0:00:02.787,0:00:06.119 Br. Phap Huu: Good morning,[br]dear respected Thay, 0:00:06.119,0:00:10.752 dear brothers, dear sisters,[br]dear friends. 0:00:10.752,0:00:16.151 I hope you had a relaxing[br]and lazy morning. 0:00:16.151,0:00:19.351 You could sleep in[br]and feel more rested 0:00:19.351,0:00:24.634 and enjoy the wonderful space[br]provided for us 0:00:24.634,0:00:32.099 to be in touch with our breath,[br]with the trees, with the space. 0:00:32.099,0:00:38.431 We have an opportunity[br]for questions & answers. 0:00:38.431,0:00:48.114 This is a great opportunity[br]to put into words something 0:00:48.114,0:00:52.613 we may have been chewing on[br]for a long time. 0:00:52.613,0:01:00.362 But with regards to the practice[br]of mindfulness and meditation. 0:01:00.362,0:01:05.961 the teachings of Plum Village,[br]and looking back 0:01:05.961,0:01:11.428 at our way of life, [br]our happiness, our suffering 0:01:11.428,0:01:15.810 and how to apply the practice[br]in our daily lives. 0:01:15.810,0:01:22.409 This is an opportunity to ask questions.[br]We call it "Asking from the heart." 0:01:22.409,0:01:28.141 We tend to come more[br]towards the intellect, 0:01:28.141,0:01:36.074 but here in Plum Village[br]we always encourage to ask: 0:01:36.074,0:01:40.940 How do we bring these teachings[br]into our daily life? 0:01:40.940,0:01:47.289 This is more important to us[br]than philosophy. 0:01:47.289,0:01:52.439 And we have children with us.[br]I'm surprised they are here. 0:01:52.439,0:01:56.105 I thought you would[br]enjoy more laziness. 0:01:56.105,0:02:03.821 It is a wonderful tradition to have[br]space for the children to ask questions. 0:02:03.821,0:02:10.020 We would like to offer space to the kids[br]to ask three to four questions. 0:02:10.020,0:02:17.035 A good question can benefit many of us.[br]It doesn't have to be long. 0:02:17.035,0:02:21.035 It can be clear and simple. 0:02:21.035,0:02:29.200 We have our brother filming the session. 0:02:29.200,0:02:37.134 Please raise your hand if you[br]prefer not to be on camera 0:02:37.134,0:02:42.115 and our brother will know. He will[br]focus the camera on the monastics. 0:02:42.115,0:02:54.680 So you can be at ease if you would like[br]to ask a question, but not be filmed. 0:02:54.680,0:03:00.579 Before we listen to a question,[br]we will listen to a sound of the bell 0:03:00.579,0:03:06.029 to come back to our breathing,[br]and then we ask the question. 0:03:06.029,0:03:10.894 So, we would like to invite[br]the children first. 0:03:10.894,0:03:16.561 If there is a child with a question,[br]you are welcome to come up 0:03:16.561,0:03:27.110 and sit on this chair and breathe with us.[br]And then you can ask your question. 0:03:27.110,0:03:32.792 Do any of you have a question? 0:03:32.792,0:03:41.975 We do. 0:04:02.889,0:04:22.470 [sound of the bell] 0:04:27.220,0:04:34.372 Dear community, this is the first[br]question. Our friend will ask in Italian. 0:04:35.645,0:04:40.814 Giacomo: [Italian] If there is[br]something that we like to do, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and we see someone else[br]do something that we might not like, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but so many people are doing it,[br]why do we end up doing that, too? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Voice offscreen: I will try to translate it[br]and Giacomo can help me 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 if it's not correct, because[br]you speak English quite well? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I think the idea is: We know what we want,[br]what we like to do. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But then we see others do something[br]that we don't approve of. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We don't like what they're doing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 How come we end up what they're doing[br]even though we don't like it? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Phap Huu: Do you need translation? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Phap Linh: Thank you.[br]That's a great question. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We could all ask ourselves that question[br]at the level of the whole planet. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Why, when there are things that we know[br]we don't want to do, or we don't like, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but we see that society is going that way,[br]and we end up doing it as well. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That can happen with a group of friends,[br]or in a choice of career that we make, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or how much money we think we need,[br]where we should live, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 what lifestyle we think we should have.[br]It's all a similar problem. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We get pulled into things that[br]at some level we don't want to do, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but we find ourselves doing anyway. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So ... I think the first question[br]that I would ask. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You started by saying that we know[br]what it is that we like to do. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We know what we want.[br]I'm not sure that that's true. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We kind of know.[br]But do we really know? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Do we know with the power,[br]with the strength, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that would be enough to stop us[br]from getting pulled into things 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that we don't want to do? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So we know a little bit. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But could we make that more clear? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What is it that we want to do[br]and what is it we do not want to do? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That takes contemplation. In a way,[br]that's what meditation can be for. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Our teacher used to ask us to go[br]and quietly sit in the forest 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and ask ourselves: [br]What is my deepest desire? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What is the thing that I want most of all? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because when we know that really clearly,[br]it makes it much easier to say No 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 when other people are trying[br]to pull us into something. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That's the first thing. Do we really know[br]what it is we do and don't want to do? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And the second thing is that[br]there's a competition in us, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because we like two things: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We like to do the thing we want to do,[br]but we also like to be with our friends. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We like to feel connected to others. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We like to not stick out,[br]so that we're not left out of the group. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If there's a group going one way, a strong[br]part of us wants to be part of the group. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Even if they're doing something[br]we don't really want to do. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There are two different pulls.[br]One is: I need to be part of the group. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I am in danger if I'm not[br]part of the group. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There's a very old feeling in our bodies.[br]For a long time, maybe millions of years, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 if we didn't belong to the group,[br]we wouldn't be able to survive. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We would die. So there's a[br]strong need to be part of the group. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And when that need is in conflict[br]with this other part of us that says: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "I don't want to do what they're doing",[br]it's difficult. