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.

From War to Peace: A Journey of Mindfulness

Thich Nhat Hanh · July 31, 1996 · New Hamlet, Plum Village, France
Feedback

The devastations of war set the stage for a deeply human journey, highlighting how suffering and trauma can not only fracture the mind but also create fertile ground for spiritual growth. Traveling through landscapes of devastation to discover a bell tower in Prague that sings the melody of peace, to the echo of water droplets resonating the essence of ancient Europe, mindfulness reveals itself as the key to healing and deep connectivity. Through the prism of childhood, a quest for the Dharma on mountain paths and the meeting of imagination in a natural well - not with a hermit but with nature itself - are shared, illustrating the innate quest for peace and personal enlightenment.

This inner path is further explored through introspection that reveals the vital role of governing mental and emotional territories with mindfulness, transforming erroneous perceptions and mental formations. The practice of mindfulness is depicted not only as an intimate exploration and care of our mental and emotional landscapes but also as a bridge to world peace, showing how inner peace can spread to engender global harmony. By examining fundamental Buddhist concepts such as the five elements of existence and the dynamics of sensations, this journey highlights how, through the understanding and conscious management of our inner lives, we can unlock deep well-being and emotional balance, thus guiding the way to an enlightened and peaceful existence.

read more