--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The eyes and ears, seeing and hearing…" description: "\"The eyes and ears, seeing and hearing, are external plunderers; emotions, desires, and opinions are internal plunderers. But if the inner mind is awake..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4c/zicheng-hong-7031_aloof_the-eyes-and-ears-seeing-and-hearing-are_2538174.jpg" --- # The eyes and ears, seeing and hearing, are external… ![“The eyes and ears, seeing and hearing, are external plunderers; emotions, desires, and opinions are internal plunderers. But if the inner mind is awake and alert, sitting aloof in the middle of it all, then these plunderers change and become members of the household.” quote by Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4c/zicheng-hong-7031_aloof_the-eyes-and-ears-seeing-and-hearing-are_2538174.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4c/zicheng-hong-7031_aloof_the-eyes-and-ears-seeing-and-hearing-are_2538174.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4c/zicheng-hong-7031_aloof_the-eyes-and-ears-seeing-and-hearing-are_2538174.jpg) > “The eyes and ears, seeing and hearing, are external plunderers; emotions, desires, and opinions are internal plunderers. But if the inner mind is awake and alert, sitting aloof in the middle of it all, then these plunderers change and become members of the household.” [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Awareness of external and internal influences lets one observe them without being controlled, turning them into allies. **In simple terms:** Seeing and hearing can hijack you, but mindfulness can tame them. Key Takeaway Practice inner vigilance to transform distractions into tools. Themes mindfulness self‑control perception Mood calm reflective Type philosophical practical When to use this quote - meditation - daily stress - conflict resolution - personal growth Key Concepts psychology philosophy attention Questions to Reflect On - How can you stay alert amid constant sensory input? - What habits help keep inner thoughts balanced? A Different Perspective Mindfulness alone may not eliminate strong emotional impulses. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Aloof](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aloof/) [Desire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desire/) [Emotion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotion/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Taoism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taoism/) ## Related quotes > [The inner mind is the key to the outer world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-inner-mind-is-the-key-to-the-outer-world/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“If the outer mind hungers for status, money, and applause, the inner mind hungers for harmony and connection—those moments when self-consciousness fades away and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-brooks/if-the-outer-mind-hungers-for-status-money-and-applause-the-inner/) [David Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-brooks/) > [“Often, people build stories in their mind which have no basis in the contours of reality. Those which build these images, are building such…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/will-barnes/often-people-build-stories-in-their-mind-which-have-no-basis-in-the/) [Will Barnes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-barnes/) > [A persons outer action reflects their inner mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tsem-tulku/a-persons-outer-action-reflects-their-inner-mind/) [Tsem Tulku](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tsem-tulku/) > [When you work in the inner mind, you invoke and receive the help of the impersonal, unlimited resources of the universe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-mcdonald/when-you-work-in-the-inner-mind-you-invoke-and-receive-the-help-of/) [Roger McDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-mcdonald/) > [FROM YOUR INNER-MIND! THE MESSAGE HAVE BEEN RECEVED. YET THE LESION WAS NEVER LEARN, TO LEARN THE LESION UNDERSTAND THE MESSAGE. WHICH LIES IN…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cedric-rhynes/from-your-inner-mind-the-message-have-been-receved-yet-the-lesion-was/) [CEDRIC RHYNES](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cedric-rhynes/) > [When you are happy and feel the greatness in your inner mind, allow your mind to leads you beyond your imagination and see beyond…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kemmy-nola/when-you-are-happy-and-feel-the-greatness-in-your-inner-mind-allow/) [Kemmy Nola](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kemmy-nola/) > [As electricity is a great power in the world, so the inner mind is the greatest power available to you. Neither operates independently; both…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-mcdonald/as-electricity-is-a-great-power-in-the-world-so-the-inner-mind-is-the/) [Roger McDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-mcdonald/) > [Whenever you feel happiness it is always from the inner. Then mind immediately jumps in and takes control and says, 'It is because of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rajneesh/whenever-you-feel-happiness-it-is-always-from-the-inner-then-mind/) [Rajneesh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rajneesh/) > [“Relax; the world's not watching that closely. It's too busy contemplating itself in the mirror.