During the autumn retreat at Upper Hamlet, everyone practices shining light on each other, and each person will receive a shining light letter at the end of the retreat. Thay encourages compassion and loving speech, especially among laypeople and Buddhists. During the retreat, everyone learns about breathing, taking care of the body and emotions through various breathing exercises. The teachings contain common principles applied for transformative healing, which, although progressing slowly, are beneficial. Thich Nhat Hanh lectures on the history of Buddhism, the division of sects, and the teaching of the three bodies. He emphasizes that Buddhism is not just a religion but a practice of transforming body and mind, avoiding religious needs and fixed entities. He explains the law of cause and effect, reincarnation, and continuity in Buddhism. Schools such as the Sarvastivada, Sautrantika, and Vibhajyavada all contribute to the development of Buddhism, each with its own characteristics. He warns that if the teaching of non-self is not correctly understood, the sacred value of Buddhism will be lost.