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Kamakura 1 Day Retreat — Happiness Is In The Now

Thich Nhat Hanh · May 14, 1995 · Kamakura, Japan · Audio Only

A prisoner sentenced to death discovers the profound beauty of the blue sky only three days before his execution, realizing that he had previously lived like a dead person. Many people similarly live lost in past regrets or future worries, missing the appointment with life in the present moment. Mindfulness is the capacity to be truly alive and aware of the wonders available in the here and the now, such as the paradise of forms and colors available to those with eyes in good condition. If one cannot enjoy the beauty of their own surroundings due to internal sorrow or anger, they would not be able to enjoy a vacation in Japan or even the Pure Land.

To truly love another, one must offer the gift of one’s own presence and practice mindfulness to recognize the presence and suffering of the beloved. Three mantras are utilized to produce the miracle of happiness:

  1. “Darling, I know you are there, and I am very happy.”
  2. “Darling, I know you are there, and that is why I am here for you.”
  3. “Darling, I know you suffer. That is why I am there for you.”

Reconciliation with parents is possible through the practice of looking deeply to see their positive qualities, realizing that children are the continuation of their parents. Deep listening, embodied by the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, restores communication and heals relationships. Walking meditation is practiced not to arrive, but to enjoy walking on the earth, which is a miracle. This is done by coordinating steps with the breath, for example taking three steps while breathing in and three while breathing out, potentially using words like “earth,” “smile,” or the names of loved ones to maintain focus and enjoyment of every step.

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