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Transforming Sexual Energy 02 – Happiness in Multiculturalism

Thich Nhat Hanh · March 22, 2004 · Deer Park Monastery, United States · Audio Only
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Sexual energy is also a common energy supplied by food and can be used for many activities such as

  • learning, studying sutras, learning languages
  • social work, helping the elderly, children, the sick
  • meditation practice, which requires essence, energy, and spirit to concentrate and give rise to insight

When we know how to redirect this common source of energy toward our ideal, our bodhicitta, sexual energy is no longer entirely channeled into desire, and we become healthier and happier.

The four foundational stones of monastic life:

  1. Brahmacarya (celibacy)
  2. Solitude
  3. Obedience
  4. Voluntary poverty

Practicing voluntary poverty includes eating vegetarian food, prioritizing organic food, and protecting the environment (saving water, electricity, fuel).

In a multicultural Sangha, it is not about East or West, but about being skillful and appropriate to the psychology and needs of the practitioner; each individual tries to learn new languages, try new dishes, share and harmonize in order to build a happy and harmonious Sangha.

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