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
Public Talk
There is a very pleasant way to come home to ourselves, and that is mindful breathing or mindful walking. By focusing on each in-breath and out-breath—or each step—we generate the energy of mindfulness and concentration, which together give rise to insight. Insight helps us recognize the mental formations (Thay names fifty-one, including fear, hatred, despair, compassion, understanding) and see their “seeds” (bija) in our store consciousness. A key practice is selective watering:
- Prevent negative seeds from manifesting by arranging our environment and habits wisely
- When a negative seed has manifested, embrace and help it return to store consciousness
- Encourage the conditions for positive seeds to manifest
- Once a positive seed has manifested, keep it alive as long as possible
Mindfulness has two functions:
• To help us touch the nourishing, healing elements within and around us—life’s wonders in the here and now (the “paradise of forms and colors,” the pure land of the Buddha or kingdom of God)
• To help us recognize, embrace, and transform our fear, anger, despair, discrimination
We carry this practice into every moment—drinking, eating, walking, cooking, driving—and in community all day long. When mindfulness, concentration, insight, and compassion grow together, they become a “crew” that steers our life toward harmony rather than despair or violence. From deep listening and gentle speech between partners (as in the couple who reconciled after a six-day retreat) to forming councils of compassionate listening on national and international levels, this practice can heal personal relationships and even transform conflicts among peoples. The end of violence is possible when we water only understanding and compassion.
