capacity in thinking. But is thinking necessary in human relationship? There, if it is used, it is a wastage of energy. The voltage of energy goes down because it is used up in conflict, because it is a relationship of two images. You have an image about me, and I have an image about you, and so our relationship is really, actually between these two images of memories. You said this to me, and I said that to you; you insulted me, you flattered me, you gave me pleasure, and so on – all that is built up in me with regard to you. And you have similar or more expansive memories and images. So our relationship is actually between these images and not a direct human relationship. Thought breeds these images; thought brings about conflict, and that is a waste of energy. It is necessary to be aware of this whole mechanism – a defensive, self-centred, protective resistance mechanism – which builds up images. When the mind is aware of this without resisting it, without bringing in the characteristics of virtue, it can let it go. Then it can observe without the implications of thought.
