Thich Nhat Hanh offers this dharma talk at Deer Park Monastery during the Colors of Compassion Retreat on March 25, 2004. 

Thich Nhat Hanh offers this dharma talk at Deer Park Monastery during the Colors of Compassion Retreat on March 25, 2004.

Ending the Vicious Circle of Negative Habits — Thich Nhat Hanh

Pháp Dung

Letting go is not about suppressing or denying our experiences, but rather acknowledging and accepting them with compassion and understanding. By embracing impermanence and non-attachment, we can free ourselves from the burden of past regrets and future worries, and cultivate a deeper sense of peace and freedom in the present moment.  Brother Phap Dung, a senior monastic in the Plum Village Zen Tradition, explores these concepts further in this talk, providing guidance on how to cultivate the power of cutting off and letting go in our daily lives, and how it can contribute to our overall well-being and inner peace.

Letting go is not about suppressing or denying our experiences, but rather acknowledging and accepting them with compassion and understanding. By embracing impermanence and non-attachment, we can free ourselves from the burden of past regrets and future worries, and cultivate a deeper sense of peace and freedom in the present moment. Brother Phap Dung, a senior monastic in the Plum Village Zen Tradition, explores these concepts further in this talk, providing guidance on how to cultivate the power of cutting off and letting go in our daily lives, and how it can contribute to our overall well-being and inner peace.

The Power of Cutting Off & Letting Go — Br Pháp Dung — Plum Village France

Before taking a deep dive into our suffering, practicing mindfulness according to the breathing exercises taught in the Anapanasati Sutta increases our capacity for happiness and joy. In this way, we are able to hold our deep suffering.  Thay regularly taught his students to balance the spiritual life among the four spiritual pillars: work/service, practice, study, and play. Sister Trai Nghiem offered concrete examples of practicing the four pillars and posed these questions for us to ponder in our lives as mindfulness practitioners. How do we enjoy and create joy in our daily activities? How do we know if the work we are doing is supporting the purpose of our life?   To end the Dharma Talk, Sr. Trang Tu Hieu and Sr. Trang Hien Tam offered the song “The Sun is Rising”, composed by Sr. Trang Tu Hieu.   

Before taking a deep dive into our suffering, practicing mindfulness according to the breathing exercises taught in the Anapanasati Sutta increases our capacity for happiness and joy. In this way, we are able to hold our deep suffering. Thay regularly taught his students to balance the spiritual life among the four spiritual pillars: work/service, practice, study, and play. Sister Trai Nghiem offered concrete examples of practicing the four pillars and posed these questions for us to ponder in our lives as mindfulness practitioners. How do we enjoy and create joy in our daily activities? How do we know if the work we are doing is supporting the purpose of our life? To end the Dharma Talk, Sr. Trang Tu Hieu and Sr. Trang Hien Tam offered the song “The Sun is Rising”, composed by Sr. Trang Tu Hieu.

Balance in the Spiritual Life — Sr Trai Nghiem — Plum Village France

The flower only exists if we are present for it. Life is miraculous. Only when we are present are we fully living.   What are the things that stop us from fully living? It is our worries, fears, physical pain, regrets, shame, frustration … The practice of mindfulness helps us to not suppress difficult or strong emotions when they arise. This avoids creating internal knots that may become stronger over time.   We learn to recognize our strong emotions, embrace them so the seeds in the depth of consciousness weaken. Only then are we able to clearly see the roots of suffering. When we practice together, we are building a community that, in the face of collective despair, is resilient.   Through songs, poetry, and her precious moments with Thay, Sister Tại Nghiêm (Sister “Adornment with Presence”) inspires us to grow the seeds of mindfulness. 

The flower only exists if we are present for it. Life is miraculous. Only when we are present are we fully living. What are the things that stop us from fully living? It is our worries, fears, physical pain, regrets, shame, frustration … The practice of mindfulness helps us to not suppress difficult or strong emotions when they arise. This avoids creating internal knots that may become stronger over time. We learn to recognize our strong emotions, embrace them so the seeds in the depth of consciousness weaken. Only then are we able to clearly see the roots of suffering. When we practice together, we are building a community that, in the face of collective despair, is resilient. Through songs, poetry, and her precious moments with Thay, Sister Tại Nghiêm (Sister “Adornment with Presence”) inspires us to grow the seeds of mindfulness.

Breathe and Remember — Sr Tại Nghiêm — Plum Village France

We all have aspirations, dreams, joys and sorrows deep in our hearts.  But are we aware that anything we want to cultivate needs food to grow?   In Buddhist psychology, we learn that there are four kinds of nutriments: edible food, sense impressions, volition, and consciousness.   In terms of edible food, are we consuming in a way that sustains our health and nourishes our heart of compassion?  As for sense impressions, do we take the time to develop friendship and bonding in our daily lives or are we constantly being hooked to our devices? Do we recognize the stress, intensity and addiction that spending so much time on our devices brings about for ourselves, our family and our society?  When it comes to volition, we are speaking about our deep aspiration. What kind of aspirations do we pursue in life? The Five Mindfulness Trainings give us very clear and concrete guidelines on how to live our daily life with compassion and the insight of interbeing. We need the awareness and determination of every individual on Earth to reverse the process of global warming.   The fourth kind of nutriment, consciousness, is both individual and collective. For us to be able to realize our potential, we need to be in a wholesome environment. With the practice and the sangha, we can generate mindfulness and love for us and others to take refuge in.  

