True Happiness 13 - Practice 3 on the Four Immeasurable Minds & The Fifth Mindfulness Training

Thich Nhat Hanh · October 23, 1994 · Plum Village, France

The Fifth Mindfulness Training is the foundation for happiness when we expand our heart of loving kindness. Practicing the Four Immeasurable Minds—equanimity, loving kindness, compassion, and joy—teaches us to love our enemies as ourselves, transforming them into our loved ones. In the Vietnamese tradition, temples are built to honor invading generals, and in the future, we may even honor American soldiers, as symbols of understanding, forgiveness, and love that transcend hatred.

When we prostrate with the Five Touchings of the Earth, the posture with five points touching the ground dissolves the self, connects us with our ancestors and loved ones, allows forgiveness, and strengthens and enlarges the small self. The Five Prostrations are therapeutic, bringing health and joy. Meditation can be practiced in any posture—sitting, walking, lying down—because only 24% of our life is truly present; the rest needs to dwell in loving kindness and joyful equanimity throughout the day.

The Dharma assembly on the 25th will have English–Vietnamese translation, arrangements to avoid disturbance, and all Dharma talks will be recorded and preserved. Learning must go through the intermediary of practice, like the silkworm spinning its thread, not merely repeating the teacher’s words verbatim.

Previous Talk October 16, 1994

2h 24m

True Happiness 11 - Practice No. 2 on the Method of Contemplation on the Four Immeasurable Minds

Next Talk October 23, 1994

2h 20m