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Van Hanh Monastery - Transmission and Reception 2A
In every cell, we return to our father, listen deeply and tell him that although we carry much inherited suffering, within him still lie seeds of happiness, love, hope, and faith. The practitioner can recognize and take care of such seeds as forgiveness, love, and joy of living, practicing together with the father to transform suffering and nourish peace. Sitting meditation is to calm the body—soothing the body—and to calm the mind—soothing the emotions; as we breathe in, we relax the whole body, as we breathe out, we smile and embrace our feelings with mindful breathing, helping to ease the suffering.
The story of the Catholic woman and her husband, like a “bomb,” shows that the art of deep listening (compassionate listening) and loving speech can defuse the bombs of anger, restore communication, love, and family happiness. After a week of practice, she brought loving speech to her husband, softening his heart, leading to the miracle of reconciliation.
Illustrative paragraphs:
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There were young German men who, after six days of practicing loving speech over the phone, were able to open the door of their father’s heart and achieve miraculous reconciliation.
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Do not think that practice is difficult; if you practice the right Dharma door, you will surely succeed.
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When transforming pain through listening, forgiveness, and restoring happiness, the practitioner receives a reward far greater than fame.
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Adults, those in power, are also just little boys inside; touch the “heart button” to help them reveal themselves and heal.