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The Ten Titles of the Buddha

Thich Nhat Hanh · July 5, 1997 · Plum Village, France

minh hạnh túc (vidyācaraṇa-sampanna) is explained as the inseparable integration of minh (insight, wisdom) and hạnh (practice, action), with túc meaning completeness. From the character 明 (minh) – sun and moon – to 行 (hạnh) and 足 (túc), Thay recalls the teaching of the unity of knowledge and action (tri hành hợp nhất, 知行合一) and the gatha “practice and understanding go together” (行解相應) from the Lieu Quan lineage, affirming that understanding must be illuminated by the light of direct experience. Through examples such as walking meditation, sitting meditation, and even sitting still on a bicycle, Thay introduces the bicycle riding gatha:

Sitting still on the bicycle
Firmly keeping balance
Happiness goes together with insight
Practice and understanding go hand in hand

Next, Thay guides the recitation of the ten original titles of the Buddha, not just as names to be read, but as energies to truly touch and connect with, without falling into mere formality:

Namo Tathagata
Worthy of Offerings
Perfectly Enlightened One
Complete in Insight and Conduct
Well-Gone One
Knower of the World
Unsurpassed One
Tamer of Beings
Teacher of Gods and Humans
Buddha, World-Honored One

Each title is to be contemplated, the bell invited, a prostration made, and three breaths taken to awaken the Buddha nature within – to see the quality of “minh-hạnh-túc” in ourselves, to go beyond mechanical recitation, and to bring practice and understanding into one vibrant stream of life.

Previous Talk July 3, 1997

1h 40m

Mindfulness

Next Talk July 6, 1997

1h 45m