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
Taking Refuge in the Sangha
Happiness and love must be present in every moment, because time passes quickly: there are only 177 days left until the year 2000. In the atmosphere of the sangha, some people learn very quickly:
- After just a few hours, they have already received joy and happiness.
- Some people need two or three weeks.
- Some people need many years.
- Some people, even after six months or a year, still have not received it because there is still resistance inside.
The prerequisite is to let go of resistance, to take refuge in the Sangha as if entrusting your life to a boat, so that the boat can carry you across the river of suffering.
Coming home is returning to the present moment, where there is the bodhi mind—the flame of aspiration to love, to help oneself and others suffer less, opening up abundant sources of living energy. Each breath, each step, washing the dishes or sweeping the yard, is an opportunity to generate happiness if we dwell in mindfulness. True love contains the four immeasurable minds:
- Loving-kindness (bringing joy),
- Compassion (relieving suffering),
- Joy (sharing happiness),
- Equanimity (non-discrimination).
When the mind already contains the bodhi mind and we practice loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, every situation, whether favorable or unfavorable, becomes material for living solidly, freely, and spreading joy.