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It depends which one is stronger.[br]But it helps just to know that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You're here, we're all here. We've heard[br]about the energy of mindfulness. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The energy that allows us to be aware[br]what's going on inside and around us. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That is the capacity to recognise:[br]"I want to be part of the group." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 When you can see and recognise it,[br]you also have a bit more freedom. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "I know, I hear you. I hear the part[br]of me that wants to jump in, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but I can also say No thank you." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Sometimes in a group,[br]when there's one person that says: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 " No. Actually, I don't want to do that." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Then maybe there's two or three[br]or four other people in the group 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 who also feel uncomfortable.[br]Once that one person has said no, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 they can also say: "Actually,[br]I also don't want to do that." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And suddenly, the whole group[br]can change direction 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because one person had[br]the freedom and the courage to say No. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's like you are watching[br]what's happening around you, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but a part of you is watching[br]what is happening inside of you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's like you have an eye tracking:[br]"I want to jump in, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but I also don't feel comfortable[br]with what we're doing." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And then you get to choose. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because otherwise you jump in[br]before you even know. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It just happens, and then later,[br]maybe a day, maybe a week later, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you realize you didn't want to do that.[br]But with the energy of mindfulness, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you have more time,[br]you have more freedom to choose. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And then maybe many other people[br]in the group will thank you later 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because they also didn't want to do that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And thanks to you,[br]they had the choice to say No. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Maybe as a society we're a bit like that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We rely on a few people with the strength[br]and awareness to say no to the current 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that is taking us in the direction[br]of destroying the planet 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and causing suffering to each other. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Maybe if a few of us can see us and say:[br]"We don't want to go that way", 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 then others can get to also say No[br]and go a different way. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thank you for your question. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [sound of the bell] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Girl: (French) Do plants[br]have a nervous system? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 For example if you snap a twig,[br]are you hurting the tree? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Phap Linh: Do the plants[br]have a nervous system? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 For example if you break a branch,[br]does it hurt the plant? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Phap Huu: The quickest answer[br]is "Oui" - yes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Phap Linh: I can add a little bit. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I would say the answer is yes and no. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because they don't exactly[br]have a nervous system like ours. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There's no central brain where[br]all the nerve impulses arrive. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's been a question in science[br]for a long time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And most scientists have said:[br]"No, plants don't feel anything." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But it's changing. So in recent years,[br]there are a few scientists 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 finding evidence to say that plants[br]do feel and we still don't know how. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But we know that there are electrical[br]signals passed through the plant cells - 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 all cells are electrical in nature,[br]just like nerve cells. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 They're not exactly like brain cells, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but they are similar enough[br]that there is a Spanish scientist 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 who really believes, and has good[br]evidence to show, that plants can feel. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 One of the ways they can test this[br]is by using anaesthesia. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If you have to go to a hospital[br]to have surgery, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 they give you an injection or a gas[br]that makes you fall asleep, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 so you don't feel any pain. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 For a long time, everybody thought[br]that only works on humans and animals. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But plants respond to anaesthesia[br]in very much the same way, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to being put to sleep. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This is all very new research.[br]You ask a very good question. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You could make[br]a whole career as a scientist 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 out of trying to answer that question. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But that's answering[br]at the level of the head. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There's also an answer[br]at the level of the heart. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's the answer that Thay Phap Huu gave 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and it's the answer you already know. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We don't feel comfortable[br]to break a plant for no reason. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We feel like maybe we should[br]respect them a little bit more. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We should care for them[br]a little bit better. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Maybe we should not be so sure[br]that it is only us who can feel things. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If we're very sure,[br]we can cause a lot of harm 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we can be very careless. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But if we're not sure,[br]if there's a part of us wondering: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "Will the tree feel it[br]if I break the branch?" 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that little space of openness, of[br]"I don't know, maybe the tree can feel it" 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 can make us more careful. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Not only as individuals,[br]but collectively as a species. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There's an awakening happening[br]in the whole of society. