Dear friends –
On Thursday evening we practiced walking and sitting meditation and tea meditation. We read together a letter written by Sister Mai Nghiem who is a French citizen who has practiced for many years with the Plum Village Sangha and is currently practicing in Deer Park Monastery. She was here in British Columbia earlier this year and perhaps you met her then. Here is her letter:
After reading the letter together, we had Dharma discussion and shared our own responses to the attacks in France.
Also, we can read and listen to teachings from Thich Nhat Hanh – especially those following the attacks in the USA on September 11, 2001. Transcripts of two talks are in the links below.
http://www.mindfulnessbell.org/wp/2013/04/dharma-talk-cultivating-compassion-responding-to-violence/
http://dharmagates.org/embracing_anger.html
When we are in the midst of pain and suffering, it is wonderful to be able to go to the Plum Village website (plumvillage.org), to the Mindfulness Bell website (mindfulnessbell.org) and also to Deer Park Monastery website (deerparkmonastery.org). There are Dharma talks and writings both recent and from the past that may support our practice.
May all beings be safe and free from injury.