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The Essential Sutra Recitations - A Wonderful Place of Peace 9
The practice session at Phap Van Temple begins with the breath—the source of nourishment like air and water, the treasury of vitality that we can always breathe deeply and drink in to nourish body and mind. When we breathe with mindfulness, we recognize the in-breath as a sign of life, awakening in the present moment, touching the miracle of wonders and happiness. Each step, each breath touches the wonders, bringing us into the endless stream of happiness, like air and water for the body.
Deep mindfulness practice brings about insight, helping to untie the bonds of:
- fear
- craving, greed
- doubt
- sorrow, anger, anxiety
When we call each bond by its true name and see it clearly, wisdom and mindfulness concentration will remove the arrow of attachment, making the mind spacious like a bamboo. From there, we realize non-self, the presence of our ancestors, and the evolutionary process as inseparable, breathing for our father, mother, grandparents, and all generations. The ultimate goal of practice is absolute non-fear, “the perfect non-fear”—liberation from all birth and death, being and non-being, attaining Nirvana right here and now. In the practice and precepts—dignity and mindfulness—the offering of the Dharma (Dharma giving) is the most precious, Dharma joy brings lasting happiness, and forbearance is the most heroic strength that brings us to the shore of absolute freedom.