The Energy of Mindfulness and Building a Real Sangha

Thầy begins by explaining what it means to practice mindfulness, comparing it to solar energy that we can generate and store within ourselves. He proposes the practice of gāthās—short verses that help us maintain mindfulness throughout daily activities like opening doors, brushing teeth, and putting on a jacket. Recalling his early novice life in the monastery—where there was no running water, electricity, or indoor plumbing—he shares how a single lesson from his master on mindfully closing a door stayed with him for life. Mindfulness practice helps us generate joy while recognizing, embracing, and transforming our pain, fear, and anger.

Thầy then explores what constitutes a true Sangha, emphasizing that the most important contribution anyone can offer the community is generating the energy of mindfulness. When people practice together, their collective energy grows strong, generating happiness and offering a supportive environment to transform individual suffering. Within a real Sangha, one can touch the living Buddha and living Dharma, moving from being a part-time buddha to a full-time buddha. Maintaining this practice long-term requires a Sangha; by practicing together, we transform our own suffering while helping our ancestors and future generations as a bodhisattva.

This talk was given on a Day of Mindfulness during the Spring Retreat in the year 2012. Thầy offered this retreat at the Lower Hamlet, Plum Village, France.