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There are more and more people[br]waking up to the suffering 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that we are maybe causing to[br]not just the animals that we kill to eat, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but also to the trees that we cut to[br]build houses, like this meditation hall, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the paper that we use in the toilet,[br]or to write on. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Maybe it is impossible to live completely[br]without hurting anything. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's actually really hard. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But maybe there's a way to live[br]where we cause as little harm as possible. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We try to do less damage.[br]Maybe we can't do no damage. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But I'm sure we can do less damage. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thank you for your question. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Phap Huu: One more question[br]from the children sangha. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If there are no more questions[br]from the children sangha, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 you are welcome to stay or[br]you are welcome to go out and play. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I was told there's no children program,[br]but there's a lot of space. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So feel free. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And now we'd like to offer space[br]for the bigger children. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 if you have questions from the heart,[br]you are welcome to come up 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 just like the children to ask[br]your questions to all of us adults. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [sound of the bell] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Woman: Okay. I'm nervous.[br]Lots of people. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's a question I've had[br]in my head for some months. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's about how to handle[br]the suffering that is attached 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to a mental formation that has its[br]beginning somewhere during childhood, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 something traumatic that happened. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because it's different to handle emotions[br]that come back in a never-ending circle, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or an emotion that comes from something[br]that happens in a moment and goes away. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I'd like a little advice how to do it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It confuses me to learn something that[br]helps me to always be happy or be at peace 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but without wanting that the pain[br]goes away. It's like a contradiction: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 How to embrace it without getting[br]caught in it, or holding it back. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The concrete question is: How can I see[br]when something that comes up 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 needs to be embraced, or I can just[br]let it go and focus on something else, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 or how can I see the point[br]where I'm holding it back? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This difference where I'm embracing it[br]or where I'm getting stuck on it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 How to let it go[br]without wanting to let go. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I hope you understand it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Phap Huu: Thank you for your question. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I will share from my own experience[br]as a practitioner. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 First of all, we have to understand that[br]meditation is not to get rid of feelings. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We don't practice it to have a single[br]field of emotions that we feel is us. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But meditation, mindfulness,[br]is the ability to stop, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to recognise what is happening,[br]what is present. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Name it. To identify it.[br]To call it by its name. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And that is acceptance. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 For me, a good word that I use,[br]particularly with emotions 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and feelings that are very linked[br]to childhood experiences, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 is to befriend it.[br]To befriend that emotion, that feeling. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We can have a natural reaction, like[br]trying to get rid of it, or run from it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I've run away from particular[br]emotions for a very long time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Like you shared in your question,[br]it doesn't go away. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The word that we use[br]in our training is 'transformation'. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We can transform a seed, a feeling[br]that we have experienced 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 into another feeling. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Inviting another feeling[br]to embrace and take care. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Mindfulness is an energy[br]that we can cultivate 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to befriend these emotions. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The practice of our arriving[br]in every moment is the present moment. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The present moment[br]is the place where life truly is. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Where we can invite that emotion[br]to be present, to embrace it 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 with our present moment of who you are. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I can say that all of us have suffered. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Suffering is a noble truth.[br]We all can understand suffering. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It can make us relate to one another. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Suffering can also be a prison.[br]We can be attached to our suffering. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And the suffering we tend to be[br]attached to might not be the feeling, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but it's the story. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Every time that emotion, that feeling,[br]comes up, that story is recalled. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Our practice is to identify the story.[br]Recognise the story, embrace it, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but have the mindfulness of this present[br]moment that I am not in that situation. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I am a new me today. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This new me has the ability to embrace. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To recognise. And to tell the child[br]that was wounded inside: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "Yes, I have suffered,[br]I have experienced such pain. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But in this present moment, I have[br]other energies that I can cultivate." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Love for oneself. Compassion.[br]Courage. Solidity. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In this present moment,[br]by embracing this pain, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we don't just get lost in this story. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's like when we've been slapped.[br]We're not being slapped again. