Meditation Is Not Hiding In Mountains Or In A Hut In Deep Forests: Buddhism

Sangha Of Awakening And Buddhahood By: Thich Nhat Hanh 

Solitude is not about being alone high up in the mountains, or in a hut deep in the forest, it is not about hiding ourselves from civilisation. Real solitude comes from a stable heart that does not get carried away by the crowd nor by sorrows about the past, worries about the future, and excitement about the present. We do not lose ourselves; we do not lose our mindfulness. Taking refuge in our mindful breathing, coming back to the present moment is to take refuge in the beautiful, serene island within each of us.

Taking care of anger is like taking care of a small child, crying out to his mother. When the child cries the mother takes him gently in her arms and listens and observes carefully to find out what is wrong. The loving action of holding her child with her tenderness, already soothes the baby's suffering. Likewise, we can take our anger in our loving arms and right away we will feel a relief. We don't need to reject our anger. It is a part of us that needs our love and deep listening just as a baby does.

After the baby has calmed down,the mother can feel if the baby has a fever or needs a change of diaper. When we feel calm and cool, we too can look deeply at our anger and see clearly the conditions allowing our anger to rise.

When we recite the Five Mindfulness Trainings or chant the sutras, we practise taking refuge in the three jewels. We practise Touching the Earth to also show our gratitude to the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Taking refuge is the recognition and the determination to head towards what is most beautiful, truthful and good. Taking refuge is also the awareness that one has the capacity to understand and love.

The Buddha is the one who shows us the way in this life. The Buddha is also the awakened nature in all beings. The open look of a child and the ray of sunshine causing the flower to unfold her beauty also contain the awakened nature.

The Dharma is the teachings of love and understanding in the form of discourses, commentaries and precepts that show us the path leading to peace and deep insight, love and understanding. The Dharma is all the elements in our world and in our consciousness that guide us on the path of liberation. The living Dharma is contained in every corner of the universe. The floating cloud is silently preaching about freedom and the falling leaf is giving us a dharma talk on the practice of letting go. Every time you breathe mindfully, walk mindfully or look at another person with the eye of understanding and compassion, you are giving a silent dharma talk. The Sangha is the community that lives in harmony and awareness. A path in the forest might be a member of your Sangha as well, supporting you on the path of transformation. You can share your joys and your difficulties with your Sangha. You can let go and relax into the warmth and strength of your Sangha. The Sangha is a river, flowing and bending with flexibility, responding to the environment in which it is situated. Taking refuge in the Sangha, for in the setting of a Sangha, you find the practice easier and much more enjoyable.