We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track. If this problem persists help us by reporting it so we can investigate it.
Watch this talk
Login or create a free account to watch this talk and discover other teachings from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Log in or create an account
Kinh Khánh Tịnh Khất Thực Trú
The Sutra on Pure Almsround Dwelling records:
Early in the morning, Venerable Shariputra donned his robe, took his alms bowl, and went on almsround in Savatthi; after returning to the monastery, he put away his robe and bowl, washed his feet, and then entered the forest to sit in meditation. When he returned to the Buddha’s feet, Shariputra reported that he had abided in the Emptiness Samadhi (advanced meditation, the meditation of the elders). The Buddha taught that in order to enter this meditation, the practitioner, whether going on almsround or leaving the village, must practice mindfulness: each time the eyes see a form, one must be aware to see whether any desire or attachment arises in the mind; if it does, it must be cut off immediately, like extinguishing a flame on the headcloth.
In the four postures—
- Walking
- Standing
- Lying down
- Sitting
—and even while on almsround, the mendicant always practices the method of purification: generating mindfulness, recognizing forms without letting the mind be stained by attachment, maintaining the joy of purity as the root to diligently study and practice day and night. This is the way to practice the meditation of the elders right in daily life, without needing to sit alone in the forest to attain high meditation.