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But this time we are aware of that pain[br]and we are telling ourselves 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that in that moment,[br]I'm cultivating something new. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So you are healing the child.[br]You are transforming it 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to live, deeply, this present moment. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And this is the work of transformation[br]for the samsara, the cycle. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To have an opportunity to stop. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 On a personal note:[br]I've practised for more than 20 years. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Fear is a seed that is still[br]very present in me. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In particular situations, maybe if[br]I meet somebody who reminds me 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of someone who offered[br]a lot of pain to me, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that seed of fear gets watered. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But now as a practitioner,[br]I'm not afraid. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I can become aware of my body. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Your body will have reaction[br]to the fear that is channeled. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The first place of mindfulness[br]is the body. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I come back, I recognise the fear. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I know exactly where[br]the reaction is coming from. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I bring my mindfulness[br]to those body parts. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I calm the nervous system[br]with mindful breathing, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 with total relaxation.[br]And in this moment of recognition, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I tell myself: "Phap Huu, don't be afraid.[br]You're much more than that emotion." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You have many other wonderful emotions. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I call up the other emotions.[br]I have confidence in my practice. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I know how to breathe.[br]Nobody can take that away. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I know how to be present. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I have learned to recognise[br]how to be myself. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To be with my loved ones. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I know how to do it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Mindfulness is also remembering.[br]Remembering how to. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 How to be in the moment[br]where you can be solid. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So our practise of this present moment 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 is training to take care[br]and to heal the wounds. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 As a mindfulness practitioner, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we have to have the ability to know[br]when it's enough to be with suffering. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We can be very ambitious[br]as a practitioner. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "The monks, the nuns,[br]are telling me to recognise my suffering. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 OK, I see it. And now[br]I want to transform it all." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Don't do that. It's a dark hole. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Be generous and patient with yourself. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 For us, the practise is a path[br]of transformation. It takes time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We have to develop the joy and[br]the happiness in the present moment. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To also let the wounded child know[br]that you have the ability 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to live happily in this present moment. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This doesn't mean[br]"to have something to be happy". 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But in this moment, I am present.[br]I still have the ability to recognise 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the simple joy, the wonderful[br]conditions that are there. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Recognising pain is a happy condition. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Knowing what to do, [br]what not to do. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I hope that helps. Thank you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Woman: Can I say one more thing? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So it's important not to identify[br]with the emotion, or with this thing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I understand it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And to know that I can decide[br]when I look at it and when not. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because it really was like you said.[br]I thought: "Let's look at it" for years. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Phap Huu: Yes and no. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To not be caught and[br]just identify as one emotion. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 As one past story. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because we are[br]a continuous stream of life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If we are just caught in one story,[br]we'll become a victim of the story forever 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But our practise is to identify:[br]"Yes, in this moment, I am angry." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "That is just one emotion, though." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In this moment, I can invite[br]and invoke other energies. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And therefore, you are[br]more than that emotion. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I've done this myself: Feel very entangled[br]in an emotion, in a story. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I see myself as just that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But our mindfulness[br]of coming home to oneself, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we know we are much more than just that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We are a continuation of our ancestors. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We are a continuation of this earth. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Sometimes, I take refuge[br]in land ancestors. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I am much more than just this suffering. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But also to own our suffering,[br]and be responsible to transform it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 'Cause I've met people, sorry,[br]I'm going on a little bit long. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I've met people who've become[br]very attached to their suffering. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And that suffering[br]becomes a way to blame life. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And using that as an excuse. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And our teacher shared with us[br]that we all have the right to suffer. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But it is our responsibility to[br]transform it. This is it. Thank you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [sound of the bell] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Paolo: This matter about gardening[br]and nourishing our seeds. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Help me to understand and to cope,[br]I would say, with my inconsistency. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Having both grown, beautifully,[br]my seeds of generosity, and greed. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Of welcoming, loving,[br]and of anger. