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by Minh Tue Thich (Author), Nhat Minh Thich (Narrated by), Minh Nhat Thich (Author)
DEAR READERS!
In these last days of June, as the season shifts to summer, the rainy season arrives! It is the season of red flamboyant flowers, reminiscent of the heart's blood, and the season of bittersweet farewells for students full of dreams as they prepare to embark on a new chapter in their lives. Recently, the wandering footsteps of Venerable Thich Minh Tue's sangha came to a halt in Huong Tho Commune, Hue City after an incident occurred - the passing of Venerable Luong Thanh Son, a Vietnamese-American who had returned to follow Venerable Thich Minh Tue. He decided to pause his mendicant journey to ensure the safety and well-being of all beings and to maintain the integrity of his practice.
In 2019, I was fortunate to meet him at the foot of Mount San on Nguyen Khuyen Street, Nha Trang City. At that time, I was vaguely searching for understanding about monastic life, about the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats venerated in temples. On the full moon and the first day of each month, I habitually visited and offered incense at the White Buddha Pagoda on 23/10 Street in Nha Trang City. Through his sincere and open-hearted nature, I learned about the Dharma, the practice, and the scriptures, which helped me understand more about impermanence, non-self, the five aggregates, and the formations of phenomena...
When I began writing this book, I had not yet had the chance to meet him again to pay homage and seek further guidance. However, by great fortune, I met Venerable Thich Nhat Minh, a fellow practitioner of Venerable Thich Minh Tue, who also practices the 13 Ascetic Practices (Dhutanga) on Mount San!
Dear Friends!
With the hope of helping you balance between work and the demanding life of modern society, understanding the Dharma has allowed me to gently let go of negative thoughts, balancing work pressure with life. I no longer suffer from stomach pain, headaches, dizziness, and sleep better, feeling lighter, more peaceful, and at ease!
When people love sincerely, without demands or attachment to any conditions, that is true love. When love is dependent on conditions or specific purposes, it is merely a temporary attraction. If unmet, it leads to suffering. Those who truly love each other will remain unchanged even in the face of separation or adversity.
I sincerely express my heartfelt gratitude to Venerable Thich Minh Tue and Venerable Thich Nhat Minh for helping me complete this book!
After explaining to me about the deities venerated in the temple and on the White Buddha Mountain, I respectfully asked him, "Venerable Sir, I visit the temple often but my mind is not at peace. The pressures of work and life make me constantly feel stressed. I respectfully ask for your guidance."
Venerable Thich Minh Tue advised, "Go home and read and listen to the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and the Heart Sutra. Persistently practice, and you will find peace."
"Yes! I sincerely thank you, Venerable Sir! Amitabha Buddha!"
