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The Kingdom Is Now

Thich Nhat Hanh · September 23, 2004 · Plum Village, France

This talk details the teachings of finding the kingdom of God and happiness in the present moment, emphasizing that true contentment lies within rather than external pursuits like fame, profit, power, and desire. Teachers must embody this shift to guide others towards health, safety, and joy. The core teachings of Buddha, including impermanence, non-self, nirvana, emptiness, signlessness, and aimlessness, are challenging but essential. Compassion and wisdom must be united in guiding others gradually towards deeper understanding. Jesus Christ’s teachings for a happy and free life are paralleled with Buddhism’s teachings, highlighting the historical Buddha’s journey and the concept of Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya. The Mahasangika tradition emphasizes the eternal nature of Buddha beyond worldly limitations. The story of Vakali illustrates the harm of attachment and finding happiness in the Dharma body. Both Buddhism and Christianity emphasize focusing on the present moment rather than a distant future kingdom or Pure Land. Understanding and engaging with diverse faith traditions is crucial for meaningful dialogue and keeping Buddhism relevant and beneficial. Buddhism must evolve daily to serve people, avoiding becoming stagnant or outdated, and depends on practitioners to uphold this task.

Previous Talk September 23, 2004

1h 23m