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In The Footsteps Of The Buddha, An Alms Round Procession At San Dieguito County Park
The monastic and lay community are practicing together during the 2004 Rainy Season Retreat (January 4 – March 14) at Deer Park Monastery. This 95-minute outdoor event, filmed on Saturday, January 31, 2004 in San Dieguito County Park, Solana Beach, opens with a slideshow of the alms round, followed by chanting and Thay’s introductory words on asking questions.
Practitioners pose questions such as: Are we supposed to spend all our time in the here and now? How can we help someone transform anger? How do we practice to do the right thing when it is difficult? How do we practice when someone we love dies? Can anger ever be beneficial? How do we balance practice with professional fulfillment? How do I forgive myself and believe in myself? What if my son wants to marry outside our tradition? What do you think of humans living in this place and time?
In response, Thay explains that the past is already gone and the future is not yet here; true life is available only in the present moment. Being present does not prevent us from learning from the past or planning for the future—both can become objects of practice here and now. He illustrates how a deceased grandmother is still alive in every cell of our body, showing that nothing is lost.
Addressing anger, Thay teaches that its roots lie in the things we consume. Mindful consumption and the Fifth Mindfulness Training protect us and our families. We should not suppress anger but recognize and embrace it with mindfulness, then use loving speech to communicate. Although some see anger as a powerful tool, it can be dangerous without understanding and compassion.
Thay discusses integrating mindfulness with career: business leaders suffer like everyone else, and if they suffer less they can succeed more. Mindfulness at work—walking, breathing, caring for employees as family—helps harmonize practice, family, and professional life.
On grief, he points to our true nature of no-birth and no-death, illustrated by the image of a cloud. He closes with the story of a Vietnam veteran who, through practice, transformed deep suffering after having killed children during the war, showing that personal transformation can lead to societal healing.
The gathering ends with the sangha practicing walking meditation.
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