In 2023, serenity huyen nghiem tinh had listened deeply to the dharma teachings of Zen Master Thich Minh Niem. His wisdom had guided her to a profound understanding of the heart — how its capacity could expand, like a river or even an ocean, embracing life with grace, patience, and clarity.
Zen master Thich Minh Niem had shared a simple, yet striking formula:
1 hammer + 1 bowl of water = very salty (not usable)
1 pound of salt + 1 river or even an ocean = not salty (still usable)
At first, the lesson had seemed curious, almost playful. Yet, in reflection, serenity tinh had recognized the depth of this teaching. A heart that is small, rigid, or burdened by frustration becomes “very salty” — reactive, constrained, and less able to serve others or receive life’s blessings. But a heart that is vast, expansive, and open — like a river or ocean — has the capacity to hold even great challenges, to transform the difficulties into wisdom, and to remain pure, gentle, and alive.
She had remembered moments in her own life — the losses, the uncertainties, the seasons of illness and surrender — and seen how they had shaped her. She had rested in stillness, in solitude, and had allowed her heart to expand, embracing every experience with courage, faith, and trust. Like the river, it had carried the weight of pain, yet remained flowing, refreshing, and usable for the greater good.
In the stillness of meditation, serenity tinh had felt this expansive energy within herself. She had rested in the infinite ocean of her heart within, fully present in the magical moment, with gratitude and divine mission. Each breath had reminded her of the boundless nature of love and compassion. She had realized that the heart’s capacity is not measured by avoidance of challenges, but by its ability to embrace, transform, and radiate light — touching those in need, uplifting lost souls, and nurturing every corner of life it encounters.
From that teaching, she had understood the gentle art of expanding the heart: to cultivate patience, humility, and stillness; to flow with grace; to hold challenges without bitterness; and to embody soul remembrance. The heart, like the river and the ocean, had endless depth, eternal light, and infinite abundance.
serenity huyen nghiem tinh had rested in this teaching, integrating it into her being — radiating her inner light, sharing her wisdom, and guiding others to awaken their highest potential. She had embodied the essence of a heart that is large enough to hold all of life, yet gentle enough to serve with love.
— serenity huyen nghiem tinh 963, 11:11, 7284