Thay introduces the Earth Holder Bodhisattva from the Lotus Sutra and encourages us to collaborate with him/her by helping to preserve our precious planet. Thay demonstrates how, with the insight of interbeing and through the practice of walking meditation, we can see ourselves as an organism comprised of the whole cosmos, including past and future generations. Thay also introduces the Bodhisattva Never Underestimating, showing how this bodhisattva’s dedication to seeing all beings as Buddhas is a key teaching of the Lotus Sutra. Speaking of the freedom gained through no longer identifying oneself with one’s physical body alone - an insight made possible through love, devotion and meditation - Thay provides examples of those, such as Thich Quang Duc and Nhat Chi Mai, who, through self-immolation, sacrificed their bodies to bring about messages of peace and hope.

This is the fourth talk in a series of thirteen given during The Hands of the Buddha, twenty-one-day retreat in the year 2002. Thay offered this talk at the Upper Hamlet, Plum Village, France.