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Dealing with this source of having both[br]parts, and experience in both parts. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 This is one big topic I'm working on. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But my question is about[br]gardening others' gardens. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Of course, unwillingly, I also grew anger[br]and pain and sadness and distrust 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in people I love.[br]It's very convenient for me to say: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "Oh, I'm a new Paolo. I'm in the moment.[br]The past is the past, don't worry." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's very convenient for me. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But I understand that this is[br]not so easy for the other, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because the pain is not mine. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What can I do about the pain[br]that I generated, over many years maybe, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and how can I deal with it today? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Troi Bao Tang: Dear Thay,[br]dear community, and dear friends. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's true that our mind is like a garden. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 When we go to the garden, we may find[br]beautiful plants that we love. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Flowers, trees, et cetera. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But we will also find grass,[br]and the plants we don't really like. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But they are all there. This is[br]one thing we first have to accept. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That everything is organic[br]and they are all there. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And they all can be transformed, too. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The place where the nettles grow,[br]if we want to change it into flowers, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it's possible. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But we can also allow the nettles[br]to be there and see the goodness of it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So for me, for example, when I practise, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the beginning I thought I could[br]take away all of the bad seeds in me. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And to have no more bad seeds,[br]only good seeds. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I imagined, if I practised, and one day[br]I would not have anger any more, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it means I am emotionally handicapped. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I don't want to be like that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I want to feel alive. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But to do that, I need to have[br]enough energy of mindfulness 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the present moment,[br]to recognise that something is arising 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that I don't appreciate. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Something that can cause[br]suffering for myself and for others. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So that is why navigating[br]our action is very important. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 First, recognise what is happening in us,[br]and then we navigate our action. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The fourth mindfulness training[br]is very helpful to do that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 When we recognise that[br]we are in a strong emotion, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we practise not to speak[br]and not to act, but instead, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to recognise it and[br]practise with that seed. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Until you feel you have enough calm.[br]Then you can start to communicate. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Tonight we will learn more about that,[br]in the practise of loving speech. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So let's say we have done a thing[br]that caused suffering in the past 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and it has become a burden for us.[br]Maybe it makes us feel guilty. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It makes us feel like we have[br]to take the responsibility for that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So in the practise,[br]feeling regret is very healthy. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It is not good,[br]it is not bad to feel regret. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But that regret, if it has grown[br]into a burden for our mind, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 then it is not very good,[br]then it is not healthy for us. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So one thing we can practise is[br]to change the direction of our guilt 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 into an aspiration.[br]Into the aspiration of practising. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So let's say, I get triggered and I cannot[br]stop myself from saying something. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To make people feel pain, for example. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If one time I feel[br]I'm not doing it successfully, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I know that I can do it better next time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I need to make a real effort[br]to do better the next time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Until I'm able to stop my speech,[br]that is already good enough. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because if we are not able[br]to save the people in the past, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we can still save the people[br]in the present moment. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And we can save the people in the future. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But this moment is very crucial[br]to cultivate that aspiration to 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 practise and embrace that.[br]And to not be afraid of it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So, when we practise like that,[br]we also have self-compassion, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that we have a weakness inside,[br]that we can still embrace. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 When you are able to be present[br]for your loved ones, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that is already good enough[br]to transform the past. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We are made people suffer[br]in the past unconsciously, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because we didn't have enough[br]energy of mindfulness at the time. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 By generating energy of mindfulness[br]and aspiration to do it better, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we can do it now. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In our practise, we have a lot of methods,[br]we call them dharma doors, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 like touching of the earth, cultivating[br]joy and happiness in the present moment, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that will help us to be more attentive. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In the practise, we should[br]not be afraid of failure. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There's no failure actually.[br]We just need to exercise and to practise. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thank you for the question. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Phap Huu: Can I add one thing? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If we have hurt another garden,[br]very simple, but very difficult: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Apologise. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Say "I'm sorry." