Enjoying Life with the Gift of Non-Fear

Thay explains that people are afraid of being a non-being, of losing their identity, of dying, of becoming nothing. We also create a lot of dangers and more fears through misunderstanding, anger and craving. Through the many, sometimes unexpected, manifestations of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, this talk shows how understanding and compassionate actions can give the gift of non-fear. This is the greatest gift, with the power to heal suffering and transform despair into hope.

Thay also explains that we all exist in three interconnected dimensions: our Dharma body is in the ultimate dimension and is our true nature, our essence. Our human body (Retribution body) is shaped by Karma and manifests in this historical dimension. The third dimension is ‘Action’ – our purpose. Our body in the historical dimension may have a beginning and end, but our body in the ultimate dimension is indestructible. Once you can touch your Dharma body, you are no longer afraid of birth and death.

This was the eighth talk in a series of thirteen given during The Hands of the Buddha, twenty-one-day retreat in the year 2002. Thay offered this talk at the Upper Hamlet, Plum Village, France.