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How to Use the Bell

Thich Nhat Hanh · August 14, 1996 · Plum Village, France
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At the heart of each day, a call resonates, inviting to a morning walk where the threads of mindfulness and interconnectedness with the world are woven. This invitation, carried by the gentle tone of the bell, serves as a pillar for a daily practice rooted in the present, while embracing impermanence and the constant renewal of existence. Each sound of the bell, whether large to gather the community or small for intimate reflection, reminds of the attentive presence necessary for spiritual awakening.

The respectful and meditative approach with which the bell is invited to ring reflects how mindfulness is woven into family life, affirming serenity as a collective choice. The Buddhist tradition, presented here in a simplicity accessible to all, from children to adults, is revealed not as a static framework but as a vibrant way of living, allowing for a continuous co-creation of its essence. By deeply rooting itself in Buddhism while embracing the richness of other traditions, this discourse offers a renewed perspective on ancient precepts, conceiving them not as constraints but as dynamic expressions of the spiritual path.

Impermanence, non-self, and nirvana, far from being mere concepts, become gateways to spiritual freedom, where nirvana is revealed not as a destination but as the immediate experience of ultimate reality. This journey through mindfulness and interconnectedness is an invitation to recognize heaven and hell not elsewhere, but in the creations of our own actions, placing us at the heart of the living tradition of Buddhism for a personal and universal awakening.

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