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And why is it so difficult,[br]even for us practitioners? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because we think we're right. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I share this from my own[br]experience of living in this community. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We work with brothers and sisters[br]365 days. We smile a lot, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but we also get angry at each other. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And even in our greatest intention[br]of doing things for "the greater good", 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 we will still make each other suffer. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And my biggest growth as an individual[br]is learning to say sorry. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Without explaining. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Every time I've made someone suffer[br]in the past, I had a reason to do so. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We all do this. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Our practise of the present moment,[br]now I've learned, when somebody expresses 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 their pain and hurt to me,[br]of what I've done to them, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 my mind will go into the garden right away[br]and say: "Yes but, I gave you good manure, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 now you're a better person," and you find[br]every reason to justify your action. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I've learned that[br]that doesn't do me any good. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It only feeds my own ego. It only[br]makes the other person hate me more 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because I don't listen. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And the biggest support and practise[br]in that moment is to bow and to say: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "I'm so sorry I made you suffer." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because what is real is that[br]that person is suffering. That is real. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That, for me, is what[br]I have learned to accept. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And our practise is[br]to help remove the knot. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And we will hear the practise[br]of beginning anew this afternoon. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But this is the biggest practise[br]of taking care of one's garden 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and of each other's garden:[br]Beginning anew. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To recognise the pain that we have[br]offered, even from a good intention. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But your action has made[br]that person suffer. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And just to accept,[br]you accept the suffering. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Maybe, in my critical mind, there's[br]still a part of me: "I had to say that." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "I had to do that."[br]But that's not important. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That's already in the past. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 The present is: "You suffer. It was[br]my words. It was my choice of action. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I will learn from this.[br]I will reflect on these actions." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And in this way, you offer[br]the other garden understanding. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because when someone suffers,[br]what they want the most, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in my understanding, is to be heard,[br]to be seen, and to be accepted. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If we're too proud of our garden,[br]then we are not supporting and helping. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We're just showing off. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 As a practitioner, there are moments[br]to come back to humility, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to be humble, so that we know[br]we're not always right. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And we still have compost[br]that we need to take care of. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That, for me, is bruising,[br]it's painful, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but it gives us an opportunity[br]to continue to grow. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That is the wisdom of nature. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That it's always growing.[br]It's learning from its mistakes. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And the garden continues[br]to bloom it its four seasons. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thank you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [sound of the bell] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Woman: I have more of a kid's question. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's a little bit concerning the saying:[br]A cloud never dies. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Sometimes we have conversations with[br]children about death and reincarnation. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 My son often says:[br]I don't like this reincarnation, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because you won't be my mother in [br]another life, and my dad won't be my dad. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's difficult to have answers. Here,[br]we really feel that the body never dies, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 kind of like composting.[br]And reincarnation really talks to me. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Also the heritage of our ancestors[br]and the lineage. It's all a bit blurry. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I thought that maybe[br]you could be clearer. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Phap Linh: I'll see[br]if I can summarise the question 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to make sure we understood. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There's two types of teaching[br]on continuation, reincarnation, rebirth. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In one type, it seems to be that there is[br]something like a soul, or a person, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that gets reincarnated. And[br]that person has a kind of continuity. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Although the relationships might change. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But it's that person that[br]then appears in another body. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And then according to Thay's teaching,[br]it's something more blurry. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We don't see ourselves exactly[br]as a separate entity or person 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that gets reincarnated, because[br]we are already all of our ancestors 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and all of our descendants. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And we are the whole cosmos. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So who dies, and who is reborn? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Could it be more clear? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [laughter] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I think it's quite clear. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There's a part of us that still[br]doesn't quite trust or believe 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that we are already each other.[br]That we are already the earth, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the stars, the entire cosmos.[br]The past, the future. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "Yeah, OK, I guess, intellectually, I[br]kind of understand this interconnection. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But why is it that I feel things[br]that you don't feel? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Or I see things from a point of view[br]and you have a different point of view." