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.

Dharma Talk June 1996

Thich Nhat Hanh · June 16, 1996 · Plum Village, France
Feedback

Meditation requires the Three Trainings of liberation:

  • precepts, concentration, and insight – also called mindfulness, concentration, and insight. Concentration (samadhi) is dwelling peacefully in the present moment, in the here and now, where stillness begins, where the wounds within have a chance to heal, and the light of insight can shine forth.

When practicing meditation, there are two main methods:

  • calming meditation (Samatha): gathering the mind, quieting the waves of agitation in the conscious and store consciousness, allowing the wounds in body and mind to heal themselves
  • insight meditation (Vipassanā): looking deeply, seeing clearly the true nature of the object of contemplation – which can only truly succeed when calming meditation has already been established

Specific practices:

  • mindful breathing: breathing in to calm the emotions, breathing out to soothe the mind
  • walking meditation: each step is a stopping, caressing body and mind, nourishing peace for oneself, for ancestors and descendants
  • practicing “I have arrived, I am home”: letting go of all thoughts about the past and the future, dwelling fully in the present moment to heal and to nourish wisdom
read more
Previous Talk June 13, 1996
1h 22m

Meditation Practice

Next Talk June 20, 1996
1h 32m

Non-Self, Signlessness, and True Freedom in the Life of the Sangha