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The Embrace of Mindfulness in the Midst of Impermanence

Thich Nhat Hanh · March 20, 1997 · Plum Village, France
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Receiving the news that the father of Brother Phap Ung passed away during the retreat, everything shows that impermanence is always present. No means of transportation could bring him home in time; only the energy of mindfulness and the embrace of the sangha are the most precious resources to support and uplift us when suffering arises. Let us cherish each moment in the present; do not wait until tomorrow to express our love.

When suffering manifests, it may take the form of:

  1. anger
  2. sadness
  3. fear
  4. wounded pride
  5. despair

The practice consists of returning to embrace and take care of our pain, using mindful breathing to generate energy, relying on the sangha to shine light and to transform the “internal garbage” into compost for the flowers of loving-kindness to bloom. Each present moment is an opportunity to sow seeds of love and peace.

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