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Telling the Story of Eye Surgery in California

Thich Nhat Hanh · April 12, 2001 · Lower Hamlet, Plum Village, France
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Contemplating the six sense organs to recognize impermanence and non-self, thereby touching the peaceful nirvana.

  • eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind
    The sutra sentences “This eye is impermanent, this eye is not me, this eye is not mine” are not merely mechanical recitations, but an awakening that allows us to use and enjoy our sense organs fully. The case of the poet Nguyễn Đình Chiểu—blind in both eyes yet still teaching, practicing medicine, cared for by a devoted wife, and raising outstanding children—demonstrates that the realization of impermanence and non-self does not hinder the arising of insight and love.

The journey of the teacher going for eye surgery in California within a week shows the support from Dr. Phan Thị Tuyết Mai and her colleagues:

  • Monday traveling, Tuesday at Deer Park Monastery, Wednesday blood tests, Thursday medical check-up, Friday surgery, Saturday returning to Deer Park, Sunday giving Dharma talk
    The surgery was only for cataract; the left eye could still be used for many years, but the right eye needed immediate surgery. After the operation, the vision in the right eye recovered quickly: after 20 minutes, seeing more clearly; after one hour, able to see the lines on the highway; after two hours, even clearer. Walking meditation, planting trees, and giving Dharma talks via telecommunication during the recovery period illustrate that the eye of impermanence and non-self still has the capacity to see with mindfulness and to transmit insight.
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Previous Talk March 25, 2001
1h 15m

The Way of Giving a Dharma Talk and the Way of Speaking in Daily Life

Next Talk April 15, 2001
2h 3m

Transforming the Repentance and Taking Refuge Chant