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Smile with Non-Fear to the Dissolution of This Body
This title has been reviewed for accuracy.
Smiling at Death without Fear
Thầy explains that there is no birth and therefore no death. Many scientists agree with this perspective. Thầy uses the example of a cloud to demonstrate how there is no beginning or ending of the cloud’s existence, and so it is with us. We are both matter and energy, which are one. We produce energy—both positive and negative—every moment of our daily life. Actions of thought, speech, and body are all energy, and if they contain compassion, they can heal the world. Karma refers to these three kinds of action, which continue in us through lifetimes. We can practice to neutralize bad thoughts, words, and actions. Thầy speaks about the nature of interbeing, which is in the teachings of Buddha and Jesus. Diligence refers to cultivating an environment to nourish our positive seeds. The Five Mindfulness Trainings are an expression of the Noble Eightfold Path, and the exercises of mindful breathing are part of the Mindfulness Trainings. The last three of these enhance our perception through contemplation of impermanence, non-craving, and extinction. The teaching ends with the group singing together.
This is the last talk in a series of four given during the Mindful Living Today, family retreat in the year 2012. Thầy offered this talk at The Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland.