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Dharma Talk and Closing Ceremony of the Summer Retreat 93
*Practicing mindfulness through breathing and sound begins with the song “Returning to the island within” in rhythm with the breath: “Returning” as you breathe in, “to the island” as you breathe out. Only one person sings, accompanied by violin, accordion, or fiddle, with Sister Chan Duc keeping time (raising her hand to inhale, lowering it to exhale). The English version “I am free” is sung aloud twice, then the group continues to breathe and hum quietly in rhythm until the second round of singing aloud begins. This method harmonizes body and mind, bringing peace and stillness before the Dharma talk.
*The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of the path of transformation of suffering:
- The truth of suffering – recognizing suffering as a reality.
- The truth of the origin of suffering – understanding the causes of suffering.
- The truth of the cessation of suffering – the hope of transcending suffering.
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The truth of the path – the path of healing that leads to liberation.
This teaching is likened to “the science of spiritual healing,” helping us to see that true happiness is only possible when there is real freedom, that is, liberation from fear, anger, and ignorance.
*Deep understanding of impermanence (Anicca) and non-self (Anatta) leads to the insight of interbeing – neither one nor different. Contemplating impermanence as the key that opens the door to reality, we see that all phenomena are constantly changing and interpenetrating: “In you there is me, and in me there is you.” Practicing with each breath, each step, and each moment of mindfulness, we untie the bonds of suffering, arrive at fearlessness, and live in true freedom and happiness.