We all have aspirations, dreams, joys and sorrows deep in our hearts. But are we aware that anything we want to cultivate needs food to grow? In Buddhist psychology, we learn that there are four kinds of nutriments: edible food, sense impressions, volition, and consciousness. In terms of edible food, are we consuming in a way that sustains our health and nourishes our heart of compassion? As for sense impressions, do we take the time to develop friendship and bonding in our daily lives or are we constantly being hooked to our devices? Do we recognize the stress, intensity and addiction that spending so much time on our devices brings about for ourselves, our family and our society? When it comes to volition, we are speaking about our deep aspiration. What kind of aspirations do we pursue in life? The Five Mindfulness Trainings give us very clear and concrete guidelines on how to live our daily life with compassion and the insight of interbeing. We need the awareness and determination of every individual on Earth to reverse the process of global warming. The fourth kind of nutriment, consciousness, is both individual and collective. For us to be able to realize our potential, we need to be in a wholesome environment. With the practice and the sangha, we can generate mindfulness and love for us and others to take refuge in.

The Four Kinds of Nutriments: Change Yourself to Change the World — Sr Thuận Nghiêm — Plum Village France

from 2022 11 03, Rains Retreat, Lay Day, Talk 7.  How can we embrace our ancestors that we have never met?  This and the below questions were addressed by Brother Phap Huu and Sister True Dedication in this “a-la-carte Dharma Talk”.   * How can we understand our deep suffering from our store consciousness, especially circumstances inherited from our family? * How do I practice compassion and reconciliation when I’ve decided to cut ties or establish boundaries with family members? * What is the difference between letting go and giving up? * What are your experiences while meditating? * How to keep a balance between attachment and support in spiritual friendships?  Did you know that even zen monks and nuns have boundaries and need to know their own capacities while practicing mindfulness in the sangha? Brother Phap Huu and Sister Hien Nghiem shared their personal experiences on the importance of having spiritual friendships, supporting one another on the path, and that by setting boundaries, we are compassionate to ourselves and love is more accessible for others when we are recharged.    Acknowledging our capacities in our individual practice, we imagine ourselves sitting on a boat peeking at our suffering. We don’t need to go seeking for the sea monsters deep in the abyss of our store consciousness. With the practice of mindfulness, our suffering naturally arise from our store consciousness. When suffering or habits arises, we can be curious and ask “who are you?” Allowing us to be curious about which of our ancestors are present in us; whether or not we have met them. When we come to retreats, we think that we are going “alone.” In fact, we are bringing our whole family and ancestral lineage. If we are lucky, we will be renewed and have a deeper taste of what it means to be human.

from 2022 11 03, Rains Retreat, Lay Day, Talk 7. How can we embrace our ancestors that we have never met? This and the below questions were addressed by Brother Phap Huu and Sister True Dedication in this “a-la-carte Dharma Talk”. * How can we understand our deep suffering from our store consciousness, especially circumstances inherited from our family? * How do I practice compassion and reconciliation when I’ve decided to cut ties or establish boundaries with family members? * What is the difference between letting go and giving up? * What are your experiences while meditating? * How to keep a balance between attachment and support in spiritual friendships? Did you know that even zen monks and nuns have boundaries and need to know their own capacities while practicing mindfulness in the sangha? Brother Phap Huu and Sister Hien Nghiem shared their personal experiences on the importance of having spiritual friendships, supporting one another on the path, and that by setting boundaries, we are compassionate to ourselves and love is more accessible for others when we are recharged. Acknowledging our capacities in our individual practice, we imagine ourselves sitting on a boat peeking at our suffering. We don’t need to go seeking for the sea monsters deep in the abyss of our store consciousness. With the practice of mindfulness, our suffering naturally arise from our store consciousness. When suffering or habits arises, we can be curious and ask “who are you?” Allowing us to be curious about which of our ancestors are present in us; whether or not we have met them. When we come to retreats, we think that we are going “alone.” In fact, we are bringing our whole family and ancestral lineage. If we are lucky, we will be renewed and have a deeper taste of what it means to be human.

True Spiritual Friendship — Br Pháp Hữu, Sr Hiến Nghiêm — Plum Village France

To feel love, be loved, and to share love is the spiritual need of human beings. This is the heart of our spiritual path: how to grow to a state of boundless love that is not restrained by any conditions.  Sister Lực Nghiêm (“Sister Power”) dives deeply into the 6 ingredients of the path: motivation, determination, patience, inspiration, creativity and courage.   Why do we seek a community of practice? Can we break through the ideas we have about ourselves as we reflection on our motivations on the spiritual path?  We might have the willingness to change – and at times there is clarity about what changes we need to implement, but there are many layers to that change.   As we let go of our thinking, our ego (“manas” in Buddhist tradition), we return to simply being a living being, to be fully present in the present. When we surrender to the present moment, we touch our suffering and can find compassion for ourselves. This will then flow into other people’s hearts. Our constant thinking prevents us from getting in touch with the source of life, which is love. 

To feel love, be loved, and to share love is the spiritual need of human beings. This is the heart of our spiritual path: how to grow to a state of boundless love that is not restrained by any conditions. Sister Lực Nghiêm (“Sister Power”) dives deeply into the 6 ingredients of the path: motivation, determination, patience, inspiration, creativity and courage. Why do we seek a community of practice? Can we break through the ideas we have about ourselves as we reflection on our motivations on the spiritual path? We might have the willingness to change – and at times there is clarity about what changes we need to implement, but there are many layers to that change. As we let go of our thinking, our ego (“manas” in Buddhist tradition), we return to simply being a living being, to be fully present in the present. When we surrender to the present moment, we touch our suffering and can find compassion for ourselves. This will then flow into other people’s hearts. Our constant thinking prevents us from getting in touch with the source of life, which is love.

