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Right View is the Insight that Transcends All

Thich Nhat Hanh · December 11, 2008 · Lower Hamlet, Plum Village, France

This talk details the proper way to breathe to achieve a state of relaxation and health, with the inhalation usually being shorter than the exhalation. Thich Nhat Hanh prefers to inhale for 4 seconds and exhale for 7 seconds. When practicing walking meditation, the breath can be combined with steps, and paying attention to the breath while sleeping helps with concentration. When sitting in meditation, focusing on the breath and relaxing the body helps achieve harmony between body and mind. He emphasizes relaxing strong emotions through mindful breathing, called calming the mind. He also touches on ethics, stressing that right actions should bring happiness and avoid causing suffering. He recounts the story of the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, debating the ethical right and wrong of this decision. He warns of the danger of arrogance and recommends maintaining ethics even in difficult situations. He also highlights the importance of mindfulness when making decisions, avoiding being swept away. In Buddhism, observing precepts helps avoid suffering and achieve awakening. He advises staying away from luxury and maintaining mindfulness to make the right decisions.

Previous Talk December 9, 2008

1h 1m