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Who is the True Soulmate? - The Living Zen Tradition of Buddhism and Practices at Plum Village
The great happiness of a monastic, as well as of everyone, is the complete presence with one another in each moment: sitting together for tea meditation, Dharma discussions, Dharma talks, or even through simple questions like “What are you doing?”—all are expressions of the deep relationship between teacher and student, of profound spiritual friendship. The story of Master Huệ Năng meeting Master Hoàng Nhẫn twice—the first time in the kitchen, the second time in the middle of the night in the private room—shows that true wisdom does not come from learning or position, but from mindfulness and sincerity in each present moment. When Huệ Năng received the robe and bowl and went south to practice, Master Hoàng Nhẫn rowed the boat to see him off, handed him the oar, and felt at peace, demonstrating that the teacher-student relationship is indestructible, based on mutual understanding and resonance, and though the time together may be short, it lives on forever in the heart.
Practicing Right Speech and mindfulness is the path to happiness right now, not something to wait for in the future. According to Nagarjuna, for speech to be Right Speech, its essence must arise from true love and insight, and its form must be skillful and concise. If your words help others awaken and relieve suffering, that is Right Speech. The five Dharma doors that bring peace and happiness in dwelling happily in the present moment include:
- listening
- speaking
- walking
- breathing
- eating
Each art requires “diligent practice”—learning and training at the same time, recording your practice in a journal, and applying it right away. The first two mantras are to express your true presence to your loved one or to your Sangha:
- “Daddy/Mommy, I know you are alive, and I am so happy.”
- “I am truly here for you, Daddy/Mommy/Teacher.”
When body, speech, and mind are one, joy arises immediately. Letting go of the buffalo—releasing worries to dwell peacefully in the present moment—not only helps heal physical illness but also enriches relationships, preserving the lineage of the awakened ones not through grand achievements, but through deep presence in everyday life.