Songs / The Island Within (Orchestral)

“The Island Within” is one of Thich Nhat Hanh’s cherished meditation texts – a guided meditation on taking refuge in our own “island within” – a safe place we can always come back to, where we are protected by our practice of mindfulness, aware of our breath and aware of the sensations and feelings in our body.

This musical setting of the text was written during the 2020 Rains Retreat, in Plum Village, France. And recorded non-locally, with the generous support of our musician friends from around the world.

The Island Within

With this breath, I return
To the island within
As an island unto myself
Buddha is my mindfulness
Shining near and far
Dharma is my breathing
Guarding body and mind
I am free
I am free
With this breath, I return
To the island within
As an island unto myself
Sangha is my five skandhas
Flowing, flowing as one
Taking refuge in myself
Coming back to myself
I am free
I am free
I am free
I am free

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What is Mindfulness

Thich Nhat Hanh January 15, 2020

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