Love and the Six Ingredients of the Path — Plum Village France

As the new year begins to unfold, we have the opportunity to look back: What have we cultivated in ourselves in 2022? Was there a habit energy that manifested strongly, carrying us away? And how about our relationships? Were we able to cultivate deep friendship? Do we hold pain inside of us about how we have been relating to our loved ones?   Whatever might come up in us, we can train ourselves to recognize, accept, and look deeply into it. Acceptance is a deep practice of being at ease with ourselves, knowing that we have a path of practice to follow and to enjoy.  As we get in touch with our struggles and suffering, we also see that others have their owns to bear. We begin to develop more patience and kindness. We come to see ourselves and others as human beings, manifesting based on many conditions. By practicing like this, we cultivate our capacity to love. 

As the new year begins to unfold, we have the opportunity to look back: What have we cultivated in ourselves in 2022? Was there a habit energy that manifested strongly, carrying us away? And how about our relationships? Were we able to cultivate deep friendship? Do we hold pain inside of us about how we have been relating to our loved ones? Whatever might come up in us, we can train ourselves to recognize, accept, and look deeply into it. Acceptance is a deep practice of being at ease with ourselves, knowing that we have a path of practice to follow and to enjoy. As we get in touch with our struggles and suffering, we also see that others have their owns to bear. We begin to develop more patience and kindness. We come to see ourselves and others as human beings, manifesting based on many conditions. By practicing like this, we cultivate our capacity to love.

On Acceptance: New Year’s Eve Talk — Br Pháp Hữu — Plum Village France

What is the spiritual meaning of Christmas in our times? In a society of consumerism where we can easily feel alienated, we are longing for an atmosphere of simplicity and love. If the most important element of Christmas is our brotherhood, sisterhood, and siblinghood, then how can we practice in order to generate this true kind of love?  Sister Chan Duc (True Virtue) shares how love is made of understanding. To truly love someone, we need to understand that person. And to understand them, we need to have good communication based on deep listening, loving speech, and openness. This journey starts by coming back inside of ourselves to listen to our own pain, rather than blaming someone for it.  As we walk on the path of understanding and love, we can also keep in mind that understanding is boundless. We always learn something new about the other person and by doing so, we also learn more about ourselves. We learn to see what is not immediately visible in us and in others, and our understanding and love grow more and more each day. 

What is the spiritual meaning of Christmas in our times? In a society of consumerism where we can easily feel alienated, we are longing for an atmosphere of simplicity and love. If the most important element of Christmas is our brotherhood, sisterhood, and siblinghood, then how can we practice in order to generate this true kind of love? Sister Chan Duc (True Virtue) shares how love is made of understanding. To truly love someone, we need to understand that person. And to understand them, we need to have good communication based on deep listening, loving speech, and openness. This journey starts by coming back inside of ourselves to listen to our own pain, rather than blaming someone for it. As we walk on the path of understanding and love, we can also keep in mind that understanding is boundless. We always learn something new about the other person and by doing so, we also learn more about ourselves. We learn to see what is not immediately visible in us and in others, and our understanding and love grow more and more each day.

Simplicity, Love and Understanding — Sr Chân Đức

In Zen, we often say that the moment of death is the moment that reveals how we have been practicing. Indeed, the fear of dying is the base for all other fears. As practitioners, death should be an object of our contemplation.   Sister Insight shares her experience of practicing in a way that helps her to let go of clinging, of suffering and of perceptions. Contemplating death brings us back to what is most essential in life and helps us to live each day fully and meaningfully. We become determined to live our life with kindness and love and to savor every moment.   Experiencing the death of a beloved one, or grieving over the state of our planet, are also difficult moments in our lives. Even though there is the teaching of impermanence, a loved one’s passing still is a loss. And in addition to the loss, we might be struggling with guilt and regret inside of our heart.   Sister Insight shares her personal experience of having gone through the loss of her mother and her teacher. Taking refuge in the Sangha, getting in touch with Mother Earth, taking refuge in the island of self and dwelling in the present moment, were the four key practices that helped her. Below are some reflection questions and home practices to help us bring the teachings from Sister Insight’s talk into daily life.  1. Letting go of guilt and regret “When our loved ones die, it is our guilt and regret that eat into us.” (Sister Insight) Look into the causes and conditions that came together to contribute to the situation that you regret or feel guilty about. Is it really “you” and “you” alone who was responsible?Write a letter to our loved ones who have passed away and express your regret.What were their joys, passions, and dreams? How can you continue to live those joys, passions, and fulfill their dreams?Offer your love and care to those who are alive, right by your side, and you will experience what Thay means by “In true love, there is no separation between the lover and the beloved”. 2. Going through grief and loss Take refuge in the sangha, in a community of practice. Get in touch with Mother Earth and see the interbeing of the elements inside and outside of ourselves. Breathe mindfully, stay present, see clearly, and do not run away from or suppress emotions.Recognize the stories that are the “second arrows” –  smile to them and let them go.