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richelle-e-goodrich/relax-the-world-s-not-watching-that-closely-it-s-too-busy/) [Richelle E. Goodrich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richelle-e-goodrich/) > [ \[Kellyanne Conway\]taking \[Jennifer\] Palmieri to school. You had a lousy candidate, you've got a candidate who's arrogant and aloof and didn't even campaign in… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/kellyanne-conway-taking-jennifer-palmieri-to-school-you-had-a-lousy/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [Hungry wailing standeth not aloof.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aeschylus/hungry-wailing-standeth-not-aloof/) [Aeschylus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aeschylus/) > [If someone were plucked from the group and given those responsibilities, they might find themselves growing more aloof, just by virtue of that promotion.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joshua-ferris/if-someone-were-plucked-from-the-group-and-given-those/) [Joshua Ferris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-ferris/) > [To combat social awkwardness, I would just act like I couldn't be bothered - that kind of aloof persona or aloof demeanor. It's so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janeane-garofalo/to-combat-social-awkwardness-i-would-just-act-like-i-couldn-t-be/) [Janeane Garofalo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janeane-garofalo/) > [Against the suffering which may come upon one from human relationships the readiest safeguard is voluntary isolation, keeping oneself aloof from other people. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sigmund-freud/against-the-suffering-which-may-come-upon-one-from-human/) [Sigmund Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sigmund-freud/) ## More by Zicheng Hong > [In the mind engaged in struggling with hardship, one always finds something delightful. The sorrow of disappointment arises in the complacency of satisfaction.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/in-the-mind-engaged-in-struggling-with-hardship-one-always-finds/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [People are considered pure of heart when they do not approach power and pomp; but those who can be near without being affected are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/people-are-considered-pure-of-heart-when-they-do-not-approach-power/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [Blessings often give rise to injury, so be careful when things are going your way. Success may be achieved after failure, so don't just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/blessings-often-give-rise-to-injury-so-be-careful-when-things-are/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [Human affairs are like a chess game. Only those who do not take it seriously can be called good players.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/human-affairs-are-like-a-chess-game-only-those-who-do-not-take-it/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [Public behavior is nurtured in private; earthshaking measures come form careful steps.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/public-behavior-is-nurtured-in-private-earthshaking-measures-come/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [Even if you do no work that is particularly lofty or far-reaching, if you can shed mundane feelings, that is a great achievement. Even…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/even-if-you-do-no-work-that-is-particularly-lofty-or-far-reaching-if/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [When one is not slipshod in small matters, not hypocritical in secret, and not reckless in disappointment, only then is one a true hero.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/when-one-is-not-slipshod-in-small-matters-not-hypocritical-in-secret/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [If those who give are conscious of their own generosity and those who receive feel indebted, they are no longer family but rather strangers…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/if-those-who-give-are-conscious-of-their-own-generosity-and-those-who/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [In whatever you do, if you leave a sense of incompleteness, then Creation cannot resent you, ghosts and spirits cannot harm you. If you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/in-whatever-you-do-if-you-leave-a-sense-of-incompleteness-then/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [The road of truth is broad; set the mind on it, and you feel expansive openness and broad clarity. The road of human desires…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/the-road-of-truth-is-broad-set-the-mind-on-it-and-you-feel-expansive/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [When you are constantly hearing offensive words and always have some irritating matter in mind, only then do you have a whetstone for character…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/when-you-are-constantly-hearing-offensive-words-and-always-have-some/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [Do not think about whatever service you may have done for others; think about what you may have done to offend them. Don't forget…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/do-not-think-about-whatever-service-you-may-have-done-for-others/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [Those who trust others will find that not everyone is necessarily sincere, but they will be sincere themselves. Those who suspect others will find…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/those-who-trust-others-will-find-that-not-everyone-is-necessarily/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [When water isn't rippled, it is naturally still. When a mirror isn't clouded, it is clear of itself. So the mind is not to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/when-water-isn-t-rippled-it-is-naturally-still-when-a-mirror-isn-t/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) > [You should be forgiving when others make mistakes, but not when the mistakes are in you. You should be patient under duress yourself, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zicheng-hong/you-should-be-forgiving-when-others-make-mistakes-but-not-when-the/) [Zicheng Hong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) [Explore all 95 Zicheng Hong quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zicheng-hong/) ## More Aloof quotes > [Against the suffering which may come upon one from human relationships the readiest safeguard is voluntary isolation, keeping oneself aloof from other people. