We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track. If this problem persists help us by reporting it so we can investigate it.
Watch this talk
Login or create a free account to watch this talk and discover other teachings from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Log in or create an account
Practicing Speaking and Listening in the Family
*I return to Plum Village—the common home that nourishes the mind of practice—where “the teacher teaches loving kindness, practices joy and letting go,” awakening happiness in the present moment and sharing that joy with everyone. Here, the simple life with “morning glory, coriander, basil, bitter melon, chayote, squash” and aromatic herbs like “perilla, mint, cilantro” becomes a fresh source, watering the seed of peace, helping us return to our true nature and take refuge in the Sangha in our practice.
- “The art of speaking and listening” follows the example of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara—listening with “deep compassion,” transcending the boundary between speaker and listener, in order to help others suffer less.
-
Three reasons that prevent us from listening to others:
- we ourselves are already carrying suffering,
- the voice of reproach and complaining makes us tired,
- lack of time.
- The “Friday Evening” practice: the whole family gathers around tea and lying-down meditation, then “defuses bombs” by deep listening—whoever holds the flower has the right to speak, the others remain silent with “a receptive heart.”
- The five qualities of the wondrous sound of Avalokiteshvara: Wondrous Sound, Observing the World Sound, Brahma Sound, Ocean Tide Sound, and Sound Victorious Over the World—five “wondrous voices” that guide people to peace and enlightenment.