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The Trip to America
The details of this Dharma Talk took place on October 31, 2013, at the Clear Water Meditation Hall, Plum Village, China. Thay shared about the two-month and twenty-day trip to North America, visiting three monasteries: Blue Cliff in New York, Magnolia Grove in Mississippi, and Deer Park in California. When the Sangha arrived, it rained at all three places despite prolonged droughts. During the trip, there were many retreats, mindfulness practices, and talks, and everyone benefited from working and practicing together. Thay told the story of the presence of the Buddha in daily life through mindful breathing. He emphasized that suffering and happiness are inseparable, like needing mud to grow fragrant lotus flowers. He shared that if we know how to endure, we will suffer less. He also emphasized that although the Buddha also experienced suffering, it was less because he knew how to face it. He shared that each retreat had about 1,000 people and always had a long waiting list. He met with American entrepreneurs and emphasized that getting rich without causing suffering is important. He shared about compassion and health, stating that compassion helps reduce stress and improve health. He also shared that modern civilization often avoids pain instead of facing it. He encouraged everyone to balance work and life, and that the practice of mindfulness helps achieve this. He shared that besides material factors, we need deeper aspirations called “ultimate concerns.” He emphasized that understanding and taking care of oneself, family, and nature is important. He shared that compassion has the ability to heal and bring happiness. He will organize retreats for Vietnamese and Americans and give public talks in Pasadena and other events in California before returning to France.