Happiness is Made of These Moments | Dharma Talk by Thich Nhat Hanh, 2004 02 01

This 74-minute dharma talk in the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall takes place on Sunday, February 1, 2004. The monastic and lay community are practicing together during the 2004 Rainy Season Retreat from January 4 to March 14 at Deer Park Monastery.
In the process of renewing Buddhism, many people disagreed with me. Today, Thay offers some words on renewing Christianity. The teaching of living deeply in the present moment is also very clear in the gospel. We should take care of today. Living happily in the present moment is possible. Our basic practice during this Rainy Season Retreat is this: living happily in the present moment. If the Buddha is there, the pure land is there too. If God is there, then the kingdom of God is there too. This practice is not difficult. Mindfulness will help us be in the present moment. Thay proposed that theologians and Christian teachers offer us the teaching and practice to help us live in the present moment. The same is said to Buddhist teachers. Walking and contemplating in the pure land or the Kingdom of God. Then we no longer have to run after fame, power, wealth, and sex.
The teaching should be embodied by the teacher. The life of the teacher can then be authentic. If you are Dharma Teacher, you have to embody the teaching of living happily in the present moment. If you want others to be able to stop suffering and to live happily. Every moment of our daily life can be seen as a miracle. Thay offers a few examples of how we embody the practice.
If you are beginner, a new practitioner, there are brothers and sisters who are more experienced. And these more experienced practitioners can show how we can live in the present moment. Mindfulness and concentration bring about happiness, solidity, understanding, and compassion. And this will nourish us and the other people around us. We can help those around us. Thay offers some examples of how this is practiced. Practicing is helping the sangha.
There are those who have received the Five Trainings, and yet sometimes there are those who have not received the trainings who may be more solid in their practice. We can learn from these students because their present in the sangha is a blessing too. It makes the sangha more beautiful and a better refuge. It’s not because of have received the Five Trainings that makes us more important. Anyone can be the teacher. Our teacher is a little bit everywhere. Signlessness. Not caught by the form. The same is true for the Order of Interbeing member - those without the brown jacket may be better practitioners than us. When we wear the brown jacket, we have to be more careful and embody the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings. Our real value, as members of the Order of Interbeing, is how we practice these trainings. In order to do this, we have to be solid in our daily practice and see our teacher in others. As members of the Order, we have a duty of setting up a sangha. We have to do the work of sangha building. The sangha is protecting and supporting us. So, whether you have received the Five Trainings or not, whether you have received the Fourteen Trainings or not, whether you have received the Ten Novice Precepts - we need a sangha.
Daily Practice worksheet - there is a column for each day. And in the evening before you go to sleep, we can evaluate our practice. We start with waking up - when you woke up, did you practice? Were you aware and present with waking up. In the teaching, we continue through the other parts of the day where we can enjoy and practice in each moment - putting on your shoes, folding your blanket, opening and closing the door, etc. There are also verses (Gathas) of practices.
During this retreat, we have been learning about how to take care of our body and our feelings through the Exercises on Mindful Breathing proposed by the Buddha. We are learning how to handle our feelings, whether they are pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. We have learned how to produce a feeling of joy and a feeling of happiness. In the Buddhist teachings, we learn there are 51 categories of mental formations. This is where we turn now in the dharma talk. There are positive ones - confidence, compassion, diligence, joy, etc. There are also negative ones - anger, despair, jealously, etc. And mindfulness is one of the fifty-one. These all exist in our consciousness and are of an organic nature - they can change and transform.
How do we cultivate understanding and compassion?
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[@xiaohuaai7306]

This beautiful man saved my life 🙏 thank you beloved Thay 🙏

[@lanchidao6464]

I am eternally grateful to Thay , his work , his teaching , Plum village and their retreats even I have not had the opportunity to be at any retreats. The audios on utube are great treasures for all. I dearly wish Thay and all the monks of plum village good health and good practices. ❤️

[@keiranm5]

HgfhUse the edit icon to pin, add or delete clips.

[@tararamteke5955]

🙏🙏🙏

[@sleepycat224]

How right you are dear Thay about the Kingdom of God. Our priests have think very closely about Thay, s proposition. Unfortunately they don’t do that. I’m a Catholic my self and I feel like I miss something. God bless you great Master Thich Nhat Hahn 🙏🏻♥️🙏🏻🪷🪷🪷🙏🏻

[@MC-zu8lb]

There's nobody in the whole world besides Thay that can calm my soul and make sense of this life, I swear....

