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Pou Tai Temple 3rd day Dharma Talk

Thich Nhat Hanh · November 4, 2002 · Pou Tai Temple, Macau · Audio Only
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Buddhism must be renewed to fit the mentality of the young generation, ensuring they feel a link with the teaching and practice. In the West, the Dharma door of psychology is opened rather than devotion. Understanding Vijnanavada, the doctrine of Mind Only, allows the teaching to be presented in a way that is easily understood and accepted. The Fifty Verses serve as a base for this teaching, published as Transformation at the Base (Ashrayaparavritti), where i means the foundation and chuyen means to transform. There is an urgent need for about 300 more monastics to serve as agents for transformation.

Restoring communication involves the practice of loving speech and compassionate listening. Compassionate listening provides relief by giving the other person a chance to express all pain and sorrow. Mindful breathing is essential to maintain the intention of helping the other suffer less, preventing irritation or anger from destroying compassion. One must train to become like Kuan Yin, the Bodhisattva of deep listening.

The other person is your garden, and you are the gardener. If lettuce does not grow well, one should not blame the lettuce but learn the art of growing. Love is a flower that will turn into garbage if not fed properly; however, an organic gardener can transform garbage back into flowers. To restore balance, write down happy memories and positive qualities to water the seeds of happiness that have been covered by suffering. This practice belongs to the Fourth Mindfulness Training and is valid for individuals as well as nations.

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