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Public Talk - The heart of Compassionate Action
When love is there, fear can be removed. Compassion—our innate energy of loving-kindness—arises only when we recognize and look deeply into the nature of suffering. By practicing looking deeply and listening deeply to our own pain and that of others, we gain insight into how suffering is made. Understanding gives birth to compassion, which protects us and dissipates fear. Every breath, every step, every thought, and every word can water the seed of compassion in us; Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of deep listening, reminds us that true healing begins within.
Drawing on these practices, Thay shares how Plum Village has invited Palestinians and Israelis—and people from over twenty countries—to engage in retreats of mindful breathing, walking, deep listening, and loving speech. Participants report newfound trust, relief of suffering, and the conviction that peace is possible. From these experiences emerged “A Proposal to Listen for Peace and Security,” which calls for:
- Local and national forums in the US for compassionate listening to racial, religious, and social suffering, with trained mediators and televised sessions.
- An international “Peace Parliament” where diverse communities share their difficulties and visions without blaming, generating insight and concrete proposals.
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Broad participation of community, humanitarian, and spiritual leaders—supported by media—to initiate these processes swiftly, so that understanding and compassion can guide legislation, repair injustices, and inspire confidence worldwide.
Through deep listening and loving speech, fear and hatred give way to protection, healing, and the path of peace.
