Language

Watch this talk

Login or create a free account to watch this talk and discover other teachings from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

The title, description and transcript may contain inaccuracies.

Mindfulness as Holy Spirit—Entering the Kingdom of God in the Here and Now

Thich Nhat Hanh · November 16, 2008 · Germany · Audio Only
Feedback

Intellectually we know the wonders of life are available, like the blue sky and green hills, but energies of worry and anger often prevent us from touching the Kingdom of God. Mindfulness helps recognize and transform these blocks, stopping the habit energy of running to the future for happiness. If we cannot be happy now, we will never be happy, as the future is made of the present. By writing down conditions of happiness, we discover we have many, such as eyes that see a paradise of forms and colors, or a heart that functions normally. The Buddha taught drista Dharma sukha vihara, living happily in the present moment. We are not forbidden to plan, but we must not be carried away by fear of the future or regret of the past. Establishing ourselves in the present allows us to change the past; by realizing an ancestor like a grandmother is in every cell of our body, we can breathe, smile, and apologize to her within, healing old wounds.

Mindfulness and concentration are equivalent to the Holy Spirit; where they exist, there is understanding, compassion, and healing. The Kingdom of God must contain suffering, for without mud, there is no lotus; suffering is necessary to cultivate the understanding and compassion required for love. To love a son or daughter, a parent must understand their suffering and use loving speech. Compassionate listening has one purpose: to help the other empty their heart. Even if the other person speaks with blame or wrong perceptions, one listens without interrupting, protected by the energy of compassion. When anger arises, do not say or do anything, but return to the self to embrace the anger tenderly like a mother holding a baby. Anger is often born from wrong perceptions, which are the ground of fear and despair.

To reconcile with a loved one when suffering, write down three sentences:

  1. “My dear friend, I suffer and I want you to know it.”
  2. “I am doing my best.”
  3. “Please help me.”
    Writing the third sentence helps overcome pride, recognizing that in true love, there is no separation of suffering. This practice can transform a situation in less than 24 hours. Finally, walking meditation is an art of living deeply, arriving in the here and the now with every step, perhaps using a rhythm of two steps for the in-breath and three for the out-breath. One may invite ancestors, the Buddha, or Jesus Christ to walk with them. This practice has universal value, echoing the Gospel of St. Matthew to not worry about tomorrow, and is offered not as a religion, but as an art of living.
read more

Part of the following collection

161 videos
250h 41m

Recently Added Talks

Curated by Jonas Czech
Previous Talk November 15, 2008
1h 45m

I Have Arrived, I Am Home

Next Talk November 20, 2008
1h 38m

Home in the Present Moment