Hello � make sure to turn on English subtitles if you need them! �

What are the roots of our personal sufferings and the pains of the world? We bring our mind home to re-examine our sufferings, to find a path.

Join us in reflecting and applying Thay's 2008-09 teachings on a Buddhist contribution toward a Global Ethic - made available for the first time with English subtitles.

This is the fourth talk of the series, which the community in Plum Village France watched on the 15th of November 2023. Original date of the talk: 11 December 2008.

0:07: Mindful breathing involves focusing on the breath and its rhythm, allowing the body to relax.
7:02: Counting steps while walking can be synchronized with the breath for a meditative experience.
12:01: The practice involves allowing the body to naturally release tension and stress with each breath.
12:37: Thay discusses the practice of mindfulness and meditation through focusing on breathing and calming the mind and body.
17:36: Breathing is discussed as a tool to calm and relax the mind, as well as to address strong emotions and promote inner peace.

20:07: Thay discusses the concept of suffering and seeking happiness in Buddhism, and the idea of compassion towards others' suffering.
23:12: Choosing the path of compassion instead of anger when witnessing others' suffering.
24:00: The importance of reflecting on past actions and finding compassion for oneself and others.

32:13: Thay discusses the concept of moral and ethical actions, and the justification of decisions based on the consequences.
38:05: President Truman's decision to drop the bomb despite the potential civilian casualties
39:08: The ethical dilemma and debate surrounding the decision to use the atomic bomb
40:07: The consequences of the decision to drop the atomic bomb and the ethical considerations involved

41:23: The decision to drop atomic bombs was made to force a quick surrender from the opposing side.
45:30: The ethical implications of the decision to drop atomic bombs are debated in terms of morality and consequences.
48:16: The concept of 'Chánh kiến' in Buddhist ethics is discussed as a framework for evaluating right and wrong actions.

51:24: The example of a young Catholic philosopher opposing killing based on religious beliefs
54:13: The distinction between moral principles and religious beliefs
56:51: The example of sacrificing a child to save the world

58:23: Thay suggests that the US wanted to demonstrate its military power and leadership by dropping the bombs.
1:03:01: Cultural differences in perceptions of justice and responsibility are illustrated through examples from Vietnam and China.
1:03:46: The concept of collective punishment in some Eastern cultures.

1:04:17: Different cultures have different ethical standards and beliefs regarding medical treatment.
1:07:19: A family refused surgery to save one conjoined twin, believing it was against their religious beliefs to choose which twin would live and which would die.
1:11:14: Another family chose not to intervene in the medical condition of their conjoined twins, leaving the decision to a higher power.
1:12:13: The case of a baby girl, Teresa, born without a brain, raised questions about medical intervention and the sanctity of life.
1:12:40: Thay discusses the ethical dilemma of organ donation for children who are terminally ill.

1:20:57: Thay discusses the concept of true happiness and the importance of being mindful in decision-making.
1:20:57: True happiness is not necessarily dependent on wealth or poverty.
1:23:39: The mind is compared to a restless bird, always wanting more and never being satisfied.
1:26:38: Thay emphasizes the importance of making decisions with mindfulness and clarity, as decisions made in a state of delusion can lead to suffering.

1:28:42: Thay discusses the concept of ethical standards and guidelines in Buddhist teachings, emphasizing the importance of compassion and appropriateness in decision-making.
1:28:42: Importance of decision-making within the framework of mindfulness and enlightenment.
1:31:52: Example of adhering to ethical standards in consuming alcohol.
1:35:20: Illustration of using compassion in extreme situations, such as law enforcement.
1:37:19: Balancing ethical guidelines with appropriateness and societal needs.

1:39:20: Thay discusses the concept of transcending worldly views and attachments through the practice of Niết Bàn (Nirvana) in Buddhism.
1:41:14: The concept of a supreme being is also transcended in Nirvana, as it goes beyond all worldly limitations.
1:45:21: Thay emphasizes the importance of not imposing one's views on others and refraining from conflict based on personal views.
1:46:06: The current state of the world, with conflicts and terrorism, is attributed to attachment to personal views and the resulting imposition on others.