Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Nhat HanhRead
The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Therapists guide patients to understand how their beliefs contribute to their suffering rather than just replacing those beliefs.
This quote emphasizes the role of therapists in helping patients identify and understand the beliefs that underpin their emotional struggles. It suggests that true healing involves not merely focusing on alleviating negative feelings, but rather exploring the root causes of those feelings, which are often deep-seated beliefs and perspectives that need to be addressed and transformed.
Themes
BeliefsSufferingTherapyFeelingsUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a therapy session, a counselor can quote this to illustrate the importance of addressing underlying beliefs.
More from Nhat Hanh
All quotes →I have lost my smile, but don't worry. The dandelion has it.
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I realize that many elements of the Buddhist teaching can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam. I think if Buddhism can help, it is the concrete methods of practice.
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Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
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Scientists tell us that we have enough technology to save our planet. . . . Yet we don't take advantage of this new technology. . . . The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding, and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn't stand a chance.
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In mindfulness one is not only restful and happy, but alert and awake. Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.
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