We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track. If this problem persists help us by reporting it so we can investigate it.
Watch this talk
Login or create a free account to watch this talk and discover other teachings from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Log in or create an account
Stowbridge Retreat 4td Day - Last Dharma Talk
At age eleven, a search for a hermit on Na mountain leads to the discovery of a natural well, the water of which brings complete satisfaction. This experience illustrates the importance of being rooted in one’s spiritual tradition to truly hear and touch the soul of the world. The transmission of the six paramitas concludes with the final two pebbles. The fifth pebble represents steady growth, or diligence, involving the selective watering of positive seeds in the heart while transforming negative seeds like anger into compost. The sixth pebble represents shila, or mindfulness trainings, encompassing: protecting life, bringing social justice, not stealing, abiding by commitments, avoiding sexual misconduct, using loving speech, telling the truth, and not consuming toxins through food or media.
Consciousness is described as having a basement and a living room; feelings should not be repressed but allowed to rise and be bathed in mindfulness to restore the psyche’s circulation. Through the example of a flower, reality is shown to be full of the cosmos yet empty of a separate self, revealing that to be is to inter-be. A sheet of paper further demonstrates the nature of no birth and no death; it is a continuation of non-paper elements and cannot be reduced to nothingness. This leads to the three doors of liberation: emptiness (śūnyatā), signlessness (alakṣaṇa), and aimlessness (apraṇihita).
The talk concludes with the account of the dying lay disciple Anathapindika. The Venerable Sariputra offers him guided meditations on the Three Jewels, the six sense organs, and the elements of earth, water, fire, and air, emphasizing that one is not caught by these forms. Finally, Anathapindika is guided to meditate on the nature of no birth, no death, no being, no non-being, no coming, and no going, allowing him to touch the ultimate dimension and pass away in peace.
