Indulging in the Art of Mindful Living Talk
UTAR News December 2009
Amidst busy and hectic study schedule, some 90 students retreated into a moment of tranquillity to learn the ‘art of mindful living' at the recent dharma talk organised by UTAR Perak Campus Buddhist Society on 25 November 2009.
Titled ‘Path towards Peacefulness', the half-day talk featured the practice of ‘Love and Mindfulness' in the daily life of a student by a group of four Buddhist monastics from Plum Village, a Buddhist meditation centre in France. The speaker, Bikkhu Thich Chan Phap Kham, was a student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the best known and most respected Zen Master in the world today whose life has been dedicated to the work of inner transformation for the benefit of individual and society.
The event started with a delightful singing session by Bikkhu Thich Phap Kham and the masters who shared some songs from Plum Village and guided the participants on the sign language of those songs which included Breathing In, Breathing Out, Dear Friend and Cultivate Joy.
In the dharma talk, Brother Phap Kham taught four ways of practising love towards others and explained why it is important to express our love towards people around us. Besides that, the participants had the opportunity to experience the ‘walking meditation' around the campus and indulge in total relaxation which help to alleviate stress and tension. They were advised to practise these techniques often to increase the mindfulness of daily life.
According to the master, through mindfulness, one can learn to live in the present moment instead of in the past and the future. Dwelling in the present moment is the only way to truly develop peace, both in one's self and in the world.
"Modern people are too busy with so many things. One of the ways to cope with the fast pace of today's lifestyle is meditation. Meditation helps us to be more aware of what is going on in our mind and body. It is necessary to slow down, clear the mind and stay focused, which will help in work and life," Brother Phap Kham said.
