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
Mindfulness and Manifestation-Only in Transforming the Mind and Connecting with the Sangha
We begin with a series of self-reflective questions about the practice of mindfulness and our spiritual training: Have we sat in meditation for our parents, run while reciting the gatha, practiced the ten mindful movements, studied more English, Classical Chinese, psychology, world civilization, and history; have we read all of Thay’s books (perhaps, but not deeply enough), attended The Heart of the Buddha, The Art of Flowering the Lotus of a Thousand Petals, and studies on Manifestation-Only teachings; has our practice brought transformation and happiness to our family, helped create harmony and loving speech; have we called or written letters to our family, tried to approach those who are difficult to reach; practiced gentle speech, maintained respect for our brothers and sisters; brushed our teeth every day slowly, with awareness and happiness.
Next comes an exposition on the theory of Consciousness-Only and Manifestation-Only, focusing on:
- seeds (the store consciousness, Alaya)
- potentialities (the functions)
- differentiation (each seed gives rise to its own unique fruit)
-
conditions (the main conditions for seeds to manifest)
A presentation of the non-duality of seeds, store consciousness, and manifestations, distinguishing essence–function, cause–effect; distinguishing true existence (clouds, mountains) and conventional designation (Santa Claus, turtle’s hair, rabbit’s horn), mentioning the two truths — the conventional truth (worldly truth) and the ultimate truth (supreme meaning), the principle of attachment to nature and form in consciousness (the perceiving aspect and the perceived aspect of the eighth consciousness), wholesome and unwholesome seeds, affirming that delusion and insight, suffering and happiness, exist side by side.
Finally, the history of the development of Manifestation-Only teachings:
- Vasubandhu (Abhidharmakosha, the beginnings of Manifestation-Only)
- Xuanzang (Cheng Weishi Lun)
-
Fazang (the Huayan tendency)
Plum Village continues to perfect the transition from “provisional vehicles” to the absolute Mahayana, resolving the remaining dualities; emphasizing that wholesome seeds are not separate from unwholesome ones. The talk concludes with the practice of exchanging Christmas gifts by drawing lots, practicing sincere giving and receiving, creating wholesome conditions to connect the community.