Waking Up to the Present Moment | Sr. Tập Nghiêm & Sr. Tinh Nghiêm

In this gentle and deeply personal Dharma talk, two Vietnamese monastics offer their lived experience of mindfulness in a Plum Village monastery. They speak lovingly about waking up to the miracle of a new day, the joy of sharing practice with siblings in the Dharma, and the power of small actions—walking peacefully, opening a door with awareness, or greeting someone with compassion.

Through poetic stories, guided reflection, and the recitation of a beautiful poem by Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh titled Tái Sinh (Rebirth), the talk reminds us that every moment is a chance to begin anew. They reflect on:

• The healing power of following the daily schedule (thời khoá)
• Deep gratitude for simple conditions like eyesight, breath, and the ability to walk
• The presence of the “Dharma Body” (Pháp Thân) in our everyday gestures
• How community is a mirror and support for transformation
• The importance of returning to the present to care for our suffering and nourish joy

A radiant teaching on mindfulness as a path to touch true freedom, peace, and gratitude—one breath, one step, one gentle smile at a time.