In Zen, we often say that the moment of death is the moment that reveals how we have been practicing. Indeed, the fear of dying is the base for all other fears. As practitioners, death should be an object of our contemplation. Sister Insight shares her experience of practicing in a way that helps her to let go of clinging, of suffering and of perceptions. Contemplating death brings us back to what is most essential in life and helps us to live each day fully and meaningfully. We become determined to live our life with kindness and love and to savor every moment. Experiencing the death of a beloved one, or grieving over the state of our planet, are also difficult moments in our lives. Even though there is the teaching of impermanence, a loved one’s passing still is a loss. And in addition to the loss, we might be struggling with guilt and regret inside of our heart. Sister Insight shares her personal experience of having gone through the loss of her mother and her teacher. Taking refuge in the Sangha, getting in touch with Mother Earth, taking refuge in the island of self and dwelling in the present moment, were the four key practices that helped her. Below are some reflection questions and home practices to help us bring the teachings from Sister Insight’s talk into daily life.  1. Letting go of guilt and regret “When our loved ones die, it is our guilt and regret that eat into us.” (Sister Insight) <ul><li>Look into the causes and conditions that came together to contribute to the situation that you regret or feel guilty about. Is it really “you” and “you” alone who was responsible?</li><li>Write a letter to our loved ones who have passed away and express your regret.</li><li>What were their joys, passions, and dreams? How can you continue to live those joys, passions, and fulfill their dreams?</li><li>Offer your love and care to those who are alive, right by your side, and you will experience what Thay means by “In true love, there is no separation between the lover and the beloved”.</li></ul> 2. Going through grief and loss <ul><li>Take refuge in the sangha, in a community of practice. </li><li>Get in touch with Mother Earth and see the interbeing of the elements inside and outside of ourselves. </li><li>Breathe mindfully, stay present, see clearly, and do not run away from or suppress emotions.</li><li>Recognize the stories that are the “second arrows” –  smile to them and let them go.</li></ul>

On Grief and Loss — Sr Tuệ Nghiêm — Plum Village France

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Practicing the Six Harmonies is a deep practice to ensure a long life in the Sangha and continue on the path of transformation with our spiritual friends, even when facing difficulties in communication.  If we are still unable to deeply connect with another person through the heart, maybe because of unresolved conflict, we can still practice to offer simple material gifts or a smile, to open the path of transformation wider.   It is also important to learn to express our needs and thoughts with one another to increase understanding. We can learn to do so with gentleness, openness, while remaining firm and solid. We can also deepen our practice of the Five Mindfulness Trainings with our loved ones to help with this.  It is easier to practice when there is harmony in the sangha or with loved ones, although it is not always possible. When it is not possible, “60% of harmony is good enough”. With faith in our practice of mindfulness, we know that transformation is always possible, and we can continue to take solid steps on our path.

Practicing the Six Harmonies is a deep practice to ensure a long life in the Sangha and continue on the path of transformation with our spiritual friends, even when facing difficulties in communication. If we are still unable to deeply connect with another person through the heart, maybe because of unresolved conflict, we can still practice to offer simple material gifts or a smile, to open the path of transformation wider. It is also important to learn to express our needs and thoughts with one another to increase understanding. We can learn to do so with gentleness, openness, while remaining firm and solid. We can also deepen our practice of the Five Mindfulness Trainings with our loved ones to help with this. It is easier to practice when there is harmony in the sangha or with loved ones, although it is not always possible. When it is not possible, “60% of harmony is good enough”. With faith in our practice of mindfulness, we know that transformation is always possible, and we can continue to take solid steps on our path.

In Harmony on Our Path — Br Dai Giac — Plum Village France

Are you aware of your body in daily life? Do you take time to pause and relax between activities? How do you start your day? Do you take a moment to touch a feeling of gratitude and joy for being alive?  Let’s explore these and many more questions as we are gently guided by one of the eldest disciples of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh – Sr. Tu Nghiem (Sr. Elleni). As a practitioner, we need to know how to nourish our body and mind with beauty through what we consume with our senses. We need to be aware of our body and mind, in order to recognize what causes us well-being and ill-being, so we can choose the direction in which we want to go. The Four Noble Truths and the Five Mindfulness Trainings will help us to live in a healthy, ethical and balanced way. They show us very concrete ways to help reduce the suffering around us.  

Are you aware of your body in daily life? Do you take time to pause and relax between activities? How do you start your day? Do you take a moment to touch a feeling of gratitude and joy for being alive? Let’s explore these and many more questions as we are gently guided by one of the eldest disciples of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh – Sr. Tu Nghiem (Sr. Elleni). As a practitioner, we need to know how to nourish our body and mind with beauty through what we consume with our senses. We need to be aware of our body and mind, in order to recognize what causes us well-being and ill-being, so we can choose the direction in which we want to go. The Four Noble Truths and the Five Mindfulness Trainings will help us to live in a healthy, ethical and balanced way. They show us very concrete ways to help reduce the suffering around us.

Mindful, Caring Consumption — Sr Từ Nghiêm — Plum Village France

What do you truly want for your life? Knowing this becomes a source of energy on our path. When we see our path clearly, we are no longer afraid.  Mindfulness is the energy of awareness that enables us to apply the practice in our daily life. This allows us to live our life in a way that is in line with our aspirations. We need to train ourselves to let go of our thinking and come back to our body and our breath.  Words for reflections from Sr. Tuệ Nghiêm: 1. What are your aspirations? What are your life’s purposes? 2. How do you practice to realize your aspirations? 3. What are the activities in your daily life that could become Dharma Doors to help you wake up and dwell deeply in the present moment? 4. Practice the mantra: Breathe, Smile, Accept.

