The Art of Being Peace | Dharma Talk by Thich Nhat Hanh, 2008 05 13

For the Fifth International Buddhist Conference in May 2008, the Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh was invited to offer the opening keynote address. The event took place at the National Convention Center, Hanoi, Vietnam with the theme Buddhist Contribution to Building a Just, Democratic and Civilized Society. Hosted by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and co-organized by International Organizing Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and National Coordinating Committee for the United Nations Day of Vesak. The date is May 13, 2008 and the talk is 53-minutes.
Promoting Peace
Practicing Buddhism is the art of being peace, the art of promoting peace, in the society and in the world. We all should learn this art.
We all have elements of war in our body. Practicing Buddhism is recognizing these elements so that we can then transform these elements. In the Sutra on Mindful Breathing, the Buddha provided us the practice to release the tension in our body. It only takes a few minutes. If we can release the tension in our body, then our body can learn to heal itself. When we make peace body, we can begin to make peace with our feelings and emotions. Do you know how to recognize your emotions? This is the art of making peace with ourselves. Our body, and our feelings and emotions. The Buddha also taught in this sutra how to recognize and transform our mental formations. The Buddhist practice means going home to oneself. To restore peace. How does this work in the family setting? Or in the school setting? Why is it important for parents and teachers to learn this art of being peace?
Deep Listening and Loving Speech
During our time teaching in the west, we have also taught listening with compassion and using loving speech to restore communication. In Plum Village, we have practiced this intentionally with groups in conflict - Israelis and Palestinians. What is outlined above is used to illustrate practical application with these groups. In Mahayana Buddhism, we have the Bodhissatva Avalokiteshvara - the bodhissatva of compassion. They do this practice in order to suffer less.
Right View is the view of dependent co-arising, no-self, interbeing. Practitioners should always remember to maintain this right view in their daily life. How does this look between a father and a son? We learn that suffering is not an individual matter. Everything this is linked to everything else. To protect other species on earth, and the earth itself, is to protect ourselves. This is the insight of interbeing.
The Five Mindfulness Trainings
Thay reminds of Unesco’s Manifesto 2000 which Thay helped to create with several Nobel Peace Prize laureates. There are six points and has been signed by 75-million people. This arose from the teachings of Buddhism and are very similar to the Five Mindfulness Trainings. If we practice these, we will have peace in ourselves and in the world. Just signing is not enough; we need to put it into practice. This is why we recommend forming ourselves into communities - in our families, schools, workplace, and within governments. These can all become a sangha and bring these six points (and Five Mindfulness Trainings) into practice.
The practice of deep ecology, mindful consumption and the Five Mindfulness Trainings. The trainings also teach us not to exploit people or the earth. We have been talking a lot about peace, but we have not done enough for the cause of peace. Whatever we can do in terms of thinking, speech, and action could be considered as an offering to the Lord Budhha. As an example, we learn how Deer Park Monastery in California is using solar energy and having car free days. Reducing consumption, learning to live more simply, and to have more time to take care of oneself and our beloved ones is very crucial and is the way of peace.
Living happily in the present moment. And taking care of the present moment is taking care of the future. This can assure a beautiful future.
We conclude with a short guided meditation offered by Thich Nhat Hanh.
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[@ericchristen5433]

A world government should be comprised of spiritualists, yogis, artists, writers, buddhists, ethical philosophers, poets, uncompromising doctors, nurses, farmers, gardeners, mothers, fathers, children, animals, vets, conscientious builders and so forth. Non of the world leaders of today deserves such a position.

[@GodOfGamblers81690]

I am only a recent student to the Buddhist way of life- but the words this man speaks transcend faith and religion. This is the beautiful art of being human and to embrace being human.

[@therealleonardlewis5438]

Look up tao te ching lao tzu enjoy!

[@lambertyoga1087]

Have you ever noticed how the tone, calmness, and vibration of individuals like this are all the same? People who are fully present, when they are present, sound like this. Listen for it so you know who is really here.

[@grotime1986]

middle c

[@toddsimpson1323]

@@grotime1986 zp

[@petervenables513]

This guy makes me feel humble and is a true Bodhisattva, a modern-day Buddha. I am glad to be able to be inspired by him. My new Role-Model

[@jojoaja6106]

The buddha way too rare it need hundred of millions to the next one, modern monks usually don't have abhinna

[@VuNguyen-uu6tb]

I totally agree. He is a true Buddha in our modern society. According to Sogyal Rinpoche, who is the author of the well-known book named "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying", becoming a Buddha is not becoming a superman with magical abilties, but a true, genuine person.

