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Yunmen Temple Dharma Talk (for) Monks
The fifteenth exercise of mindful breathing focuses on looking into the nature of Nirvana, or nirodha, which means the cessation of all wrong perceptions and the afflictions born from them. Through deep contemplation, we see that the reality of things is neither the same nor different, and involves no coming and no going. Just as a flame manifests when conditions are sufficient and ceases when they are not, everything in the universe—whether a sheet of paper, a cloud, or a human being—is a continuation rather than a new birth or a final death. In the historical dimension, there appears to be birth, death, coming, and going, but in the ultimate dimension of Nirvana, the true nature of reality is:
- No coming
- No going
- Not the same
- Not the different
- No birth
- No death
- No being
- No non-being
To touch this ultimate dimension, we must look deeply into the world of phenomena. The practice of the huatou, niệm Phật thị thùy (who is reciting the Buddha’s name), serves as an invitation to embark on a journey of self-understanding. This requires looking deeply into ourselves, recognizing that we are made of five skandhas:
- Body
- Feelings
- Perceptions
- Mental formations
- Consciousness
By realizing these five skandhas are empty of a self, we transcend the fear of birth and death, just as a wave realizes it is water. This mindfulness must be practiced continuously throughout the day, not just in the sitting hall, but in all four positions of the body:
- Standing
- Walking
- Sitting
- Lying down
In the West, there is a great hunger for the practical application of mindfulness to transform real suffering, such as anger, jealousy, and family conflict, rather than abstract theories or rituals. True Buddhist education should prioritize actual practice and self-understanding over academic diplomas. By ensuring monastics receive proper nourishment, sufficient sleep, and the conditions to grow in compassion and understanding, they can become happy practitioners capable of helping others transform their suffering.
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Yunmen Retreat Dharma talk for Monks