What do you truly want for your life? Knowing this becomes a source of energy on our path. When we see our path clearly, we are no longer afraid. Mindfulness is the energy of awareness that enables us to apply the practice in our daily life. This allows us to live our life in a way that is in line with our aspirations. We need to train ourselves to let go of our thinking and come back to our body and our breath. Words for reflections from Sr. Tuệ Nghiêm: 1. What are your aspirations? What are your life’s purposes? 2. How do you practice to realize your aspirations? 3. What are the activities in your daily life that could become Dharma Doors to help you wake up and dwell deeply in the present moment? 4. Practice the mantra: Breathe, Smile, Accept.

Breathe, Smile and Accept — Sr Tuệ Nghiêm — Plum Village France

Br. Minh Hy invites us to connect to great ancestral teachers who played a very important role in Thầy’s journey of renewing Buddhism. Inspired by their example, we can improve and refine our own practice, with faith and perseverance. We can make their practice come to life as we apply it to our current times, as Thầy has done throughout his life.  Indeed, the ancient Buddhist wisdom on the mind and the way out of suffering is timeless: the challenges of our society have their roots in afflictions that lie within our own mind. Learning to understand it, and to find appropriate practices for ourselves, is the way out of suffering.   This Dharma Talk was offered on the Memorial day of our Ancestral Teacher, Master Nhật Định, founder of our teacher Thầy’s root temple in Huê, Vietnam.  Reflection Questions &amp; Home Practices   1. Note down the occurrences during the day when you are able to hold back words that may hurt others. How does it feel immediately and afterwards? How does it affect the people around you?   2. “Mindfulness of love and gratitude help us untie the internal knots” (Br. Minh Hy). Looking deeply into a situation in your life, are you able to see the myriad causes and conditions that have brought it about? Can you feel gratitude for some of those causes and conditions? 

Br. Minh Hy invites us to connect to great ancestral teachers who played a very important role in Thầy’s journey of renewing Buddhism. Inspired by their example, we can improve and refine our own practice, with faith and perseverance. We can make their practice come to life as we apply it to our current times, as Thầy has done throughout his life. Indeed, the ancient Buddhist wisdom on the mind and the way out of suffering is timeless: the challenges of our society have their roots in afflictions that lie within our own mind. Learning to understand it, and to find appropriate practices for ourselves, is the way out of suffering. This Dharma Talk was offered on the Memorial day of our Ancestral Teacher, Master Nhật Định, founder of our teacher Thầy’s root temple in Huê, Vietnam. Reflection Questions &amp; Home Practices 1. Note down the occurrences during the day when you are able to hold back words that may hurt others. How does it feel immediately and afterwards? How does it affect the people around you? 2. “Mindfulness of love and gratitude help us untie the internal knots” (Br. Minh Hy). Looking deeply into a situation in your life, are you able to see the myriad causes and conditions that have brought it about? Can you feel gratitude for some of those causes and conditions?

Mindfulness of Love and Gratitude — Br Minh Hy — Plum Village France

Sister Thuận Nghiêm (Sister Harmony) takes us along her life-long journey of transforming her way of thinking and speaking with the practice. She shares many true stories about the importance of checking our perceptions and speaking more humbly and lovingly.  The impact of our speech is immediate and wide. The quality of our relationships and of our inner peace depend a great deal on our way of speaking. This is also true of peace in the world. “We can start a war with words.” Speaking, as well as listening, is an art. Thanks to our daily practice and the support of our community, we can learn to speak in a completely different way. Our words don’t need to come from a place of hurt and blindly follow our habit energies anymore. They can become an expression of our mindfulness and love, inspiring and touching the hearts of many people.   Reflection Questions (approved by Sr. Thuan Nghiem)   1. Words that inspire confidence, joy, hope  During the day, note three occasions when your words inspired confidence, joy, or hope. How did you feel afterwards? What were the conditions that allowed you to speak lovingly?2. Shedding leaves  As we observe the dancing Autumn leaves around us, what are the leaves we can shed in our life to lighten our load? Perhaps certain possessions, ideas, projects, habits…?  3. A day of “Forget-you-not”  When you come together with sangha friends for an Evening or a Day of Mindfulness, how do you help each other to cultivate a concentrated energy of mindfulness, rather than a dispersed energy of a “flea market”?

Sister Thuận Nghiêm (Sister Harmony) takes us along her life-long journey of transforming her way of thinking and speaking with the practice. She shares many true stories about the importance of checking our perceptions and speaking more humbly and lovingly. The impact of our speech is immediate and wide. The quality of our relationships and of our inner peace depend a great deal on our way of speaking. This is also true of peace in the world. “We can start a war with words.” Speaking, as well as listening, is an art. Thanks to our daily practice and the support of our community, we can learn to speak in a completely different way. Our words don’t need to come from a place of hurt and blindly follow our habit energies anymore. They can become an expression of our mindfulness and love, inspiring and touching the hearts of many people. Reflection Questions (approved by Sr. Thuan Nghiem) 1. Words that inspire confidence, joy, hope During the day, note three occasions when your words inspired confidence, joy, or hope. How did you feel afterwards? What were the conditions that allowed you to speak lovingly? 2. Shedding leaves As we observe the dancing Autumn leaves around us, what are the leaves we can shed in our life to lighten our load? Perhaps certain possessions, ideas, projects, habits…? 3. A day of “Forget-you-not” When you come together with sangha friends for an Evening or a Day of Mindfulness, how do you help each other to cultivate a concentrated energy of mindfulness, rather than a dispersed energy of a “flea market”?

