We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track. If this problem persists help us by reporting it so we can investigate it.
Watch this talk
Login or create a free account to watch this talk and discover other teachings from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Log in or create an account
The Nature of Avalokiteshvara
This title has been reviewed for accuracy.
The Essence of Compassion That We Can All Manifest
Thay begins by discussing the advantages of keeping a kung fu notebook as a means of contemplating one’s thoughts and actions each day. He reminds us that mindful walking allows us to live in the present moment, which means living in the Pure Land. He points out that there should be no fear of change because the ground of change remains the same. However, we must purify ourselves in every form in which we appear. Thay then reads and comments on excerpts from the Universal Door chapter of the Lotus Sutra. He discusses the five contemplations and the five kinds of sound that are the essence of Avalokiteshvara. He describes how karuṇā and maitrī come together to form the rain of Dharma that extinguishes all manner of afflictions. He ends this teaching by reminding us of the main attribute of Avalokiteshvara, which we can also manifest: “Looking at others with compassionate eyes.”
This is the ninth talk in a series of thirteen given during The Hands of the Buddha, twenty-one-day retreat in the year 2002. Thay offered this talk at the New Hamlet, Plum Village, France.