The Mark of Suffering

Summary

This talk, delivered on July 26, 2014 at the Assembly of Stars Meditation Hall in Lower Hamlet, Plum Village, centers on the practice of mindfulness as a way to end habitual “running” toward the past or future and return to the present moment. The speaker explains that many people are trapped by regret, sorrow, fear, and uncertainty, repeatedly revisiting painful memories or projecting anxiety into the future. This pattern is described as a kind of prison that prevents people from experiencing the wonders of life that are only available in the here and now. A major theme is that life is available only in the present moment, and that the “address” of life, the Kingdom of God, and the Pure Land of the Buddha are all here and now. The speaker emphasizes that mindfulness is not merely a belief or idea, but a practical way to become available to life through breathing and walking. Mindful walking is presented as a central technique: by coordinating steps with the breath, practitioners can arrive in the present moment, stop the habit of running, and experience peace, joy, and freedom. Repeated phrases such as “I have arrived” and “I am home” are described as guiding devices, not thoughts, meant to help practitioners embody presence. The speaker stresses that these words should be used with the feet and breath, making arrival a lived experience rather than a mental statement. The talk also connects mindfulness practice with Christian language, especially the Kingdom of God. The speaker says that the Kingdom is not something to wait for after death; it is already accessible in the present moment. He recounts sharing this insight with Catholics, Protestants, bishops, and theologians, arguing that a concrete spiritual practice is needed to help people taste joy and peace directly, rather than chasing money, fame, sex, power, or other objects of craving that can damage body and mind. A Gospel parable about a farmer discovering treasure in a field is used to illustrate the idea that if one has the Kingdom, one needs nothing else. Nature imagery is used throughout to show that the Kingdom is present in ordinary reality: the lotus flower, sunshine, blue sky, trees, flowers, children, and even mud are all described as wonders belonging to the Kingdom. The speaker also says that Mother Earth is the most beautiful planet and that the body itself is a wonder and part of the Kingdom. This leads into a deeper teaching on the “cosmic body” or “ocean body,” illustrated by the wave and the cloud. Just as a wave is not separate from the ocean, a human being is not only a temporary physical body but also part of a larger ultimate reality. In Buddhist terms this is linked to Nirvana; in Christian terms it is compared to resting in God. Touching this deeper dimension through mindful presence dissolves fear and uncertainty about birth, death, and impermanence. The speaker gives practical guidance on how to walk and breathe. The number of steps per breath should be adjusted to the body and lungs, sometimes two or three steps on the inhale and varying lengths on the exhale, with no forcing. Sitting meditation is also mentioned as a nourishing and healing practice, especially in a civilization that rarely values simply sitting and breathing. The talk concludes with a strong encouragement to practice mindful walking in all daily activities during the retreat and afterward—from the bathroom to the dining hall, from the parking lot to work—so that mindfulness becomes a lasting habit. The speaker urges listeners to walk like free people, like Buddhas, not like sleepwalkers, and to help create an atmosphere of peace, happiness, and brotherhood through their practice.