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We are different. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We do seem to be different. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We seem to have our personalities[br]and characteristics. We're not identical. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And yet we are, each of us,[br]manifestations of the whole. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's very strange. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's OK for it to be strange. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Of course there's a part of us[br]that would like it to be clear. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Sort of explainable. Simple. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But I think that would be more boring. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So I like to kind of rest in the mystery. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I acknowledge the part of me[br]that wants to know. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But I also see its limitations. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That part of me that wants[br]to grasp and explain, in words: 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "It's like this, and then it's like that",[br]make a nice picture, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I go: "Hello! I see you. You can rest.[br]Take a break. This is another part of us." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It doesn't need to resolve it.[br]It can dwell peacefully in the mystery. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 My experience of it is that it's[br]a much more alive place to be. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I think it's beautiful that[br]at the heart of reality, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 at the heart of the present moment,[br]at the heart of life, of us, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 there is something that cannot be grasped. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That cannot be explained. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I prefer it like that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 No? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's so much more fun. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If it was all explainable, you could just[br]write it down and you'd be done. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "OK, now we know.[br]What else should we do?" 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's kinda boring. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 For me, a part of the practise is[br]to recognise the part of me 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that wants to know in that kind of way.[br]It doesn't mean that we can't know. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's just another kind of knowing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We do know. We already know[br]that it's a different kind of knowing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's a knowing that[br]can't be said in words. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It can't be grasped. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But it can be experienced. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Sometimes it's a little glimmer,[br]a little flash of that knowing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You feel it. You feel connected. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 You feel at peace. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I think that is something[br]that we can settle into. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And there's words that can take us there. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To some extent or another. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Even stories, or poems. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Why do we sit here, talking,[br]if it can't be said? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Why did Thay give so many talks,[br]thousands of talks. He kept talking 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 about something that can't be said. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Because if he did that and we continue[br]to do that, it's not completely useless. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I observe what we're doing here now[br]and I find it very beautiful. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That we're sitting here and[br]not looking at our phones 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and not distracting ourselves[br]on our phones. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We're sitting here and[br]there's something happening 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to all of us by the fact[br]of sitting here together. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's a bit hard to grasp[br]what exactly is going on. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What are we doing? It might[br]not be exactly what we think. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But I think the fact that[br]we are sitting here 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and maybe all of us, or most of us,[br]are aware of our breathing, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 aware of the sensations in our body,[br]maybe noticing some discomfort 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 in the present moment[br]and accepting it, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that's a kind of awakening for me.[br]It's a kind of rebirth. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 My ancestors didn't do this[br]50 years ago. A 100 years ago. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 150 years ago. They didn't[br]have a way to do this. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To sit together in a room[br]to cultivate stillness, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to cultivate awareness of their bodies,[br]of their feelings, thoughts ... 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But now we are doing that. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thanks to one man, Thay,[br]he was exiled, he lived in the West, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and he saw that maybe[br]there was something 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that we needed[br]to cultivate a little bit more. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And so that stream of wisdom and practise[br]joined all of our streams of lineage, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 of culture, education, transmission,[br]inheritance, suffering and happiness. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So something is being awakened.[br]Somebody is being reborn. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But I don't know if it doesn't[br]belong to any of us individually. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We're all changing, together. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We're all transforming together. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I can't say that I understand it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Or that I can know it exactly. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But I can feel that it's important. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I can talk to my ancestors. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I ask them how they would[br]like to continue. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What direction they would like to go in. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Almost all of them. Not quite all of them,[br]some of them are still negotiating, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but pretty much all of them[br]are very, very happy to be here. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 To live like this.[br]To do these things together. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It would be kind of sad if they had[br]to just continue to be themselves. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So the change and the fact that[br]we inter-are is an amazing thing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's a wonderful thing.[br]It's what liberates us. