June 23, 2011. 100-minute Dharma Talk in Vietnamese, with translation provided by Sr. Chan Khong, given by Thich Nhat Hanh in Lower Hamlet, Plum Village, France.
Thay speaks about the life of the Vietnamese anti-war songwriter and musician Trinh Cong Son, and the experience of Thay, Sister Chan Khong, and Thay Phap An in the 1960s. Experiences such as being a child in the war and others writing anti-war poetry. One book of 60-poems by Thay had to be published underground – Joining Your Palm in Order for the Dove to Appear. We need to be aware of this era and the despair it caused. Sr. Chan Khong sings a couple songs but the recording is not so good because we are listening to translation; you can turn it up during this period. He goes on to share about the Great Requiem Ceremonies in Vietnam in 2007.
The rest of the talk Thay continues teaching about practicing while touring with the Sangha.
- Touring from the Heart
- Touring as a Practice. Everyday and second is a practice.
- Sangha happiness. The aim is to be happy.
- We are not tourists.
- Keep our seatbelt properly tight. Precepts.
- Fine Manners
- Practice Second Body system.
- Caring for Second Body.
- Walking meditation. Every step.
- Stop to talk
- Precious moment. Attend all activities.
- Sangha confidence.
- We are not performers of the dharma. We practice and teach with our heart. It’s not the form.
- Mobile Monastery
- All activities are equally important.
- Time to rest. Especially Thay…one activity per day.
- Keep our togetherness.
- Mindful electronics. Be discreet.
The talk was given in Vietnamese with English translation and is available below. There is a video version available too.