Advanced
Buddhist Teachings with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
The
teachings of Buddhism describe two realities: the “historical dimension”
of time, space, and form; and the “ultimate dimension,” an infinite
realm beyond birth and death—the realm of complete freedom, peace,
and joy—the ground of being called “nirvana.” On The Ultimate Dimension,
you are invited to sit beside Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh for an advanced
dharma retreat that opens the doorway to this sublime experience of
being. With him, you will plant the seeds for a daily practice to
transform the way you relate to life’s difficulties, and begin to
unfold your natural state of happiness and wisdom—your Buddha nature.
The
Avatamsaka and the Lotus Sutras: Where All Are Fully Awake
With
the eyes of a poet and a unique ability to reveal the beauty all around
us, there are few better qualified than Thich Nhat Hanh to take us
into the depths of two of Buddhism’s most beloved texts, the Avatamsaka
Sutra and the Lotus Sutra. After a refreshing look at essential Buddhist
principles, he paints the wondrous scene of the Avatamsaka, where
fragrant flowers bloom in every direction ... precious jewels shine
in a boundless expanse ... and all are awakened in the radiant light
of the Buddha. But how do we enter this marvelous world? Through the
experience of “interbeing”—the interconnectedness of everything that
exists—we unlock the reality of the ultimate dimension, teaches Thich
Nhat Hanh. This is the promise of the Lotus Sutra—that no matter what
tradition we follow, we all share the potential to become fully enlightened
for the good of beings everywhere.
“In the Ultimate I Dwell”
If you touch deeply a single flower, says Thich Nhat Hanh, you touch
the whole cosmos, and know what it means to “dwell in the ultimate.”
Now, you have the rare opportunity to join Thich Nhat Hanh for six
advanced, in-depth teaching sessions rarely heard outside of Plum
Village Monastery. Illuminating the Avatamsaka Sutra’s profound insights
on impermanence, non-self, and nirvana, he helps you imbue your spiritual
practice, your relationships, and all of society with greater understanding
and compassion, as you take your first steps in The Ultimate Dimension.
The Ultimate Dimension Highlights:
•
How to develop bodhicitta, the mind of enlightenment
• The Three Dharma Seals of impermanence, non-self, and nirvana: not
doctrine, but practical tools given to you by the Buddha
• The miracle of “being there” for your loved ones, and the three
“magic formulas” inherent in this skill
• Using the Five Remembrances to transform everyday fears and anxiety
into serenity and connection
• Ekayana, the one true vehicle to enlightenment
• How to choose “true mind” over “deluded mind” to uncover the wisdom
behind right action
• The Five Skandhas (form, feelings, perceptions, consciousness, and
mental formations)—Buddhism’s liberating psychology
• How to prevent the idea of happiness from becoming an obstacle to
happiness • The essential practice of “touching what is not wrong”
• More than seven hours of Thich Nhat Hanh’s expert insights on the
Avatamsaka Sutra and the Lotus Sutra—plus teachings on many other
landmark sutras, such as the Diamond Sutra and the Sutra on Knowing
the Better Way to Catch a Snake, and much more