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Thich Nhat Hanh · October 9, 1997 · United States
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In 1997, the Buddhist Youth Family stood before the need for renewal, like an old tree in need of nourishment: to organize a great conference, to seek new resources so that both form and content could be strengthened. Although the political situation in the country posed difficulties, both inside and outside the country there was a shared aspiration to preserve the 2,600-year-old tradition, with a cycle of renewal every 10–15 years to continue the role of educating young Buddhist practitioners. The three days of gathering at Plum Village were seen as a spiritual gift sent home: practicing mindfulness with each breath, walking meditation, sitting meditation, and relaxing from the head, neck, and shoulders to the whole body, in order to discover insight and bring vitality to the community.

The Buddhist Youth Family emphasizes faith and the spirit of Ehipassika: to personally experiment with the Dharma door instead of blind belief. Practicing the Five Mindfulness Trainings is the foundation for preserving true happiness, keeping away from the five harmful desires. Young people can become monastics right away and live happily in the present moment, as taught in the Samiddhi Sutra. The retreat also introduced methods of practice in the family and at school to awaken love, trust, and harmony, based on the practical Dharma in the present moment (Sanditthika) and immediate results (Akalika).

  1. The Four Noble Truths

    1. the reality of suffering
    2. the cause of suffering
    3. the possibility of ending suffering
    4. the path leading to peace

  2. The Five Spiritual Powers (faith, diligence, mindfulness, concentration, insight)

    1. faith – trust based on the experience of practice
    2. diligence – daily mindful effort
    3. mindfulness – being fully present in the moment
    4. concentration – deep focus on the object
    5. insight – direct seeing and knowing, not mere theory

  3. The Five Mindfulness Trainings

    1. not killing
    2. not stealing
    3. not engaging in sexual misconduct
    4. not lying
    5. not consuming substances that cloud the mind
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Peaceful Coexistence Treaty

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