We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track. If this problem persists help us by reporting it so we can investigate it.
Watch this talk
Login or create a free account to watch this talk and discover other teachings from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Log in or create an account
Composting Suffering into Compassion
Suffering is an essential component for growth and the capacity to experience happiness, serving as a kind of compost from which compassion is born. Without being in touch with suffering, compassion cannot arise, and the amount of happiness one possesses depends on the amount of compassion within. Understanding the suffering of people, the planet, and the ecosystem is necessary to relate to life and avoid the destruction caused by craving and ignorance.
Time is life rather than money, and using it solely to pursue the five elements of sensual pleasure—money, sex, fame, good food, and sleeping—prevents one from getting in touch with true happiness. The Dharma acts as a medicine to remove the fever caused by craving, anger, and fear. This living Dharma is expressed through daily activities such as:
- Walking
- Sitting
- Smiling
- Breathing
- Dishwashing
- Garden tending
The sound of the bell serves as the voice of the Buddha nature within, calling us back to our true home in the here and now. By practicing shamatha (stopping) and vipashyana (inquiring), such as turning off the television to communicate sincerely with a partner, we can look deeply into the causes of our suffering. Just as a gardener transforms garbage into compost for flowers, the Five Mindfulness Trainings and the practice of Beginning Anew allow us to embrace and transform our suffering into peace and joy.
Part of the following collection
Transforming Anger into Compassionate Action