Peace, Reconciliation and Harmony with Right Speech — Sr Thuận Nghiêm — Plum Village France

“Do not abandon your aspiration too early!”  Through her own experience of fearlessness, hope, compassion, anger, and despair during the war in Vietnam, Sr. Chan Khong shares how she transformed unwholesome seeds through mindfulness practices in our Plum Village tradition.   Touching on difficult topics such as suicide, alcoholism and self judgements, Sr. Chan Khong showers us with practice songs and stories that touch the seeds of hope and transformation. Like a loving grandmother, she offers a lived wisdom of the Dharma and deep faith with openness. She emphasized the importance of choosing appropriate mindfulness practices that work for us given our personal preferences and circumstances, including hugging meditation, walking meditation, chopping vegetables, cooking, singing, dancing etc… 

“Do not abandon your aspiration too early!” Through her own experience of fearlessness, hope, compassion, anger, and despair during the war in Vietnam, Sr. Chan Khong shares how she transformed unwholesome seeds through mindfulness practices in our Plum Village tradition. Touching on difficult topics such as suicide, alcoholism and self judgements, Sr. Chan Khong showers us with practice songs and stories that touch the seeds of hope and transformation. Like a loving grandmother, she offers a lived wisdom of the Dharma and deep faith with openness. She emphasized the importance of choosing appropriate mindfulness practices that work for us given our personal preferences and circumstances, including hugging meditation, walking meditation, chopping vegetables, cooking, singing, dancing etc…

Wisdom, Hope, Faith — Sr Chan Khong — Plum Village France

“Mindfulness of breathing is the great vehicle used by buddhas to save beings who are drifting.” – Master Khương Tăng Hội Meditation Master Khương Tăng Hội, the first patriarch of Zen in Vietnam, was a great source of inspiration for our teacher Thầy to practice and develop Engaged Buddhism. In this talk by Sr. Hội Nghiêm (English translation by Sr. Lăng Nghiêm) on the master’s Memorial Day, we learn how mindful breathing helps us to take care of our body and mind, to gradually let go of all afflictions and views that bind us. Practicing mindfulness in our daily life enables us to keep balance on our path of service. As our hearts become more free, our activism also gains a new, deeper dimension. Sources: Discourse on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness: https://plumvillage.org/library/sutras/discourse-on-the-four-establishments-of-mindfulness/  Discourse on the Full Awareness of Breathing: https://plumvillage.org/library/sutras/discourse-on-the-full-awareness-of-breathing/  Master Tăng Hội, book written by Thầy:  https://plumvillage.org/books/master-tang-hoi/  To watch the talk in Vietnamese (xem pháp thoại tiếng việt):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh2Bvs9KcBs

“Mindfulness of breathing is the great vehicle used by buddhas to save beings who are drifting.” – Master Khương Tăng Hội Meditation Master Khương Tăng Hội, the first patriarch of Zen in Vietnam, was a great source of inspiration for our teacher Thầy to practice and develop Engaged Buddhism. In this talk by Sr. Hội Nghiêm (English translation by Sr. Lăng Nghiêm) on the master’s Memorial Day, we learn how mindful breathing helps us to take care of our body and mind, to gradually let go of all afflictions and views that bind us. Practicing mindfulness in our daily life enables us to keep balance on our path of service. As our hearts become more free, our activism also gains a new, deeper dimension. Sources: Discourse on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness: <a href="https://plumvillage.org/library/sutras/discourse-on-the-four-establishments-of-mindfulness/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://plumvillage.org/library/sutras/discourse-on-the-four-establishments-of-mindfulness/</a> Discourse on the Full Awareness of Breathing: <a href="https://plumvillage.org/library/sutras/discourse-on-the-full-awareness-of-breathing/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://plumvillage.org/library/sutras/discourse-on-the-full-awareness-of-breathing/</a> Master Tăng Hội, book written by Thầy: <a href="https://plumvillage.org/books/master-tang-hoi/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://plumvillage.org/books/master-tang-hoi/</a> To watch the talk in Vietnamese (xem pháp thoại tiếng việt): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh2Bvs9KcBs" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh2Bvs9KcBs</a>

The Foundation of our Activism — Sr Hội Nghiêm — Plum Village France

Is Plum Village “engaged” enough today? Is our daily practice of mindfulness an appropriate answer to the problems our world is facing? If we look deeply at current issues such as war, injustice, or the climate crisis, we can understand their connection with our ways of thinking, speaking and acting. In this panel, Br. Pháp Hữu, Br. Pháp Linh, and Sr. Hiến Nghiêm share their insights on Applied and Engaged Buddhism, drawing on our teacher’s life as a peace activist and a community builder. Our teacher believed that deep understanding can only come about when we practice together as a Sangha, generating a powerful energy of mindfulness and concentration, giving rise to great insight. The power to help with compassion and resilience can be found within each one of us.  Sources for further reading: In the following books, Thay shows us how we can bring about the radical change that our world needs: – The World We Have – Love letters to the Earth – Zen and the art of saving the Planet 

Is Plum Village “engaged” enough today? Is our daily practice of mindfulness an appropriate answer to the problems our world is facing? If we look deeply at current issues such as war, injustice, or the climate crisis, we can understand their connection with our ways of thinking, speaking and acting. In this panel, Br. Pháp Hữu, Br. Pháp Linh, and Sr. Hiến Nghiêm share their insights on Applied and Engaged Buddhism, drawing on our teacher’s life as a peace activist and a community builder. Our teacher believed that deep understanding can only come about when we practice together as a Sangha, generating a powerful energy of mindfulness and concentration, giving rise to great insight. The power to help with compassion and resilience can be found within each one of us. Sources for further reading: In the following books, Thay shows us how we can bring about the radical change that our world needs: – The World We Have – Love letters to the Earth – Zen and the art of saving the Planet

