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 Three Obstacles to Bodhicitta
The initial mind of a practitioner is the mind of understanding and love; happiness depends entirely on the quality of these two substances within us. The reason we still suffer is because we lack understanding and love, and because the seeds of anger, suspicion, and jealousy within us are too strong. Instead of blaming others, the practitioner needs to recognize three essential points to reduce suffering and maintain faith on the path of practice:
- Suffering originates from the seed of suffering within oneself; the other person is not the main cause.
- We are not solely responsible for that seed; it has also been transmitted and watered by ancestors, grandparents, parents, and society.
- When mindfulness intervenes, suffering and anger will certainly decrease, even if only by 1%, 2%, 5%, or 10%.
The teachings of the Buddha have the nature of Sanditthika (directly visible here and now) and Akalika (timeless), meaning they bring peace immediately when practiced rather than promising happiness in the future. Mindfulness is the only method to embrace and to transform pain. We do not need an external judge to pass judgment, because the Buddha within will witness whether or not we nourish mindfulness in daily life, from washing dishes and cooking rice to being in the restroom.
Individual happiness is intimately linked to the happiness of the Sangha; there cannot be a separate, private future because the future is made of the present. The practice is based on the principle of non-duality, accepting that both the good and the evil, the love and the hate are oneself, in order to arrive at reconciliation. When facing conflict, we practice the insight: “You are me, and the other person is also me” so that there is no longer opposition and tearing apart internally as well as within the community.
