As the author of Living Buddha, Living Christ, Thich Nhat Hanh has always been adept at making his teachings familiar for a Western audience. In this recent dharma talk, given at Dharma Cloud Temple in Upper Hamlet, Plum Village, Thich Nhat Hanh speaks in depth about “the Kingdom of God.”

Rather than understanding the Kingdom as a place reached after death, Thich Nhat Hanh says that by opening our hearts to the moment we can “touch the Kingdom” here and now.

From the talk:

It’s springtime now and if we observe we see that there are so many wonderful things manifesting. And if you look at these flowers and ask, where have they come from? They may tell you that they have come from the Kingdom of God. And if you get in touch with them deeply enough, you will touch the Kingdom of God.

Listen to the full talk here.