Language

Watch this talk

Login or create a free account to watch this talk and discover other teachings from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

The title, description and transcript may contain inaccuracies.
Tech notes: poor sound with auto-gain and clipping

Baoguo Temple - Morning Dharma Talk

Thich Nhat Hanh · November 21, 2002 · Bao Guo Temple, China · Audio Only
Feedback

To meet the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, one must utilize the eyes of signlessness. Signlessness is one of the three doors of liberation, the others being emptiness and aimlessness. Perception is often based on signs, such as the form of a cloud. If attached to this sign, one suffers when the cloud transforms into rain, believing the cloud has died. However, with the eyes of signlessness, the cloud is recognized in its new forms of rain, snow, or tea. This insight applies to loved ones and the Buddha; one must release attachment to specific forms, such as the figure under the Bodhi tree, to meet the Buddha in the here and now. As the Diamond Sutra states, seeing the non-sign in the sign allows one to see the Tathagata.

A grain of corn planted in soil transforms into a plant, yet the grain has not died; it is present in the plant and the new seeds it produces. Similarly, ancestors and parents are fully present in every cell of the body, a fact supported by science and the Avatamsaka Sutra. The spiritual ancestor, the Buddha, is also present in every cell as the energy of mindfulness, concentration, and insight. This energy is cultivated through the Sutra on Mindfulness of Breathing, found in the Pali Canon and corresponding to the Chinese Sa-Ahan sutras 803, 810, and 815. Through practice, one’s hand becomes the hand of the Buddha, capable of touching and healing.

The nature of no birth and no death is illustrated by a flame, which comes from nowhere and goes nowhere, manifesting only when conditions are sufficient. Regarding rebirth, a candle offers light, heat, and fragrance. Similarly, human beings continuously offer three sources of energy, which constitute Karma:

  1. Thought
  2. Speech
  3. Physical action

These energies determine one’s continuation. By generating Right Thinking, Right Speech, and Right Action, one ensures a positive direction in the present moment and the future. The Buddha was reborn continuously during his lifetime through his practice and disciples. We are our continuation, and through the eyes of signlessness, it is clear that a human being never dies but only takes up new forms of manifestation.

read more

Part of the following collection

161 videos
250h 41m

Recently Added Talks

Curated by Jonas Czech
Previous Talk November 20, 2002
2h 4m

Emei Shan Bao Quoc Temple

Next Talk November 21, 2002
1h 55m

Afternoon Dharma Talk