[@Astrithor]

As a Christian, I don't think any other religion comes quite as close to the kind of love and harmony that Jesus preached than Buddhism. I may disagree with a number of their thoughts on spirituality, but the emphasis on peace, love, and care for all those around you and for your own self as well is beautiful.

[@Cwh19xx]

Universal love ❤

[@caroh6159]

❤

[@suzannec4796]

😊😊😊😊

[@WalkingInPeaceNAbundance]

A measure the depth of a religion or spiritual practice by how they treat gays. Are they treated kindly and accepted or are they shunned, condemned and judged?

[@MrgoldenRose]

well said. sounds like you are enjoying your journey, and that's the point :)

[@TritiumCupcakes]

Very wise words. I found these words after finding out this man Rests In Peace. Your body may rest, but your words shall live eternal.

[@colleendeane7888]

Such serenity! Thay, although u seek no fame, u are worthy of Nobel Peace Prize

[@sriradharaichoudhuri2262]

Gj

[@VuNguyen-uu6tb]

I think everybody give Thay Nobel Peace Prize in their hearts :). Spirituality shall be everlasting, not like the material which is illusive and often troublesome.

[@roxyamused]

It's wild too, he was nominated by MLK!!! Like, I don't know how one can be more of a badass than be nominated for the Nobel peace prize by one of the most important civil rights leaders in modern times.

[@TathaC]

I wish I could speak to him for once face to face in my life....it feels like he can make all the pain go away..

[@loserloser6527]

i was tripping on acid and i found myself meditating and buying his books on amazon for the first time and i felt so much peace, this journey saved my life and i’m grateful

[@marcusjohnson290]

Loser Loser check out Krishna das and Ram das

[@AMOEDEN888]

Angel Hugs n Blessings to you and yours and All souls ~

[@janhoracek6438]

Good for you! Winning Winning!

[@ngawangjigmedh]

@@marcusjohnson290 he talk about those so called ancient wisdom of india vedas and patanjali stuff which didnt help Siddhartha Gautama to attain buddha eye...after tht buddha abandon all scirpt and master knowing they have nothing to offer tht which will transcendence samasara....and he ownself found it after 6 year of contempletion under the Boddhi tree...

[@shiralevy5787]

⁦❤️⁩

[@utak3082]

What an intelligent man. I feel blessed to have come across his teachings.

[@MORI2708]

This man is a beautiful conscious being

[@alexdepilarez6921]

Thua Kinh Thay, How fortunate we are to have you accessible to your teachings through videos. Thank you for your continuation and eternal presence. I have arrived home... " A Cloud Never Dies" TNH 🙏🙏🙏❤

[@noraoduliomorales2588]

Dear Thay! I listen to you and I am so moved by the tranquility that you generate in me. Thank you so much!! You are such a great teacher!!

[@fdavyes]

Smooth, insightful, kind and a giant. All at the same time. RIP, Master.

[@queensigal]

I practice breathing in and out with kindergarten kids in Israel also with the Tibetian bowl. They enjoy mindful breathing. I also am aware I need to work on inner peace..awareness is key

[@andylee7862]

Thay is just amazing. Thanks so much for promoting peace and happiness.

[@susanbaron7903]

I was there in the audience in this hall on 2008 in Hanoi. How time flies... Love Thay

[@Gkuljian]

I'm finally hearing someone else say what I've been saying my whole life. And I feel like an outcast. But no, I am on the right path.

[@GodOfGamblers81690]

I only found the teachings of Master Hanh recently, but he speaks a universal message of peace and love. I am so glad to have found this

[@NFS305]

If you're an outcast then id like to be an outcast with you! 😉 Peace is every step ✌🏼

[@TheBity123456]

breath in: I am aware of the tension in my body breath out: I am relieving all the tension of my body 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸❇️❇️❇️❇️❇️

[@petervenables513]

difference is he is humble and does not seek attention like u clearly are ! he would be happy knowing at least someone with that view was being heard not winging cos he got the attention haha

[@MysticFiddler1]

@@antennawilde Pretty judgmental, your ego. Many know these things their entire lives. Living them is the trick. Master Thich tells how.

[@SKIADK]

This man understands all the emotions and then some about human beings. Thích is at a level of peace, love, healing and compassion. ❤️

[@colleendeane7888]

This message against toxic consumption should be preached to the world

[@drmarkrieke]

Yes, he is vegan

[@pardeepparkash398]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 our great teacher has passed away today. I am sad. But his beautiful teachings I carry in my heart ❤ ❤

[@stephiedrown795]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@ShaunDobbie]

What a truly remarkable teacher, he exudes peace and happiness in huge quantities.

