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Discourse on the Full Awareness of Breathing - The Practice of the Body

Thich Nhat Hanh · October 26, 2004 · Upper Hamlet, Plum Village, France · Monastic talk
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In the Sangha, consensus in views is the most precious method for building happiness and making collective decisions:

  1. “View” is not only what we see but must also go together with action, so novices, both male and female, as well as bhikshus and bhikshunis, are all encouraged to express their opinions, regardless of hesitation or age.
  2. The guiding teacher has the responsibility to lead and create opportunities for the younger ones to express themselves, and the elder brothers and sisters need to be transparent, explain the reasons for their opinions, and at the same time open their hearts to receive other voices.
  3. Through the harmony of views (for example, in the matter of cooking rice in Upper Hamlet), the Sangha can reach a collective decision, joy, and true understanding.

Practicing mindfulness of breathing based on the 16 breaths corresponding to the Four Foundations of Mindfulness:

  1. The first four breaths (recognizing and calming the body): recognizing—calming—embracing the whole body—releasing tension.
  2. The next four breaths (feelings): joy, happiness, recognizing feelings, calming feelings.
  3. The following breaths are directed toward mental formations (the 49 mental formations) and dharmas (objects of mind), helping to recognize, regulate, and to transform.
    Practice with wisdom, not mechanically, so that the breath naturally transforms tension into peace, nourishing joy and happiness from letting go, mindfulness, and concentration.
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Walking Meditation: Discourse 7

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