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sigmund-freud/against-the-suffering-which-may-come-upon-one-from-human/) [Sigmund Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sigmund-freud/) > [To combat social awkwardness, I would just act like I couldn't be bothered - that kind of aloof persona or aloof demeanor. It's so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janeane-garofalo/to-combat-social-awkwardness-i-would-just-act-like-i-couldn-t-be/) [Janeane Garofalo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janeane-garofalo/) > [If someone were plucked from the group and given those responsibilities, they might find themselves growing more aloof, just by virtue of that promotion.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joshua-ferris/if-someone-were-plucked-from-the-group-and-given-those/) [Joshua Ferris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-ferris/) > [Hungry wailing standeth not aloof.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aeschylus/hungry-wailing-standeth-not-aloof/) [Aeschylus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aeschylus/) > [ \[Kellyanne Conway\]taking \[Jennifer\] Palmieri to school. You had a lousy candidate, you've got a candidate who's arrogant and aloof and didn't even campaign in… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/kellyanne-conway-taking-jennifer-palmieri-to-school-you-had-a-lousy/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [“Relax; the world's not watching that closely. It's too busy contemplating itself in the mirror.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richelle-e-goodrich/relax-the-world-s-not-watching-that-closely-it-s-too-busy/) [Richelle E. Goodrich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richelle-e-goodrich/) > [Love's not love When it is mingled with regards that stand Aloof from th' entire point.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/love-s-not-love-when-it-is-mingled-with-regards-that-stand-aloof-from/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [It is well known that we fight in God's cause... but unless God helps us by a miracle the English, who have faster and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicholas-rodger/it-is-well-known-that-we-fight-in-god-s-cause-but-unless-god-helps-us/) [Nicholas Rodger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-rodger/) > [There comes a terrible moment to many souls when the great movements of the world, the larger destinies of mankind, which have lain aloof…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-eliot/there-comes-a-terrible-moment-to-many-souls-when-the-great-movements/) [George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-eliot/) > [My father was aloof, very strange and very distant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-horowitz/my-father-was-aloof-very-strange-and-very-distant/) [Anthony Horowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-horowitz/) > [If you're a Brit you kinda get used to people being cold and aloof and just generally arrogant - particularly musicians. (Compared to Londoners…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thea-gilmore/if-you-re-a-brit-you-kinda-get-used-to-people-being-cold-and-aloof/) [Thea Gilmore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thea-gilmore/) > [People tell me all the time that I look forbidding or aloof. That doesn't bother me much - I am fairly private, withdrawn, and...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ric-ocasek/people-tell-me-all-the-time-that-i-look-forbidding-or-aloof-that/) [Ric Ocasek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ric-ocasek/) > [I know that keeping aloof is not a wise thing but since I have nothing to prove, please don't depict me as an escapist.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suresh-gopi/i-know-that-keeping-aloof-is-not-a-wise-thing-but-since-i-have/) [Suresh Gopi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suresh-gopi/) > [When I am with French people, I am not aloof because I belong to them. My view is that the French president belongs to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emmanuel-macron/when-i-am-with-french-people-i-am-not-aloof-because-i-belong-to-them/) [Emmanuel Macron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emmanuel-macron/) > [I was drawn to be very solitary as a scholar. I lived a very quiet life, aloof, with my books, with my walks in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/i-was-drawn-to-be-very-solitary-as-a-scholar-i-lived-a-very-quiet/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) [Browse all 146 Aloof quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aloof/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The eyes and ears, seeing and hearing, are external plunderers; emotions, desires, and opinions are internal plunderers. 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