The Plum Village YouTube channel offers profound teachings by Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village community, guiding people towards a mindful and compassionate way of living. The recent retreat, themed “Ancient Path for Modern Times: Applied Ethics,” offers a deep dive into the 14 mindfulness trainings, a contemporary adaptation of the Bodhisattva vows. These trainings illuminate a path for modern practitioners to engage in mindful living with the ultimate goal of alleviating suffering in the world.
Brother Fu elaborated on how these 14 mindfulness trainings serve not just as guidance for personal practice but also as a form of encouragement for those aspiring to serve others selflessly. They challenge individuals to move beyond their comfort zones and personal practices, engaging in actions that contribute to alleviating global suffering. The emphasis lies on a deep personal transformation that inherently influences the world.
One of the panel speakers, Shantum, shared how the teachings of the Buddha, although ancient, are still remarkably relevant today. Shantum highlighted that the Buddha recognized the root causes of human suffering—greed, anger, and delusion—and proposed a path of transformation grounded in understanding and compassion. This path, though challenging, offers profound possibilities for both individual and collective transformation. Shantum explained that, like the Buddha, Thich Nhat Hanh emphasizes the importance of Sangha (community) in facilitating this transformation.
The retreat also touched on the principle of “Ahimsa,” meaning non-violence or non-harm, which is central to the practice of mindfulness. Originating from Indian traditions, Ahimsa gained prominence through figures like Mahavira, Patanjali, and more recently, Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi extended this principle into socio-political arenas, advocating for active non-violence and social justice—a lineage that continues through the teachings at Plum Village.
Cristiana, another speaker, noted the importance of not letting the enormity of global issues overshadow the internal work each individual must undertake. She highlighted that systemic change is deeply personal. Every individual action and internal transformation contributes profoundly to societal change. Specifically, Cristiana emphasized that taking responsibility for our internal states allows us to show up more compassionately and effectively in the world.
She further underscored the impact of the Plum Village community in fostering resilience among climate activists. Through structured retreats, climate activists, often grappling with despair and burnout, find a sanctuary in Plum Village. These retreats offer tools not just for action but for sustaining long-term engagement in their causes by transforming inner turmoil into constructive energy.
Shantum shared his journey of transforming anger and activism through mindfulness. Initially involved in political activism marked by anger and resistance, he found a new dimension of peace and purpose through Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings. His story exemplifies the practice of moving from divisiveness to an inclusive, compassionate engagement, illustrating the power of mindful activism.
The discussion converged on the role of Plum Village as a sanctuary of peace and a crucible for engaged Buddhism. Here, the focus is on cultivating an internal quality of mindfulness and compassion that can be applied to every action, every moment. This applied mindfulness is seen as crucial for transforming the collective consciousness, navigating challenging times, and fostering peace in the world.
In summary, the teachings from Plum Village underscore that true engaged Buddhism integrates deep personal practice with compassionate action, transforming both the individual and society. A recommended book that delves deeper into these themes is “No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering by Thich Nhat Hanh.” It explores how recognizing and embracing suffering can lead to profound personal transformation and social engagement.
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