I had a very good fortunate to attend Thay’s talk at the Library of Congress last Wednesday. Here are some notes that I wrote down. Here is the lecture.

* Strong spiritual practice can help us to deal with difficult situation.

* We tend to forget our body and get caught in the thoughts…. bring our mind to the body. The breath is the link between the mind and the body.

* With the right intention, we can transform mundane routine into a spiritual practice, such as washing dishes, drinking tea, and etc.

* It’s always available here and now

* To be alive is to be here and now.

* Mindfulness brings life to our beings.

* Armstrong’s first step on the moon is very mindful step.

* Cultivating right view will generate insight..

* Energy of compassion has the power to heal..

* Lack of clarity is the foundation of all anger

* Again with practice of mindfulness and concentration, we will make progress in the practice.

* Courage!!! courage is the source of power. Obama probably thinks that he does not have enough power to make things happening. Rather, he needs the courage.

* Get in touch with sufferings as the sufferings inter are with the joy and happiness.

* Practice mindful listening. I listen to him with only one purpose is to reduce his suffering and nothing else. I listen with all the attention and compassion.

* Suffering is a very important element to cultivate peace. lotus flower grows in the mud. So, try to make good use of suffering.

* The insight of interbeing. where there is left, there is right. when you bow to the Buddha, you are the one that i bow to. when you see lotus, you should see the mud.

* It’s possible to continue in beauty. it all depends on the current action and speech.

Be like

1. flower, beauty.
2. a mountain, steady and solid
3. still water to reflect the true character.
4. space, freedom, spacious

* Right before Q&A session, Sister sang a very touching song. it’s about the sentiment when a little child marvels at the wonders of the world. the little child will carry smiles regardless. it’s so soft and gentle. yet with full determination of staying on the path.