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Three Kinds of Talents and Eight Difficulties
Today at Lower Hamlet, Cam Lo Temple, Thay received an invitation from the Korea Daily to write a New Year’s greeting and to explain why the book Anger was the most beloved by Korean readers in 2001. In Korea, Plum Village teachings have spread widely thanks to Anger, even though Thay has only visited to teach once, and television stations and newspapers are all encouraging Thay to come in March to offer more teachings on the practice. On the occasion of the New Year, Thay wishes readers a year free from afflictions, especially free from anger.
The New Year arrives like the sound of the mindfulness bell, reminding us that time passes quickly, and offering us the opportunity to ask ourselves whether in the past year we have practiced diligently, whether we have overcome inner difficulties and external circumstances, and whether we have opened the door of happiness and love. The parallel sentences at Phuong Khe’s inner temple read:
- “All past misfortunes are swept away,” reminding us to let go of all misfortune—three kinds of calamities and eight kinds of bad luck—to welcome peace and happiness.
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“Present conditions are abundant,” reminding us to recognize the sangha, teachers, friends, and Dharma doors as precious conditions.
All of these need to be recognized with mindfulness, because many misfortunes are invited by our own body, speech, and mind, and mindfulness gives rise to joy and happiness when we are aware that suffering has passed.
The image “cool-faced in the moon and wind, pure-hearted with simple pickled vegetables” honors both outer beauty and inner clarity, symbolizing simple happiness that does not depend on money. Thay likens the seven hamlets as places to wander and play when practicing:
- Upper Hamlet
- Lower Hamlet
- New Hamlet
- Garden Hamlet
- Full Moon Hamlet
- Green Mountain Hamlet
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Orchid Stone Hamlet
When we overcome worry and let go of our projects, we can enjoy the moon and wind, listen to the rising tide, gaze at the clouds with the eyes of an artist, and live freely and happily in mindfulness.
