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Textual Commentary on The Sutra on Mindful Breathing (810) in the Chinese Canon

Thich Nhat Hanh · May 25, 2006 · Lower Hamlet, Plum Village, France
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When we go out together, prepare, engage in activities, and communicate with one another, we deeply recognize each other, practicing mindfulness by being fully present for the sangha as a “cell” in the collective body. Practice is not only an individual focus but an awareness that each breath, each step, each glance, each smile, or caring gesture all contribute to keeping the sangha “functioning fully” and nourishing our collective happiness.

Mindfulness through the breath, according to the Anapanasati Sutra, is a practice that is “simple yet profound”:

  1. While breathing in, know that you are breathing in; while breathing out, know that you are breathing out.
  2. When practiced diligently, this method leads to the full realization of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness:
    1. Body, 2) Feelings, 3) Mind, 4) Objects of Mind,
      and opens the way to the Seven Factors of Awakening, thanks to the “interbeing nature” of all dharmas supporting one another.
  3. Next, contemplate the final four contemplations to deeply realize:
    1. Impermanence, 2) Cessation, 3) Letting go of craving, 4) Extinction—
      looking deeply into each object, “dwelling with” the nature of arising and passing away, liberating thirst and craving, and moving toward freedom.
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Previous Talk May 18, 2006
1h 34m

Textual Commentary on The Sutra on Mindful Breathing (803) in the Chinese Canon (Part 1)

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1h 31m

Fruits of the Practice