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Heart of the Buddha 16

Thich Nhat Hanh · September 24, 1996 · Upper Hamlet, Plum Village, France

Thay details the interbeing nature of mindfulness, consciousness, and compassionate living, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in nurturing our Buddha nature and our interconnectedness with all things. It highlights mindfulness of the body, feelings, and the fifty mental formations, recognizing their impermanence and interbeing nature. Understanding perceptions and transcending naive beliefs about external existence is crucial. The Noble Eightfold Path, including Right View, Right Livelihood, Right Mindfulness, Right Speech, Right Concentration, Right Thinking, Right Action, and Right Energy, is emphasized. Compassionate listening and mindful speech are vital for healing and restoring communication. Mindful consumption and recognizing the interconnectedness of actions prevent exploitation and promote social justice. Cultivating mindfulness transforms negativity and nurtures positive seeds. The teachings of the Buddha, including the Three Dharma Seals—impermanence, non-self, and nirvana—guide us towards enlightenment. The Noble Eightfold Path transforms suffering into understanding and compassion. The interconnectedness of consciousness and the mindfulness trainings, and the Sangha’s role in liberation are emphasized. The teachings are made accessible and relevant for modern times, guiding practitioners towards enlightenment and embodying the Buddha’s teachings.

This is the ninth talk in a series of twelve given during The Heart of the Buddha, twenty-one-day retreat in the year 1996. Thay offered this talk at the Upper Hamlet, Plum Village, France.