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Dharma Talk in Huế (2)
Today’s Dharma talk begins by identifying the First Noble Truth—dukkha—through the stress and unease that accumulate in our body and mind as a result of a life that is too busy, with too many demands. Practicing mindfulness of breathing (as taught in the Anapanasati Sutra, third exercise) helps us to recognize and release tension right in the present moment. There are two ways to address stress:
- Immediate methods such as Deep Relaxation meditation or mindful breathing for instant relief;
- Long-term methods, which include changing our way of living, organizing our daily schedule, practicing walking meditation with each step (“each step is life, a miracle, healing, freedom”), practicing mindful driving (a red light as a mindfulness bell), and washing the dishes in mindfulness (washing the dishes can also be a happy time).
The orientation for practice is presented through the Four Noble Truths:
- The First Noble Truth: specifically naming the suffering—tension, unease, anger, children committing suicide (12,000 young people per year in France), running away from home (40,000 cases per year, with 6–7,000 lured through the internet)
- The Second Noble Truth: the causes of suffering (a hurried life, blocked communication, delusion, anxiety, fear)
- The Third Noble Truth: the cessation of suffering, which is the birth of happiness and peace
- The Fourth Noble Truth: the path of liberation through the practice of mindfulness, sitting meditation, walking meditation, deep listening, loving speech, and organizing the Sangha as a “mini-society” to support each other in living freely.
In addition, the talk expands the vision to include society and the environment:
- We need to reduce at least 50% of animal agriculture (United Nations), so we should eat vegetarian at least 15 days a month (the practice of “thap ngu trai”)
- Practice “car-free day” (one day a week without cars) and “electricity-free day” (one day without electricity)
- Plum Village in the United States has accumulated 60,000 car-free days, uses solar energy, vehicles running on vegetable oil, grows organic vegetables, and makes compost… The lay Sangha responds by making the aspiration to eat vegetarian 15 days a month and to have “car-free days” to protect the Earth.