[@Franpetersen]

We are

[@Franpetersen]

We are

[@ericphalen7109]

Yesssss!

[@andreadadaab6276]

Amazing - showing the mirror to all of, including the monks and those in power to live according Buddha's teachings can bring peace and a healthy mother earth - if we want. An activist who leaves me speechless, stunned and full of admiration. Wisdom is simple - thank you all who made this speech available. Thank you Thay

[@louisesumrell6331]

Every day is a car-free day for me.

[@NoDrizzyBBL]

Pure light.

[@geovaniavaninha2640]

Thank you Thich Nhat Hanh!!❤

[@patriciarosetimmers7730]

We love and accept the Buddhists as long as they are useful to us

[@hinewaiwaitoa3259]

Thank you thank you thank you

[@bohdaj]

such a beneficial speech .... thank you, Master

[@queensigal]

I recommend skipping to 4.30 .to Tich's,talk . He is such a great teacher . His teachings will transform the world one by one

[@hiepnguyenvan16]

we usually hear teaching of bhudda Thich Nhat Hanh

[@Agui007]

Thay is a wonderful teacher. You can hear from his voice has reached deeper levels of peace. We humans are just not designed for chais, stress, fast paced life styles, inert food (devoid of good nutrition) and contamination of EMFs.

[@ellitionx6213]

You're right!

[@KitchenSqueeze]

This same thought brought me to this video.

[@sharonlujan9497]

ll of us even the young need to know these principles

[@ellenrule3189]

Love this and hope to stay peaceful and filled with love and joy.

[@tamarajasinski820]

The most important and loving speech I heard. It would be so wonderful, if everybody on this planet could hear it.

[@jackiejohnson8795]

My hero

[@adamdreisler7365]

Agree. He is the Living Buddha ✨🙏✨

[@katrinaholmes2349]

Amen, agree fully ❣

[@queensigal]

What Tich teaches is missing from many modern psychotherapy that strengthens the selfishness while Buddhism strengthens compassion. You can only teach what you practice.

[@peterkumeroa2648]

No creating externally only internally. God bless.

[@irenekent4335]

Thank you so much for the talk it has helped me to understand many situations and to listen more

[@uranus411]

how helpful and beautiful ❤️

[@Astrithor]

He was in his 80's here, but he seems almost timeless.

[@marlenemolina4016]

Thank you 🙏 plum village is our spiritual shanga always inside our heart ❤️

[@sharonlujan9497]

I have so much to be thankful for and I mean that

[@beki1377]

Lovely to recognise some brothers and sisters from nowadays 12 years younger 😍

[@JP-pf7jz]

Every word Master Thay says is filled with so much compassion and selflessness. I am so grateful for these videos.❤

[@yehhshhs]

Wow only listening to this calms me so so much!

[@cateholm9426]

One of my “a ha” moments. Living in the moment creates our moments of the future! Thank you Thay🐉🕉

[@nannan2790]

Thankyou Thay🙏🙏🙏🌸🌸🌸

[@terryrichards859]

I always enjoy his talks very meaningful to me.

[@dimitrimols7935]

Going in may for the first time to plumvillage for the spring retreath looking forward to it , so happy to discoverd there video's and learned so much thx to these loving and kind people love them true en deeply.

[@christiangasior4244]

How did it go, if I may ask?

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

@@christiangasior4244 musta never come back😁 amituofo!

[@Itstiairratee]

A beautiful soul

[@Itstiairratee]

@@Ger-BG can u explain what you mean and why you say that.

[@chuckhines459]

I absolutely ❤ his teaching it's very simple but profound.

[@simplyabhishek]

Rest peacefully master 🙏

[@sarahc7642]

As a Christian I've learned much from Thay. I believe both traditions can learn from one another. This will be the peace that Thay envisioned. And our way to contribute towards peace in the world. If we, practitioners, ourselves have prejudices against one another, what hope can there be for the world?

[@irenekent4335]

I must say u are a great speaker a joy to listen too and informative and I can understand just what the message is Thank You

[@seanmartin8121]

We are all here for a reason

[@ForeverConsciousResearch]

Ty Thay & Plum Village. Continued health to you Thay. You are loved. Blessings

[@adamdreisler7365]

Wow! Amazing speech! So much radical truth making the connection between Buddha dharma and ecological awareness as something inevitable. Living Buddha og our time! ✨🙏✨❤️✨🔥✨

[@raghuvd1763]

Yeah

[@michaelwalter2616]

Praise god for such words of wisdom food for the soul. Mmmmm

[@JNeil1975]

He is the Buddha of our time.

