Thay presents the practices of mindful breathing and listening to the bell to young kids before delving into the topic of the eight consciousnesses. It emphasises the key role of store consciousness as the basic or root consciousness from which the other seven evolving consciousnesses arise. Thay teaches that store consciousness contains both wisdom and ignorance, and that the practice of mindfulness can help us reprogram our store consciousness. By so doing, we do not run on autopilot any longer, getting lost in the past or the future, continuously dreaming. Thay highlights how to practice mindfulness when doing daily activities like walking, tooth brushing, drinking, and eating so that we can truly live our life, experiencing joy and freedom in the present.

This is the first talk in a series of four given during the Scientists in the Field of Consciousness retreat in the year 2006. Thay offered this talk at the New Hamlet, Plum Village, France.