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
Noble Alms Round
The practice of Dwelling Peacefully in Purity during almsround originates from the story of Venerable Shariputra: after going on almsround and sitting in meditation during the day, he abided in “the samadhi of emptiness” by practicing mindfulness each time he came into contact with external forms—when seeing a form, he would recognize the arising of desire or attachment in his mind, and immediately let it go. The Buddha taught that if one wishes to enter the highest meditation, a monk must always be mindful and let go of delusive thoughts, practicing in every moment, whether walking, standing, lying down, or sitting (the four postures) throughout the time of almsround.
Monastic life—almsround, working such as sweeping, carrying water, sharing food—is all considered practice. Recognizing and purifying the mind is likened to letting the mud settle so the water becomes clear: when afflictions (greed, anger, ignorance) arise, one must embrace them with loving kindness, look deeply into their nature, and transform them right away. This is the path that leads to inner peace and true happiness.
The teachings also mention the three Dharma seals—impermanence, non-self, and nirvana—as the true marks of the Buddha, along with the six sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, mind) contacting the six sense objects, and the insight into dependent co-arising in accordance (pratityasamutpada anulomata) leading to sunyata (emptiness). Through “entering the nature from the form,” from the conditioned world one moves to the unconditioned, letting go of all attachment to appearances in order to enter Nirvana.