[@fattidiliberta]

same here...

[@elinannestad5320]

@@fattidiliberta and here

[@stephiedrown795]

I love this man. I am deeply grateful to him. His beautiful voice and smile could heal the whole world. Thank you.❤

[@harshalwankhede589]

As soon as his words fall in ears, mind sits down as if in mother's lap and just relaxes.

[@patmaher9863]

Perfectly put.🙏

[@maggyhanrahan]

Thank you for this beautiful teaching. May it reach many people.

[@fatimaleite3453]

Deep gratitude to Thây!

[@PritiAnand1BSG]

Thank you Thay 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lukez9567]

"I will continue to be...a flower or a leaf...+ send you a greeting. If you are aware, you will recognize me, and you will be smiling at me. +I will be very happy." OUR TEACHER TNH 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 🙏🏽❤️❤️❤️ 🙏🏽 🙏🏽🙏🏽 Namo AMITABHA 🙏🏽 🙏🏽🙏🏽 THẦY vẫn ở mãi trong LÒNG của CHÚNG CON❤️❤️❤️ Dear TEACHER, You will forever stay in our HEART and our MIND ❤️❤️❤️

[@colleendeane7888]

Each drop of water is a jewel. Taking care of environment thanks to Thay

[@limalongkumer9395]

This man is beautiful his whole being is just love, peace and comforting.

[@steevo211]

We Are Grateful Today That No One Was Killed, That There Is No War. TNH ~ People Do Not Understand How To Appreciate Their Blessings. Light A Candle, Make Some Tea Listen To The Dharma. Breathe Smile. Be Happy Today No One Is Being Killed, Today There Is No War. 🌼

[@plantritarian]

I listen to these talks every day walking my dog and at bedtime. They’re life hanging and I appreciate them so much! 🙏🏼

[@si12364]

His kindness is moving, as the sound of his voice and his smile.The power of his kindness bring us directly in the present moment, and give us a glimps of eternity. He is one of the most great Holy man still alive on this earth. Thank you so much for these videos....

[@leeyanghui6866]

Thich is a indeed a living Buddha.We are blessed to have known him.I have never understood this religion till I heard his teaching n speech.He gave inspirations for me to learn more about buddhism.Thk u. . Master Thich Nhat Hahn

[@andywall2401]

❤ Thank you for your kind words of wisdom 😊

[@branchestarot]

“Breathing in….breathing out….I am in the here…and in the now….” Beautiful. Blessings teacher. 🙏🏻❤️

[@MindfulnessAmitaba]

Dear respected and beloved Thây, thank you so much🙏

[@BarbaraMerryGeng]

What a great blessing - Tich Nih Han 🙏🏼

[@ginarossiter5865]

Thay, your words are always true and beautyful. They will last for eher!

[@jeanninetwine3411]

We really can learn so much from children 😊

[@lauralunaazul]

I love him.

[@martinastoyanova8862]

Dear Thay, you are amazing!! Thank you! 🙏🌹🌿

[@yersiniasilverfors6552]

I was there, at the Kirchentag he mentioned. But I didn't see him, had not heard about him back then. No I feel a bit sad that I missed that opportunity.

[@harrietkhoza4842]

This is powerful...you are amazing ❤️

[@alpha-n-omega1217]

~ ..Thank You Much ,,,dEAREST,,, ' Plum Village ' : ) ~ ..I Am Beyond Thankful & Extremely Grateful for ALL of Your Heartfelt Teachings : ) ``` namaste

[@ConexionHumanaOficial]

Dear respected Thay, you are a GREAT TEACHER as the great student you have been in your noble path. It's an honor to learn from you. Evangelina Cortes.

[@sagi1984nyc]

Wonderful ..may the living Dharma live long maybe we have many wise teachers such thank you ❤️🙏

[@sleepycat224]

Dear Thay🙏🏻🕊️I’m so extremely grateful to find you. Did it thru Thomas Merton since I’m Catholic but have a strong connection with Thich Nhat Hanh and Zen as well as mindfulness. Bless you dear Thay 🙏🏻♥️☸️🕉️

[@ConexionHumanaOficial]

Thank you dear Thay for remind me that every single moment is a great opportunity to practice, not only during sitting meditation. Evangelina Cortes.

