Protecting and Serving Without Stress or Fear

Thay begins by telling the dramatic story of Angulimala, a notorious killer who found redemption through an encounter with the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, and became the monk Ahimsaka. The story illustrates how even the most violent person can be transformed by the practice of mindfulness. Thay then goes on to talk about how reducing violence begins with working on creating compassion and understanding in ourself and then in our family and finally in our community. Compassionate communication is key to building a sense of community, whether that be between two individuals or in a large organization. Compassionate communication begins by expressing gratitude for the positive qualities of a person or situation and then skillfully moving into talking about regret or wounding. A regular practice of Beginning Anew strengthens the bonds between people, both in an intimate relationship and in a larger group. The experience of inmates in correctional institutions can be transformed through compassionate listening and skillful communication.

This is the last talk in a series of four given during the Protecting and Serving Without Stress or Fear retreat in the year 2003. Thay offered this talk at Green Lake, Wisconsin in the United States.