Active Response to Suffering — Sr Hiến Nghiêm, Br Pháp Linh, Br Pháp Hữu — Plum Village France

Nourishing ourselves with positive elements gives us the strength to heal from suffering. Without nourishment, we cannot heal. The more we are aware of suffering, the more important it is to dwell peacefully, happily, and with compassion in the present moment. The present moment becomes a refuge preventing us from drowning in collective suffering. It gives us faith to move on and take action from a place of love.   Coming back to the present moment is already engaged Buddhsim. It is a daily training. Coming back to our breathing, listening to the bell, walking mindfully… are all practices that help us to generate the energy of mindfulness.  *******  Suggested Practice from Brother Pháp Ứng  Each day for one week, whenever you stop to breathe, put a hand on the heart and smiling, quietly say to yourself:   “I am loved I am complete I am nourishing and healing myself Healing begins with myself right here, right now” 

Nourishing ourselves with positive elements gives us the strength to heal from suffering. Without nourishment, we cannot heal. The more we are aware of suffering, the more important it is to dwell peacefully, happily, and with compassion in the present moment. The present moment becomes a refuge preventing us from drowning in collective suffering. It gives us faith to move on and take action from a place of love. Coming back to the present moment is already engaged Buddhsim. It is a daily training. Coming back to our breathing, listening to the bell, walking mindfully… are all practices that help us to generate the energy of mindfulness. ******* Suggested Practice from Brother Pháp Ứng Each day for one week, whenever you stop to breathe, put a hand on the heart and smiling, quietly say to yourself: “I am loved I am complete I am nourishing and healing myself Healing begins with myself right here, right now”

The Healing Power of Peace and Happiness — Br Pháp Ứng — Plum Village France

Every moment can be a moment of applied mindfulness that helps us to understand ourselves better.  In this first talk of the 2022 Rains Retreat, Sr. Chan Duc (“Sister True Virtue”) reminds us of the preciousness of having the opportunity to practice together for three months.   As human beings, we have a deep tendency to believe in a separate self and to strive in order to protect ourselves. Our non-stop thinking comes from this instinct of self-preservation. It stops us from being in touch with the wonders of life and the nature of interconnectedness of all that is.   Sr. Chan Duc shares ways that allow us to calm down our thinking and come back to the present moment.  We need a calm and clear mind in order to help relieve the suffering of the world without being carried away.*Majjhima Nikāya 20 The Removal of Distracting Thoughts (Sutra quoted by Sr. Chan Duc during the talk)************  Practices for daily mindfully living mindfully from Sr. Từ Nghiêm based on Sr. Chan Duc’s talk 1.   In the morning while waking up, silently recite the gatha:   Waking up this morning I smile 24 brand new hours are before me I vow to live deeply in each moment And to look at all beings with the eyes of compassion.    This gatha when recited as your first thoughts of the day sets your mind in the direction of positive and Right Thinking – to live mindfully and look at people and situations with understanding and compassion.  2.    During the day:   Walking mindfully – to refresh the mind and renew mindfulness energy, and to ground you during challenging moments.  Each step in peace is a nourishment. Walk just to walk. If we walk without thinking, it calms the mind and body.3.   In the evening:   Think of one person or situation to whom you feel gratitude and appreciation. “I feel grateful for…”   Write it down in a gratitude notebook and come back to these gems when the mind meanders to negative realms.   Find creative ways to infuse your day with mindfulness. Return to the present moment again and again. 

Every moment can be a moment of applied mindfulness that helps us to understand ourselves better. In this first talk of the 2022 Rains Retreat, Sr. Chan Duc (“Sister True Virtue”) reminds us of the preciousness of having the opportunity to practice together for three months. As human beings, we have a deep tendency to believe in a separate self and to strive in order to protect ourselves. Our non-stop thinking comes from this instinct of self-preservation. It stops us from being in touch with the wonders of life and the nature of interconnectedness of all that is. Sr. Chan Duc shares ways that allow us to calm down our thinking and come back to the present moment. We need a calm and clear mind in order to help relieve the suffering of the world without being carried away. *Majjhima Nikāya 20 The Removal of Distracting Thoughts (Sutra quoted by Sr. Chan Duc during the talk) ************ Practices for daily mindfully living mindfully from Sr. Từ Nghiêm based on Sr. Chan Duc’s talk 1. In the morning while waking up, silently recite the gatha: Waking up this morning I smile 24 brand new hours are before me I vow to live deeply in each moment And to look at all beings with the eyes of compassion. This gatha when recited as your first thoughts of the day sets your mind in the direction of positive and Right Thinking – to live mindfully and look at people and situations with understanding and compassion. 2. During the day: Walking mindfully – to refresh the mind and renew mindfulness energy, and to ground you during challenging moments. Each step in peace is a nourishment. Walk just to walk. If we walk without thinking, it calms the mind and body. 3. In the evening: Think of one person or situation to whom you feel gratitude and appreciation. “I feel grateful for…” Write it down in a gratitude notebook and come back to these gems when the mind meanders to negative realms. Find creative ways to infuse your day with mindfulness. Return to the present moment again and again.

