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Sutra on the Enjoyment of the Ultimate Dimension 2

Thich Nhat Hanh · November 21, 2010 · Upper Hamlet, Plum Village, France
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We come into contact with the Beginningless Beginning, a state of non-attainment that cannot be grasped by thought, neither before nor after, the natural essence of all things. Nirvana is not only calmness and coolness, the complete extinction of the flames of afflictions (passion, anger, doubt, worry), but also the total extinction of all notions of being and non-being, birth and death, self and other. When greed, hatred, and ignorance are completely extinguished, we experience serene equanimity, non-discrimination—this is the wisdom of non-discrimination, the foundation for true freedom and happiness.

The practice of mindfulness and right concentration is closely linked to recognizing and cutting off the sources that nourish suffering through the four kinds of nutriments:

  1. Edible food (physical food)
  2. Sense impressions (contact)
  3. Volition (intention)
  4. Consciousness (consciousness as food)

Through sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindful breathing, we invite the Buddha within to breathe and to walk, letting go of the notion of a breather or a walker. Then there is only gentle breathing, each peaceful step—no one is performing the action—this is non-self, this is birthlessness (no birth, no death, no being, no non-being, no coming, no going), and this is Nirvana manifesting right in the present moment.

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