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.

Non-violence

Thich Nhat Hanh · May 12, 1999 · Plum Village, France
Feedback

With two hundred forty-four days before the year 2000, practice living deeply every moment and not letting negativity dominate. Beyond the Buddha’s practice of “changing the peg,” call on your Buddha nature—the real, tangible capacity within every cell—to transform suffering. A two- or three-minute mindful breathing practice anchors trust:

  • capacity of accepting
  • capacity of forgiving
  • capacity of loving speech
  • capacity of helping
    Breathing in: The Buddha is in me. Breathing out: I have confidence.

Practice walking meditation as nonviolence in the family and in public. At home, walk five or ten steps—father, mother or partner hand in hand with children—to the breathing room as a symbol of peace, releasing anger and welcoming harmony. In peace marches, ensure “peace is the walk”: 50 people walking slowly in a New York City disarmament march blocked 300,000 marchers, Spirit Rock Days of Mindfulness gather 2,000–2,500, and an Oakland Day of Mindfulness for 10,000 is planned. Each mindful step becomes both means and end of peace.

Heal through nature practice: picnics, park stewardship, caring for plants and even “tree-hugging meditation” when green space is scarce, to reconnect with Mother Nature and nourish joy. Finally, train in the Third Mindfulness Training on sexual misconduct, recognizing it as a vital aspect of nonviolence in family and community.

read more