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
Loving Yourself Means Taking Care of Yourself with HIV
The body has the capacity to protect itself thanks to white blood cells, especially T4 lymphocytes, which surround and destroy bacteria such as tuberculosis. AIDS is the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome—HIV virus gradually destroys the T4 cells, causing the body to lose its resistance against opportunistic bacteria. HIV often does not manifest symptoms immediately, but after one or two years complications may appear; during this time, it can still be transmitted through blood or sexual contact. By the year 2000, there were more than 5 million new cases worldwide, 20 million people had died (including 4 million children), and currently about 42 million people carry the virus; without a miracle, they will pass away within the next ten years. In some African countries, nearly 50% of the population is infected; HIV spreads rapidly through shared needles and sexual relations without mindfulness.
To counter the danger of AIDS, it is necessary to practice mindfulness and to keep the Third Precept (not engaging in sexual relations outside of marriage), which is both self-protection and protection of the community. There are two basic measures:
- Cultivate the teachings and practice deeply in order to maintain a spiritual foundation and nourish the mind of awakening (bodhicitta).
- Apply immediate protection through solidarity in the family, the sangha, and the parish.
Religious leaders have the responsibility to create and transmit methods of practice to help those who are ill to live fully in the present moment. When those who are ill practice mindfulness together, they become a source of energy for transformation and healing, and they live longer than expected. The sangha and the church need to provide teachings, methods, and non-discriminatory love to heal suffering, helping everyone—including AIDS patients—to touch their true nature of no birth and no death, and to dwell peacefully in the present moment.