[@sleepycat224]

How right you are, dear Thay are about the Sangha . Well it’s like in Christianity ✝️. Bless you ☸️🕉️

[@madhurimaitra2027]

What a beautiful talk

[@flanigan_a-go-go]

The purest form of simplicity - the focus on the in breath - has led me here

[@azuresonic69]

RIP THICH NHAT HANH

[@TheContessa1212]

Today, March 6, 2022, I am missing Thay's physical presence. Why? I think I am identifying too much with my humanness today ..... being bombarded with the insanity of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The deep fear this situation is causing makes me sad. Listening to Thay's Dharma talks and those of his monastic devotees help me tremendously.

[@louisesumrell6331]

Though it is necessary when we are here, to live in this world, we need not be of this world. 💖🙏

[@mariaeugeniacorredordiaz8119]

Tan fácil ser feliz!, nuestra actitud mental,con las condiciones que se tienen, mirando profundamente, agradeciendo. Gracias maestro Thay❤!

[@mariaeugeniacorredordiaz8119]

Gracias Maestro Thay! Cuántas enseñanzas.❤

[@bridgetmccoy5725]

I love you Master Thay. I say this everyday and hope you feel the global Love we all have for you. Your teachings saved me. 💐🙏

[@revealedpodcast455]

Eternal gratitude dearest Thay 💕

[@jacobbrooks4112]

So grateful for your teachings

[@Wallyisking]

This one of his is great for analytical thinkers because he goes into some pretty technical aspects of the state of mind.

[@y9w1]

Dear Thay, I'm in Dharamsala for some teachings by The Dalaï-Lama just now. I'm happy, they are interesting teachings but also there is a big crowd... nice people, I'm glad to have friends in the practice, but somehow it seems mindfulnes and concentration are left behind... and excitement takes over. Especially when we leave the Dharma hall / temple and go in town for lunch. So today I was trying to bring some awareness to myself while eating, to the food, to the planet and all the conditions that brought it, but I felt lonely and drowning in a sea of loud chattering (including a lay meditation teacher next table who was complaining about not having a private bathroom, and a couple western nuns at my table)... I didn't complain inside, or get upset, I just continued to eat mindfully and observed... But I wondered, why are they not interested in their food (especially since they ordered some pizza 😊)? Now I'm back to my room, I can rest and listen to Thay and I'm thinking... How I wish he was here to cross the town walking mindfully! Or a group of brothers and sisters from Plum Village to walk, seat and eat mindfully, to invite others to do it... Or simply to show it's possible. Thankfully this morning a few theravada monks from Thailand were around, behaving mindfully, modestly, keeping their mind in the present moment. I breathed with them... Everyone has beautiful qualities, and Buddha nature. But I realize the value of mindfulness and concentration, as well as of the mindful manners! Dear Thay, and dear community, please continue to walk, to seat, to talk and eat mindfully everywhere you go... Especially when in a crowd! We need to see that. We need to see this "divine messenger" to be inspired to the practice. With a smile from the mountains 😊☀️🙏🌸❤️🙏🙏

[@sangitakatoch985]

Highly Grateful. Bestowed such a path Blazer.

[@sleepycat224]

Have so many questions for Thich Nhat Hanh. 🙏🏻♥️🕊️🕉️☮️

[@francoisedandre1799]

MERCI !!!!!!!!!

[@daphnesmith1686]

EXCELLENT and AMAZING teacher.

[@dwarrobotsonline944]

One speaks purely when his mission is to share. Simple words which make more meaning.

[@ConexionHumanaOficial]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for this excellent talk, I can find a lot of teachings to practice in my diary life. I''ll do my best in order to improve in every area of my person. Evangelina Cortes.

[@23Bentley45]

Is there a way to find the mindfulness words he says while wearing his shoes? So incredibly beautiful

[@TuCoachPersonal]

Dear Thây, thank you so much🍀

[@j.shepard6818]

Thank you

[@dcunarro]

Como admiro a este hombre bueno. Muchas gracias Thay!!!!

[@christopherrowlands7532]

Brilliant (11/2019). I don't get to BCM so much considering the distance but I have been... It's good to hear Thay affirm my practice as a novice, and that my family (Sangha) too can find happiness in those moments.

[@soulful2393]

🙏Thank you🙏

[@mariaeugeniacorredordiaz8119]

Gracias a Plum Village!😊

[@patriciaowen5988]

Thank u .feel at peace

[@ilonkaleibfried2142]

🙏🙇‍♀️❤️

[@23Bentley45]

Is there a printable daily mindfulness sheet? It would be wonderful to have it. Thank you

[@y9w1]

Wonderful Thay ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@elinannestad5320]

Oh for a sangha. Oh to be a drop in a river.

