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Understanding and Loving

Thich Nhat Hanh · July 28, 1993 · Plum Village, France
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The true jewel is not a “rare treasure” to bring home and show off, but the methods of mindfulness practice learned at Plum Village:

  • Walking meditation, mindful breathing, dealing with overwhelming emotions, total relaxation to dissolve tension in body and mind.
  • The eight-word breathing formula encapsulates the spirit of “in, out, deep, slow, calm, ease, smile, release,” helping to transform within just a few minutes, nourishing peace and awareness.
    To practice right when anger or irritation arises is to truly master the method; if you can sit still for a long time but your heart is still restless, you have not yet truly understood.

True love is built on four main elements, not on possession or domination:

  1. Maitri – offering joy and freedom to others.
  2. Karuna – deep understanding of suffering in order to forgive and support transformation.
  3. Mudita – joy that arises from the happiness of the one you love.
  4. Upeksha – non-attachment, preserving freedom for both sides.
    Parents and blood relationships need deep looking, respecting the unique seeds in each person (such as rituals for newborns, hairpin ceremonies), listening and creating space for freedom, so that love does not become a chain but a true source of life and happiness.
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Next Talk July 30, 1993
1h 55m

Taking Refuge in the Island of Self