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One Body, Many Limbs: Non-Discrimination and the Four Pebble Practice
My right and left arms care for one another without jealousy or order—each massaging and supporting the other with loving non-discrimination (nirvikalpa jñāna). This simple bodily harmony illustrates the Buddha’s teaching: when we cultivate the wisdom of non-discrimination, we cease fighting and live in peace. Like olive, bamboo, and banana groves that spring from a single root yet appear as many, we too share one deep source; seeing ourselves as one family dissolves conflict and fosters compassion.
True freedom and happiness arise in the present moment through training in mindful living. Whether walking, washing dishes, writing an ordination certificate, or sipping tea, bringing full attention to each act turns every moment into the most wonderful moment of your life. Mindfulness (bringing mind back to body), concentration (one-pointed focus), and insight (deep looking) form the heart of practice, enabling us to perceive and transform our suffering at its roots.
Yesterday’s teaching for the children introduced four pebbles as images to support our training:
- A flower for freshness
- A mountain for solidity
- Still water for tranquility and clear perception
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Space for freedom
Cultivating these qualities through mindful breathing and walking nourishes our well-being and opens the door to lasting peace and joy.
