Part 2, Chapters 34-41 Summary

Hanh continues the discussion of learning to deal with negative feelings in the article "Internal Formations." Hanh begins by explaining a Buddhist word, translated as "knot" or "internal formation." The word represents the concept that negative emotions and encounters cause "knots" to form within one's emotional consciousness. These "knots" require untying in order for them to be transformed. Hanh presents the example of a woman overhearing her husband bragging, and as a result, finds herself feeling a loss of respect for him. If the issue is discussed, an understanding of the reasons behind the boasting can be found, and the knot can be untied. If however, the situation is not discussed, then the knot will remain. According to Hanh, these "knots" are then repressed, but continue looking for a way to manifest. As a result, one is left with...