How Does Obsession Differ From Concentration?

[With English interpretation] Ven. Pomnyun Sunim's (법륜스님) Answer to “How does obsession differ from concentration?”
A question is chosen from the weekly Sunday meditation with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim(법륜스님).

Peace of mind is only one step away.

Transcript

What is the difference between obsession and concentration? The fact that you are focused on something, They are kind of similar. However, The fundamental difference is that in obsession, You are focused in darkness in which there is no awareness, While in concentration, You are focused with light, With awareness. When you are obsessed over something, There is no consideration of the negative consequences of your obsession. But when you are concentrated, You are aware of the different consequences of your concentration. Since there is obsession lacks awareness, You cannot stop even if you wanted to. With concentration, Because you are aware, You can always modulate your behavior or stop if you need to. And there is a huge difference in consequences. With obsession, It leads to anger, It leads to hatred, It leads to suffering. However, In concentration, It actually lessens the anger and hatred and suffering.