Thầy opens this talk by observing that when we’re able to see the suffering in another person, compassion arises in us, and we see that even though we may have been hurt by this person, it’s because they’re suffering that they cause harm. We begin our deep looking into suffering by examining our own wounds and becoming a bodhisattva of deep listening for ourselves and others.

Thầy then introduces the first eight exercises of mindful breathing from the Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing. He explores the first four exercises that help cultivate awareness of the breath and the body. Next, he delves into the next four, which help cultivate joy and happiness in order to embrace strong emotions. Toward the end of the talk, Thầy sheds light on the practices of deep listening and loving speech, particularly the role they can play in reconciliation.

At the end of the talk, Thầy answers the following questions:

• When you live in the here and now, do you actually forget the past?

• How do you resolve someone pushing in front of you on the tube?

• How can I practice with pain I’ve caused someone in the past?

• My brother was murdered eighteen years ago. How can my family find forgiveness?

After the Q&A, Sister Chân Không offers the song, “I Smile to the World”

This public talk was offered at the beginning the UK and Ireland Tour in 2012. Thầy offered this talk at Royal Festival Hall, London, England.