Teaching in Virginia Beach, Ven. Chuc Thanh was asked how should a person deal with the mental suffering associated with personal conflict. He responded by telling the sangha members to “RememberA-F-L. Acknowledge. Forgive. Let go.”
Ven. Chuc Thanh routinely reminds us that we, alone, are responsible for our thoughts, words and actions. When we find ourselves saddened as the result of our perceptions of the words or actions of others, practicing the technique of acknowledgment, forgiveness and letting go will help us restore our mental balance and move on from clinging to the feelings resulting from the conflict.
(Venerable Thich Chuc Thanh is the Dharma Master at Dong Hung Temple. This quotation is part of a continuing collection from his dharma talks given in Virginia Beach, VA and Southern Shores, NC beginning in 2015. The quotation title and commentary are by temple member Mark Palamara.)