September 17, 2010. 104-minute dharma talk with Thich Nhat Hanh in English. This is the third day of the retreat in Malaysia taking place at Tiara Beach Resort in Port Dickson. We are honored to hear two songs from the children present before the talk begins followed by a short meditation on parents. Thay is very good with supporting the children.
We are reminded of the relationship between Teacher and Student. Why is it important and what is the role we each play. We should practice kindness for our teacher just as our teacher practices kindness for the student. Practicing mindfulness is the practice of being kind to our teacher; to honor and follow what we are taught. The teacher must do the same so only what is directly experienced is taught. With awareness we can see the miracle of walking on earth and see the Buddha is in each of us.
Some discussion on the Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing is included. How do we handle strong emotions? Just like a tree in a storm where there is a lot of movement near the top of the tree but solidity in the middle and bottom, we too must come down out of our head and practice abdomen breathing when we encounter the strong emotions.
The last part of the talk reviews the Four Mantras:
- Darling, I am here for you.
- Darling, I know that you are here and it makes me very happy.
- Darling, I know that you are suffering and that is why I am here for you.
- Darling, I am suffering and I need your help.
Practicing being present and learning to listen with compassion.