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The monastic community of Thich Nhat Hanh, whom they affectionately refer to as Thay published an update on the well-being of their founder to mark the occasion of his 93rd birthday (October 14th), providing a detailed account of his current circumstances.
Over the last few days, Thay’s monastic students from across Vietnam have been gathering at Từ Hiếu Temple to celebrate his “continuation day.” Brothers have come from nearby Từ Đức Temple, and sisters have arrived from the South. To celebrate this special day, the monastics have created an exhibition of Thay’s books in the Full Moon Meditation Hall. Thay has been coming out in his wheelchair every day to admire the preparations and savor the joyful atmosphere. Today, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate and offer their best wishes. The monastic community can feel the strength, peace, alertness, and vitality of Thay’s presence, and the warmth and harmony he is bringing to Từ Hiếu.
These are the last few sunny days before the rains arrive. Despite the heat and humidity of recent months, Thay has coped very well, perhaps because this is the climate of his youth. (For some of Thay’s attendants, the hot weather has been much more challenging!) From time to time he has a chance to visit the beach for a few days, just thirty minutes from the temple. Thay’s health remains fairly stable overall, although from time to time he faces challenges with appetite, sleep, and physical discomfort. Thay continues to receive regular treatments from acupuncturists and physiotherapists, which are very beneficial.
Over the last few days, Thay’s monastic students from across Vietnam have been gathering at Từ Hiếu Temple to celebrate his “continuation day.” Brothers have come from nearby Từ Đức Temple, and sisters have arrived from the South. To celebrate this special day, the monastics have created an exhibition of Thay’s books in the Full Moon Meditation Hall. Thay has been coming out in his wheelchair every day to admire the preparations and savor the joyful atmosphere. Today, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate and offer their best wishes. The monastic community can feel the strength, peace, alertness, and vitality of Thay’s presence, and the warmth and harmony he is bringing to Từ Hiếu.
These are the last few sunny days before the rains arrive. Despite the heat and humidity of recent months, Thay has coped very well, perhaps because this is the climate of his youth. (For some of Thay’s attendants, the hot weather has been much more challenging!) From time to time he has a chance to visit the beach for a few days, just thirty minutes from the temple. Thay’s health remains fairly stable overall, although from time to time he faces challenges with appetite, sleep, and physical discomfort. Thay continues to receive regular treatments from acupuncturists and physiotherapists, which are very beneficial.
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Meditation is training for the mind, helping us become less controlled by stressful thoughts and emotions. - Gelong Thubten
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It is very important in meditation to be self-reliant, to have our own tools. The Buddha emphasized self-effort is the best effort, and to be self-reliant. - Goodwin Samararatne
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We can begin overcoming self-conceit by simply recognizing the sentience, and thus equality, of other beings. We don’t need extraterrestrials to do this: we can reach out to insects and animals right here already. For many of us, even respecting the dignity of other humans would be a powerful step in moral growth. Eventually, if we receive some visitor from another galaxy. Look, same human beings. Maybe a little different sort of shape. But basically the same. Then furthermore same sentient being. Just like that. It’s the same sentient being. We can immediately shake hands, if they have some sort of similar hand there. If we put too much emphasis on ‘we are human beings on this planet’ then someone from outside who comes is a ‘stranger,’ that creates more anxiety, more fear.
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Yoga is the supreme gift of India to the world at large.
Yoga does not quarrel with science ; it supplements it.
Yoga is a methodical way to attain perfection,
through the control of the different elements of
human nature, both physical and psychological.
- Swami Sivananda
Yoga does not quarrel with science ; it supplements it.
Yoga is a methodical way to attain perfection,
through the control of the different elements of
human nature, both physical and psychological.
- Swami Sivananda
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Those who have spirit and drive and are willing to work hard, persevere, and weather disadvantages can start from zero and end up with everything - Hsing Yun
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Upon receiving a drop of generosity from others, we should repay it with gratitude in gushing torrents. - Chinese Buddhist Proverb
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The mind of most of us ordinary beings is like a headstrong toddler and needs to be taken care of like a toddler. We can't just do everything the mind says and give it everything it says it wants - just as we can't with a toddler.That would lead to a very ill mannered child indeed! It is very dangerous to do everything the mind says. - Lama Zopa
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Since most of us do make judgments about a person's behavior, why not consider making those judgments favorable and positive. For example, a friend agrees to meet with you for tea but is not present at the agreed time. Rather than conclude your friend is inconsiderate or "always late" shift the judgment toward the positive thinking she is delayed by traffic or is simply running behind that day. Another example could be that of a friend who does not return a text message promptly. Instead of leaping to the conclusion the friend is inconsiderate or rude, judge favorably assuming your friend may have been preoccupied with a urgent matter.
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Please do not have high expectations that you are going to achieve something very special. Meditation is nothing special. It’s just being open to ordinary things. It’s nothing extraordinary. - Goodwin Samaratne