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The First Three Names in the Twelve Names of Avalokiteshvara

Thich Nhat Hanh · July 10, 1997 · Plum Village, France
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Habit energy—vasana—are the positive and negative energies within us that can distort our words, actions, and reactions, causing suffering for ourselves and our loved ones. In order not to become victims of habit energy, we need to observe, contemplate, and recognize it the moment it arises in our consciousness, thanks to the energy of mindfulness that unites body and mind in the present moment through breathing, walking meditation, eating in silence, listening to the bell, and each mindful step up the stairs.

The three core sources of energy in practice are:

  1. Faith (confidence) arising from the experience of practice;
  2. Diligence (practice) nourished by faith;
  3. Aspiration (deep vow, profound wish) which provides a sustainable motivation for both faith and diligence, bringing meaning and happiness to life.

The teaching on the Twelve Great Compassionate Vows of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva begins with three titles and great vows:

  1. Homage to the One with the Name of Perfect Understanding—vastly making great vows
  2. Homage to the One whose mind in a single thought is free from all obstacles—always dwelling in the Southern Sea
  3. Homage to the One who abides in the Saha world, in the realm of darkness—listening to sounds and rescuing those in suffering
    with the intention to awaken the energy of understanding, compassion, and the commitment to remain by the side of all beings who are suffering.
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Previous Talk July 6, 1997
1h 45m

The Ten Titles of the Buddha (continued)

Next Talk July 12, 1997
1h 31m

The Art of Gardening