Taking Care of the Mind with Right Thinking — Sr Chân Đức — Plum Village France

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Dang Nghiem

The Diamond Sutra — Sr Dang Nghiem — Deer Park Monastery

Earth Holder Retreat Orientation — Br Nguyen Luc, Sr Mẫn Nghiêm — Deer Park Monastery

On Suffering and Happiness — Br Pháp Lưu — Plum Village France

“Buddha field: a field of awakening, the country of the present moment. When we think about Plum Village we feel joyful already. Even if we are not physically here—maybe we’re watching this online—but we feel like we’re getting in touch with the ‘Buddha ksetra’: a kind of field of awakening. It’s not only the words of the talk, or that particular monk or nun who is giving the talk, but it is rather feeling connected to a field of awakening, a place where this is understanding and compassion, where people smile to each another, people have hope and understanding—the kind of place where I think we would all like to live. When we think about Plum Village we think about a place like that, and that place is already there in our heart. The possibility of removing the dagger in our heart is suddenly manifested, because we see that happiness is possible, joy is possible.”

“Buddha field: a field of awakening, the country of the present moment. When we think about Plum Village we feel joyful already. Even if we are not physically here—maybe we’re watching this online—but we feel like we’re getting in touch with the ‘Buddha ksetra’: a kind of field of awakening. It’s not only the words of the talk, or that particular monk or nun who is giving the talk, but it is rather feeling connected to a field of awakening, a place where this is understanding and compassion, where people smile to each another, people have hope and understanding—the kind of place where I think we would all like to live. When we think about Plum Village we think about a place like that, and that place is already there in our heart. The possibility of removing the dagger in our heart is suddenly manifested, because we see that happiness is possible, joy is possible.”

Establishing a Buddha Field — Br Pháp Lưu — Plum Village France

Questions & Answers – Earth Holder Retreat — Br Pháp Lai, Br Ngo Khong, Sr Kính Nghiêm — Deer Park Monastery

Brother Ngo Khong shares about habit energies, strong emotions and how to transform them.

Brother Ngo Khong shares about habit energies, strong emotions and how to transform them.

Taming The Tiger Within — Br Ngo Khong — Deer Park Monastery

“Even if you don’t call yourself an environmentalist but you take good care of your body, then you are taking good care of Mother Earth. Some people say that they lose trust in their body when they become sick, but I gain trust in my body when I become sick. It is a chance for me to come back and look deeply into my body. Now we are going through a pandemic, which certainly has something to do with how we are living on the Earth. Will we change the way we live on the Earth?” Sr. Chân Đức speaks about accepting unpleasant feelings as part of life, how everything is always in a wondrous state of change, and how we can practice in moments of uncertainty to see that we already have more than enough conditions to be happy.

“Even if you don’t call yourself an environmentalist but you take good care of your body, then you are taking good care of Mother Earth. Some people say that they lose trust in their body when they become sick, but I gain trust in my body when I become sick. It is a chance for me to come back and look deeply into my body. Now we are going through a pandemic, which certainly has something to do with how we are living on the Earth. Will we change the way we live on the Earth?” Sr. Chân Đức speaks about accepting unpleasant feelings as part of life, how everything is always in a wondrous state of change, and how we can practice in moments of uncertainty to see that we already have more than enough conditions to be happy.

Compassion is Non-Local — Sr Chân Đức — Plum Village France

These days, our attention is focused on the tightening restrictions to our daily lives, or on the people working the frontlines and putting their lives at risk. In doing so, we have forgotten another life-changing event that is about to happen for teenagers across the country, and around the world: high school graduation.  In this talk, we explore how – even in the midst of great uncertainty and upheaval – you can still be the people you planned to be after graduating – you can still change the world for the better. There are new ways, undiscovered ways, to implement the diplomas you will soon receive. And you don’t have to walk across a stage to get your diploma, or dance it out at prom to feel the culmination of growing up together. There are ways that you can shine that you may not have anticipated, and society itself didn’t see coming – but now is the time to shine brightly and for the benefit of everyone around you.  You as a generation have been through crisis not once but many times. In fact, you are already strong – stronger than you think you are. And this moment is an opportunity to build on that strength that is already a part of you, to add to it a soft and kind-hearted awareness that this is a new kind of togetherness that we now have the opportunity to embrace. History will remember you as heroes or sheroes for your strength and resilience, for cherishing what is most important and making a future possible. 

These days, our attention is focused on the tightening restrictions to our daily lives, or on the people working the frontlines and putting their lives at risk. In doing so, we have forgotten another life-changing event that is about to happen for teenagers across the country, and around the world: high school graduation. In this talk, we explore how – even in the midst of great uncertainty and upheaval – you can still be the people you planned to be after graduating – you can still change the world for the better. There are new ways, undiscovered ways, to implement the diplomas you will soon receive. And you don’t have to walk across a stage to get your diploma, or dance it out at prom to feel the culmination of growing up together. There are ways that you can shine that you may not have anticipated, and society itself didn’t see coming – but now is the time to shine brightly and for the benefit of everyone around you. You as a generation have been through crisis not once but many times. In fact, you are already strong – stronger than you think you are. And this moment is an opportunity to build on that strength that is already a part of you, to add to it a soft and kind-hearted awareness that this is a new kind of togetherness that we now have the opportunity to embrace. History will remember you as heroes or sheroes for your strength and resilience, for cherishing what is most important and making a future possible.

Class of 2020, This Is, Actually, Your Moment — Sr Boi Nghiem — Magnolia Grove Monastery

Compassion and Connection Amidst Covid-19 Isolation — Br Pháp Lưu — Plum Village France

This talk was given to a monastic audience on a day of mindfulness closed due to coronavirus. Guided meditation from Joanna Macy’s “World as Lover, World as Self”.

This talk was given to a monastic audience on a day of mindfulness closed due to coronavirus. Guided meditation from Joanna Macy’s “World as Lover, World as Self”.

A Time of Collective Turning — Br Pháp Hộ — Deer Park Monastery

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