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Thich Nhat Hanh · June 3, 2010 · EIAB, Germany · Audio Only
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Walking is practiced as a free person, not caught by regret concerning the past, fear and anxieties concerning the future, or anger and despair. Mindfulness of breathing acts as a bridge connecting body and mind, allowing them to come together naturally without effort. By paying attention to the in-breath and out-breath, the energy of mindfulness is generated, leading to concentration and insight which liberates. This practice purifies and heals the body, embracing pain and sorrow to bring relief and transformation.

The energy of mindfulness helps in at least two ways:

  1. Being established in the present moment to touch refreshing and healing elements for nourishment.
  2. Recognizing and tenderly embracing pain, fear, and anger to bring relief and transformation.

Daily activities such as brushing teeth, washing dishes, and eating are performed mindfully to generate freedom and joy. Looking into a piece of bread reveals the cosmos—sunshine, clouds, the earth, and the farmer. Walking meditation utilizes the words I have arrived as a realization, not a declaration, and I am home to touch the wonders of life. A rhythm of steps is used, such as two steps for the in-breath and three for the out-breath, eventually extending to rhythms like 3-5, 4-6, or 6-9.

The sound of the bell is an invitation to stop struggling and return to the breath. The Buddha’s Fire Sermon teaches that the whole world is on fire; the eyes are on fire, the object of the eyes are on fire, and the eye consciousness is on fire. To extinguish this fire of the senses, the mantra This moment is a happy moment is practiced. Mindfulness acts as a mirror to see oneself clearly, turning into the energy of concentration and wisdom. Noble silence is observed to heal the wounded body and mind, stopping the rush of social exchange to embrace the fire within.

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