The Third Meaning of Tiep

Tiep: to be in touch with the present moment, with the fullness of life

This is the third meaning embedded in the Vietnamese word Tiep and pertains primarily to the fourth through seventh Mindfulness Trainings.

Seeing clearly and looking deeply puts us in touch both with the miracle and beauty of life present in and around us, and with the suffering that co-exists with all the wonders of life. Being in touch is the first step  toward understanding suffering. With understanding comes knowing what to do and not to do to transform and heal the suffering in the world. Understanding is the basis for wise action. Looking deeply into and understanding the world, we also see and understand our own minds.

Personal Reflection:

🔹 How am I practicing mindfulness to deepen present-moment awareness in my life?

🔹 Am I becoming increasingly open to recognizing my own suffering as it arises, being present to it, looking deeply to understand it, and responding with kindness and compassion to heal and transform it?

🔹 How willingly do I accept responsibility for my own suffering--realizing the truth that all suffering originates in my own mind and letting go of any lingering tendency to assign blame, resist, resent, turn away from or dwell in my own suffering?

🔹 How is my clinging to the “mind of dissatisfaction” loosening?

🔹 What progress am I making toward breaking free from my own historical conditioning?

🔹 Am I becoming kinder to myself and others when harmful habits or habit energies arise?

🔹 How am I living the truth that “Just like me, all beings want to be happy and free from suffering?”