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Relatie Tussen Lijden en Geluk

Thich Nhat Hanh · May 2, 2009 · Netherlands

Listening to the bell allows the sound to penetrate every cell, meeting the sound already inside. This is the voice of the Buddha within, calling us back to our true home. The Bell Master prepares by reciting a gatha: “Body, speech and mind in perfect oneness. I send my heart along with this sound of the bell. May all of you who listen to me awaken from your forgetfulness. And transcend the path of anxiety and sorrow.” A half sound is invited, followed by three full sounds, allowing the community to enjoy nine full in-breaths and out-breaths. A practice gatha is used: “I listen, I listen. This wonderful sound brings me back to my true home.” This generates the collective energy of the Sanghakaya, the Sangha body.

Walking meditation is the practice of Samatha, meaning stopping the habit energy of running. Every step signs the earth, bringing one home to the here and the now. In slow walking, one step is taken with an in-breath to realize “I have arrived,” waiting until fully arrived before taking a second step to realize “I am home.” This cultivates freedom and solidity. Steps are coordinated with the breath, such as two steps in and three out, or three steps in and five out. This establishes one in the present moment, the door to the Kingdom of God.

Understanding and compassion are lotus flowers that require the mud of suffering to grow. Recognizing and embracing suffering is essential for transformation, yet a function of consciousness called Mano urges us to run away. Mind consciousness must reprogram Mano, which has five characteristics:

  1. The tendency to run away from suffering.
  2. To ignore the goodness of suffering.
  3. To always seek pleasure.
  4. To ignore the danger of pleasure seeking.
  5. To ignore the law of moderation.
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