[@drmarkrieke]

One of the world’s greatest vegans

[@joelwest5541]

🙏 I hope he's well.

[@Hoodie_queen]

He is such a great speaker I can't wait to read his books ❤ God bless him

[@psi42]

thich ji--eastern philosophy taught to me by my father--father son happiness is oneway only__fathers happiness depends on his sons happiness__all regards to alfayed of harrods england__2023

[@gladyspulikkal9697]

Admired at this great saint enlightens by simple techniques of every day of life.If only practised, earth would be heaven.

[@bobbiefluffy]

inspiring, we need him

[@mandanaweingartner153]

Im so happy that i came across him so many years ago its such a loss to this world that he isnt here anymore...love you Master, thanks for saving my life

[@araksgabrielyan6043]

He is still alive... God bless him

[@Lene1973a]

Bless him.

[@Imageryou]

Perfection. Thank you.

[@ConexionHumanaOficial]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you venerable Thay. I felt this Dharma talk full of love and compassion. My honor and gratitude to you for your great teachings. I love to listen to you, but I like too to listen all the Sisters and Brothers of your divine community, because all of them generate your lovable vibration in every single words they pronounce. Evangelina Cortes.

[@dimitrimols7935]

Br phap dung is zo funny

[@MindfulnessAmitaba]

Thank you so much Dear respected Thây and Dear Sisters and Brothers🙏🍁

[@aralifefarming]

Much of my dharma studies have been zen then tibetan Vaj... teahings, but THich has been a reflection of compassion for so many and here in Houston there is a school in pearland that has me and my partner very interested in doing the full 4 year program, and then the teaching program. The dharma is a very important part of my life and now his. so the program in respect to THich would be very important to us. THe temple is only 15 misn from us in webster/friendswood texas.

[@christiangasior4244]

Thich is not a Tibetan Buddhist. He is from Vietnam and created a sect called “Engaged Buddhism”. I also think Zen is more pure and true to the essence of what Buddhism is about. Some of the Tibetan stuff seems arbitrary to me.

[@HumanbeingonfloatingEarth]

The author of peace.

[@Corusame]

34:07 "without the practice of mindful consumption we have no way out". Wise words indeed

[@hoshboshbgosh514]

'not only Buddhists have access to that kind of I site but so do the non-Buddhist ' really good bit

[@Eyes_Unclouded]

I love you Thầy🌷

[@AliciaMarkoe]

Thank you 🦋🌼💕🌻🌺

[@lesliewetter8769]

Listening to him speak awaken`s the heart of the compassionate mother within me. Listening with compassion is mindful listening with the heart. Or at least that's what I perceive.

[@sharonlujan9497]

mindfullness training can help the entire human race!!

[@kimberlyherrmann6324]

Thankyou 🙏🌺💗🌺🙏

[@Me-yf9lt]

Thank you for this. 🙏

[@kizbo]

Talk starts at 3:45

[@ramthian]

Thanks 🙏

[@vicentecarneirodecastro]

Aqui no Brasil 🇧🇷, você tem um admirador desse fenômeno de amor. Longa vida há você grande monge. Thich Nhat Hanh um ser de luz no meio de nos.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏😘👏👏👏👏👏❤️

[@leandronascimento6316]

Opa Vicente! Tem muitos de nós, admiradores deste rio de amor que é o Thay!!! Seguimos juntos!!!

[@vicentecarneirodecastro]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@cIeetz]

good to see him in hd

[@roxyamused]

One sutra beseems to draw from is the Heart Sutra which he's translated before he died which is used by my lama because he thinks it's one of the best translations. It is on Plum Village's website. The sutra comes from Nagarjuna's school Madhyamaka which he wrote several treatises on particularly 37 practices of a Bodhisattva. A book also well loved across the Mahayana path is The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva, an absolute luminary who taught the book in one sitting and dropped the mic at Nalanda. Thich Nhat Hanh is also a prolific author and translator, so there is lots to learn from this teacher, but I also recommend finding a sangha with a legitimate lineage like Plum Village. om mani padme hum may we realize nature of mind and bring all sentient beings without exception to that state. Bodhichitta is precious, may it arise in who it has not arisen and once arisen may it not diminish, but ever grow and flourish!

[@melaniekp4692]

i wonder what "Person" would give a thumbs dwn for Thay? Incredible

[@SKIADK]

Someone who chooses not to accept this wonderful advice.

