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Vạn Hạnh Monastery - Transmission and Reception 2B
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Practice must begin right away: if we do not practice today, it will be difficult to practice even if we become an abbot or a leader tomorrow. In the Buddha’s path, “learning” is practicing, is training (śikṣā): one who is still learning is still practicing, one who is beyond learning has attained liberation. Insight (prajñā), not Buddhist knowledge, brings liberation, lightness, and compassion, while too much knowledge can make the self grow large, creating “obstacles of knowledge.” Living Dharma does not need to quote scriptures, but radiates peace and joy through each daily action. The process of practice is to let go of old views—like climbing a ladder, we must leave the previous rung behind—because the truth of today may no longer be the truth of tomorrow. The scientific spirit also requires exploration and readiness to let go of old understanding; we study the Way to untie our bonds, not to accumulate knowledge.
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Methods for prevention and transformation of drug addiction include three stages:
- Taking care of families and those not yet addicted, preventing “from the root” before they fall into drugs.
- Supporting those newly entangled with drugs through Dharma sharing, practice, and creating an environment that helps them not to relapse.
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Helping heavy addicts, including prisoners and prison officers, through mindfulness practice programs in prison and retreats for police, security officers, prosecutors, lawyers…
The retreats are not religious but focus on breathing, sitting, walking, eating in silence, and the five principles of living together:
- protecting life
- respecting ownership
- preserving families
- using loving speech and deep listening
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not using alcohol or drugs
Learning must be practical, always asking, “What do I learn this for? How is it useful for today’s society?” so that resources are used for truly meaningful issues.