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Nourishing Interbeing: Transforming Suffering into Compassion

Thich Nhat Hanh · August 25, 1999 · Plum Village, France
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The teaching of interbeing reveals that happiness and suffering are inseparable: “This is because that is.” Suffering allows us to recognize well-being—like knowing what non-toothache is because we’ve suffered one. In the heart of suffering the seed of compassion can arise, transforming even the darkest hell into a pure land of compassion. Engaged Buddhism calls us to embrace suffering, cultivate compassion together, and heal both ourselves and society.

The Four Noble Truths

  1. Presence of ill-being
  2. Nature of ill-being
  3. Presence of well-being (absence of ill-being)
  4. Path leading to well-being

Four sources of nutriment to investigate for healing

  1. Edible food (đoàn thực)
  2. Sensory perceptions (xúc thực)
  3. Volition (tư niệm thực)
  4. Consciousness as food (thức thực)

By looking deeply into each source—practicing mindful eating, listening, desiring and protecting consciousness—we cut toxins, restore health, and awaken compassion for individual and collective liberation.

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