"Nature is something outside our body, but the mind is within us"

In the quote "Nature is something outside our body, but the mind is within us" by Bhumibol Adulyadej, there is a profound juxtaposition between the external and internal worlds of existence. This declaration invites us to contemplate the unique yet interconnected spheres of the physical world and human consciousness.

The very first part, "Nature is something outside our body", draws attention to the external environment that surrounds us. Nature, with its varied landscapes, communities, and phenomena, exists separately of human beings. It encompasses whatever from the large oceans and towering mountains to the minute environments that thrive in the soil. This statement underscores the truth that nature is a different entity, existing beyond our physical selves. It functions as a tip of the huge, pristine beauty and intricacy of the world around us.

Alternatively, the second part of the quote, "however the mind is within us", focuses on the internal landscape that each person brings. The mind is the seat of thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and consciousness. It is the world where subjective experiences, creativity, reasoning, and introspection happen. Unlike nature, which is available to all in a shared external space, the mind is deeply individual and unique to each person. This internality highlights the introspective journey we carry out to understand ourselves and the world from within.

By contrasting these 2 elements, Bhumibol Adulyadej draws attention to the duality yet connection of the external environment and personal consciousness. While nature affects our experiences, providing the resources and charm that sustain and influence us, the mind analyzes and responds to this external world. The quote suggests that real understanding and harmony come from acknowledging this balance in between the external and inner worlds. It triggers us to value nature's magnificence and support our inner thoughts and emotions, acknowledging their profound influence on shaping our understandings and actions. This harmony cultivates a deeper connection with ourselves and the world in which we live.