When you produce a thought of non-discrimination, understanding and compassion, you begin to heal youself and the world. Every thought you produce bears your signature; you are responsible for your action. You think that after you produce a thought, the thought disappears. But no, a thought is an energy, is an action. According to the Law of Conservation, no energy is lost. That thought continues in you. That is why in your practice it is important to produce good thoughts, thoughts of non-discrimination, compassion and understanding. You assure a beautiful continuation.
The second kind of action is speech. When we are able to say something or write a letter with non-discrimination, compassion, understanding and forgiveness, you heal yourself and you heal the other persons. You give them hope. We practice to produce the kind of speech that can heal, that can reconcile.
The third kind of action is bodily action. Eating, drinking, having a job belong to the realm of bodily action. Every act of yours should be right action. Right action is characterized by non-discrimination, compassion and understanding.
We are the totality of our body, speech and mind action.
(This is the 1st Dharma talk by Thay for the 3rd week of Summer Retreat 2014 in Plum Village.)
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