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We don't have to keep continuing the[br]same patterns of suffering, of confusion. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We can also get beyond the stories of[br]who we were and the pains we experienced. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We can start to soften that and[br]let that go a little bit and experience 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 what it might be to live as a community.[br]To live as the world. As forests. Clouds. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Of course there's still a part of us[br]which seems to be very concerned 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 with what happens to this body,[br]these feelings, these thoughts. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But from time to time we get to experience[br]something that stretches us a little bit, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that goes beyond the immediate concern[br]for this part of the whole. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I find that interesting.[br]I find it kinda healthy. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I'm still gonna do my best[br]to take care of this bit. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But I like to practise daily stretching[br]the envelope of what I think I am. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I find it changes my view[br]in interesting ways. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It changes my priorities[br]in interesting ways. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What if I'm actually also the forest?[br]What does the forest think? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What does it need, what does it feel?[br]Can I feel what it feels? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Am I already feeling what it feels? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Is something that I'm feeling actually[br]not to do with what I think it is, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but it's actually a manifestation[br]of the feelings of the earth, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I just misidentified it? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I find that very interesting.[br]To experiment with my boundaries. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let them be more flexible. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 And I think Thay showed us that[br]again and again and again. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Of course he had his body[br]and his feelings and his thoughts. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Personality. One that we loved. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But I could feel many times that he[br]wasn't as concerned about just this part, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the body, as you might think. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He wasn't afraid. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 He would sometimes make this gesture. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 "Don't get attached to the body, to the form; 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thay is the tiniest part of what I am." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So even if our personality[br]gets reincarnated somehow, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 into another body, it's OK.[br]But that's not all we are. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's a very small part of who we are. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So maybe it doesn't matter[br]as much as we think. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 What happens to the little [br]of reality that we identify with as self. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 In the many ways that we can apply[br]the practise that Thay has offered us, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 to experiment with being more flexible[br]with what it is that we think we are, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 like right now we can sit here and think[br]of our own individual needs and wants. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There's probably things that we want. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We'd like to feel better. Less[br]uncomfortable. Happier. More peaceful. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There's things pulling at us inside. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But it's also possible to look around[br]to sort of feel into the space of the room 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 and to feel: "Oh, there's something really[br]interesting happening here. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Why have a couple of hundred people[br]chosen to spend their Thursday morning 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 sitting still and listening deeply[br]to each other and to themselves? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 I wonder what's happening." 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 It's a very strange thing. I don't know[br]in how many parts of the world 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 this is happening right now.[br]In how many places is this going on? 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Not many. I find it really interesting. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There is something happening[br]which we are a part of, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 but that we're not exactly doing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We get focused a lot on "What is it[br]that I'm doing, my choices?" 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But there's so much of our life[br]that is not doing. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We are co-being. Co-manifesting. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 So. I don't think it's any clearer. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But I think it's also OK. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Br. Phap Huu: Dear community. [br]I think we have to end 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 because we don't want to[br]overtake our joyful and lazy day. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 There's just one part I want to share.[br]It's the "Sorry" part 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 which was the first[br]action of recognising suffering. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 But if there is some misunderstanding[br]about the situation, there's always 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 a time and space to clarify,[br]to come back and to resolve any conflict 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 that has been established.[br]It's not just "I'm sorry", and that's it. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 If there is wrong perception,[br]when we are talking about the garden, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 if there is real wrong perception,[br]and there is miscommunication, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 the practise is to find a time and space[br]to communicate and resolve, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 so that the relationship[br]can be re-established. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Normally, when somebody[br]is sharing their suffering, 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 it's just very easy to get very defensive. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 That defensiveness blocks[br]the heart to connect. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 We have to be very mindful of[br]our judgment and our righteousness. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Then we create space in order to resolve. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thank you. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Thank you, dear friends, for being present. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 For listening with open hearts. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 Let us listen to three[br]sounds of the bell together. 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [sound of the bell] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [sound of the bell] 9:59:59.000,9:59:59.000 [sound of the bell]