[@jadennguyen2111]

Vi qua kinh trong thay,nen con xin được im lang

[@supremeplustv1892]

Basis of Budhism is reincarnation and law of karma The necessity of Budhism is impermanence sufferings and concept of no soul . Budhism guides us to stay in human world and heavens until final stage is attained 🙏🙏🙏

[@sleepycat224]

Is it possible to get these papers. Must be if I go to the retreat in Plum Village

[@louisesumrell6331]

I suspect that Thay may not be coming back to the physical world this time. 💖🙏

[@shastahill]

Thank you much for sharing Thay's endlessly illuminating talks. May anyone help me with the non-English phrase at about 18:15? Just curious :)

[@vindembmw6421]

2:09 - Can someone please help me understand Thay's words properly and accurately: "In the process of renewing Buddhism, many people did not agree with me, but they did not, they could not excommunicate me because in Buddhism we are too free to do such a thing." Did I understand Thay's words right? My question is about the word free - is it free, or is it frail, or is it afraid, or is it a different word? Please help me understand Thay's words properly. Thank you!

[@marika7848]

I think the word was “ free” meaning there are no strict rules which, when broken can cause you to be excommunicated. I’m not Buddhist so this is just my interpretation.

[@vindembmw6421]

@@marika7848 thank you for your comment! Indeed, I can see the point being made that way and it kind of makes sense. Have a great continuation and a mindful day ahead!

[@chongseitmooi2593]

is Thay still alive

[@Bingbangboompowwham]

I wish these vids weren’t filled with people coughing literally the entire time

[@upstatenewyork]

Fully agree. Can’t and won’t watch the ones with the f****** coughing.

[@mila7809]

If you were listening to him mindfully you wouldn't hear them...🙏

[@Bingbangboompowwham]

@@mila7809 how does one listen mindfully to someone teaching them mindfulness

[@ginarossiter5865]

*ever

[@sparksofawakening]

DAILY CONG PHU SHEET can be found here - docs.google.com/document/d/1Ura9zP6VjmNGPyEZfwSCOcB2xHtfCzeE1PXq5NgbU3k/edit Deep bow to you dear Sangha

[@dabeezkneez8716]

Thank you🙏🏾

[@anonanonymous7048]

Is the monks not running away from suffering / normal life, to escape all the violent men?

[@istoppain62]

I don’t know their motivation but it’s a better life. Peaceful, not this life of materialism and ego centered ness. I just would like to be like them to have peace and bliss. The whole purpose of life is to find happiness

[@CL-he4jz]

I don't know his whole history, but have heard Thay speak of his life in some of these KZbin talks- of his monks' & nuns' work in Vietnam, in times of war & extreme violence, of helping the Boat People (taking them to the French Embassy under cover of night, securing safe passage, sailing them to safety); persecution of the monastery with many of his Sangha killed...Thay said they "chose to do both" ie keep mindfulness in the Sangha/ and also extreme activist in helping their community. I have the deepest love and respect for this Community. True compassion in action.

[@flatsfishingonline]

Where is the lightness of being. Almost seems like a sermon.

[@chongseitmooi2593]

It's soootrue tht washroom is very essential facility in our living... thts once im in Beijing China near great wall looking fr washroom n what I deserve is a no door squatting wc never seen before inmylife... mygod ...n hv to pay 50cent fr using it... ihd to hold my urine bladder fr going others reasonable place.... haaaa what a joke...Ending with no more intention togo China anymore

[@dianejobin8063]

Thigh

[@dianejobin8063]

Thi

[@maggyhanrahan]

This is such a beautiful teaching, Gratatude, may it reach many people.

[@upstatenewyork]

Why so much loud coughing by those in attendance? Ridiculous.

[@paulafreeman-vida365]

It doesn't seem to bother him! A cough is the other side of silence. There cough has power over you and you do not breath manifest in freedom.

[@upstatenewyork]

I was talking about it bothering me, not him. So please re-read the post. Your reply is a bunch of gibberish.

[@elinannestad5320]

if you have ever coughed you know..... you can't help it. It's an uncomfortable part of being human, not disrespectful. What puzzles me is why people who mind subdued coughing are listening to these very talks aiming to widen compassion. Why?

[@upstatenewyork]

@@elinannestad5320 Not everyone thinks like you, just like not everyone thinks like me. My thinking on this may be puzzling to you, but not to the whole world.