[@glennshocket940]

9 people who suffer greatly. I use kind words and compassion rather than what I would like to write because that is what Thay would want me to do. What an incredible man and teacher. A wonderful example of a what we all should aspire to be 🙏🏻.

[@luigimafia10201]

They dont know what they want

[@buddhaexhumed9922]

Very educative. I do research on how Buddhism disappeared in Bihar. I realized it never disappeared from Bihar. Buddhists simply failed to research Indian Buddhism. They looked at Buddhism through the sphere of their own cultures searching for only the Buddha. Buddha had a myriad of names in different villages according to his teachings there. Example. His favorite teaching was 'Lust and desire causes pain. Remove lust and desire, and pain is removed'. Translated into Bihari (where the Buddha story took place) it is DHUKH HARAN meaning to remove dukha. Three dozen villages pray to DUKH HARAN Baba. Its clear that DUKH HARAN Baba is none other than the Buddha. Problem is Buddhists are searching only for the Buddha. In the real Vaishali the Buddha begged for alms. The locals there pray to 'BHIKHAINI' Baba (Beggar Baba). Bhikhaini was mispronounced by Buddhists as Bhikshu. Who is BHIKHAINI Baba. The Buddha no doubt. But people are searching for a man called Buddha. In the real Vaishali, in Beluha the Buddha suffered a sickness and felt he had grown old. The locals pray to 'BURHA' Baba (Old Baba). Who is BURHA Baba. The Buddha no doubt. In the real Vaishali the Lichavies pressurized Buddha not to die. They trailed him to Bandagawan pressurizing him not to die. To put pressure in Hindi is DABESHWAR. Three dozen villages around the stupa where Buddha gave the Lichavies his patra, the villagers pray to Baba 'DABESHWAR NATH' meaning the man who won the pressurizing game. It was the the Buddha no doubt as he gave the Lichavies his patra and succeded in sending them back. But Buddhists are searching for the Buddha. Forgive me for commenting out of the topic. I just wanted to impart this information to you.

[@ourfamily9397]

To chant Buddha is to plant "good roots and good fortune", and its merits and virtues are inconceivable. There are ten specific benefits of reciting "Amitabha Buddha" regularly, as follows: 1. Automatically realize every thought of your own heart, every cell of your body, and make yourself in a state of peace and happiness. 2. A single Buddha’s name can make us let go of all karmic conditions, recite single-mindedness, recite emptiness, and eliminate distracting thoughts. 3. Reciting "Amitabha Buddha" allows us to mention "contemplation", to connect with the highest wisdom of life in the universe; to communicate with the instinct of the self, and to bring out the potential of human beings. Fourth, reciting "Amitabha Buddha" allows us to communicate with the Buddha, that is, the mind is a Buddha, that is, the body is a Buddha; not confused, not delusional, not stupid; away from mistakes and inversions. 5. Reciting "Amitabha Buddha" can enable us to recite the goodness of our nature and achieve perfection; the pure and good nature of others can also be brought out. 6. Reciting "Amitabha Buddha" can eliminate evil and cut off bad thoughts, and it is also effective for others; it can stop others' evil thoughts and evil actions, and eliminate demons and evils. 7. Reciting "Amitabha Buddha" can eliminate omissions and suffering; comprehensive thinking and empathy; all six sense organs, self and others. Eight, reciting "Amitabha" can recite transcendence, recite light; recite immeasurable and boundless enlightenment and sobriety. 9. Reciting "Amitabha Buddha" can recall that the self-nature embraces all things in the universe, illuminates the entire space of the dharma world, and all the dharmas. 10. Reciting "Amitabha Buddha" can have full precepts, concentration, and wisdom; awakening, righteousness, and purity; all actions and aspirations are fulfilled, and merit is achieved. .

[@colleendeane7888]

2008 and Thay is already talking to protect the environment: solar heating, car free day

[@powerpc127]

It seems his heart grew so large that he had to siphon some of the growth into his ears.

[@sharonlujan9497]

merry christmas!!!

[@jacquelineannepoitras4053]

🙏❤️

[@veganviber852]

💗💗💗

[@cuongho0110]

Thank

[@stevejobs7342]

Yes My True Brothers and Sisters. We are the Santa. A tree planted by the stream of pure waters.

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

I loved his book. Living buddha, living christ. If you're interested in hearing similar teachings from a Christian perspective check out his boy Thomas Merton. That man understood what Christ was saying. Amituofo!

[@super_supreme1747]

Love 💕😘

[@sharonlujan9497]

he really knows his stuff

[@janssenmccormick7824]

HE HITS THE BELL AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS ONE! AND NO COUGHING!

[@mingtoiisaac4623]

❤❤