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Questions and Answers

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Thich Nhat Hanh · March 24, 2000 · Geneva, Switzerland Not yet reviewed Tech notes

Transcript English

The energy of mindfulness allows us to be aware of everything that is happening in the present moment, whether breathing, walking, brushing our teeth, or eating breakfast. Life is available only in the here and the now; the past is no longer here and the future is not yet here. By bringing body and mind together through mindful breathing, we can touch deeply the miracles of life, such as during the orange meditation, drinking tea, cooking, or driving.

True peace is the absence of violence, anger, and fear in us, and the presence of understanding and love. To transform negative energies like anger or despair, we must embrace them with the gentleness of mindfulness, without fighting them. To cultivate love and restore communication, there are four precious mantras to practice:

“Darling, I am truly here for you,” to offer one’s true presence.
“Darling, I know you are there, and I am very happy,” to recognize the existence of the other.
“Darling, I know you are suffering, that is why I am here for you,” to relieve the pain.
“Darling, I am suffering. Please help me,” to overcome pride and ask for help from the person we love.

True love is composed of four essential elements:

maitri: loving-kindness, the capacity to offer happiness and joy.
karuna: compassion, the capacity to transform suffering.
joy.
upeksha: freedom, non-discrimination, and equanimity, which consists of offering space to the other.

Questions from the audience:

What is the place of humor and laughter in the practice?
How do we apply non-violence?
What to do when anxiety arises?
Can you say a few words about the emotion of desire?
How should we act when our beloved refuses to give space, time, dialogue, and connection?

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57m

Questions and Answers

September 6, 2000 • English • Thich Nhat Hanh, Interpreter, Sangha Member

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Transcript English

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Returning to the Present Moment

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Touching the Wonders and Cultivating Peace

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The Mantras of True Love

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Embracing Anger with the Sangha

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What Is the Place of Humor and Laughter?

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How to Apply Nonviolence?

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What to Do When Anxiety Arises?

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What to Do with the Emotion of Desire?

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What to do if the person you love does not give you enough space?

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Smiling to Life, Smiling to Death

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