Inhale … Exhale … Inhale … Exhale … Inhale … Exhale. I enjoyed reading “Living Love: Questions and Answers with Thich Nhat Hanh,” and “Breathing, Learning, Growing” [#69, Summer 2015]. What really got a genuine smile from me, “My Letters to Obama” by Mateus Greenleaf. Wow. I am 44 years old, 45 on August 23rd this year, and I really don’t feel I could’ve honestly written something like that. I am however working on more compassion toward my fellow beings and learning to let life be as it will be.
Already a subscriber? Log in
You have read 5 articles this month.
For only $3 per month or $28 per year, you can read as much as you want!
A digital subscription includes unlimited access to current articles–and some exclusive digital content–released throughout each week, over thirty years of articles in our Dharma archive, as well as PDFs of all back issues.
Inhale … Exhale … Inhale … Exhale … Inhale … Exhale. I enjoyed reading “Living Love: Questions and Answers with Thich Nhat Hanh,” and “Breathing, Learning, Growing” [#69, Summer 2015]. What really got a genuine smile from me, “My Letters to Obama” by Mateus Greenleaf. Wow. I am 44 years old, 45 on August 23rd this year, and I really don’t feel I could’ve honestly written something like that. I am however working on more compassion toward my fellow beings and learning to let life be as it will be. I would love to attend a retreat upon my release from prison. Thank you for the free subscription of the Mindfulness Bell. I’ve really enjoyed it. Graceful bow.
In gassho, with love,
Broadus “Zin” Hill
Jackson Correctional Institution
Florida
Recently I read an article called “Fierce Bodhisattvas” by Daryne Rockett [#66, Summer 2014]. I’m particularly interested in the Fierce Faced Avalokita, as I have only recently “discovered” the existence of this bodhisattva. At the front gate of Thay’s root temple, Tu Hieu Temple, near Hue, Vietnam, on the left and right sides of the gate are two male figures holding weapons and looking very fierce. I presumed that they were military figures; however, I have since learned that these are the Fierce Faced Avalokita. They possess the energy to say “no” with compassion. They can set boundaries to protect individuals and the community.
In our Order of Interbeing I have noticed that often anger remains below the surface, and we seem to say “yes” to everyone and everything. From being a therapist I know how important it is to be able to say “no” and offer boundaries as protection for myself and my clients. After having thought about this for some time, I gave a short talk on this subject at a recent retreat. The participants all wanted a copy of the text. I have spoken to several monks in Plum Village who were able to help a bit, but I don’t yet know enough to teach about this. Do you know anyone who has information about this? If so, they can contact me at rochelle.griffin@upcmail.nl. Thank you so much for helping out if you are able.
With a deep bow to you,
Rochelle Griffin
True Light of Peace
Holland
WALKING OUR COLLECTIVE PATH OF RACIAL AND SOCIAL EQUITY
Dear Friends,
A racial equity sharing session drew over eighty people at the “Breathe! It Will Be Okay” retreat at Deer Park Monastery in October 2015. At this timely event, individuals and Sanghas in the Plum Village community were encouraged to engage in practices that address racial inequity, to connect with each other, and to share about action we are taking. This gathering was in part a follow-up to articles in the Mindfulness Bell #69 (Vanna Waldron, “Shining Light on White”) and #70 (Marisela Gomez and Valerie Brown, “The Path of Racial and Social Equity”).
As this engaged initiative takes root and grows, we notice the interbeing nature with other Plum Village initiatives such as Earth Holders, Wake Up, and Wake Up Schools, and we expect cross-fertilization. A web page has been developed to support those interested in engaging in this practice: http://www.bluecliffmonastery.org/racial-justice/
Look for a feature article in the Mindfulness Bell’s Summer 2016 issue. Meanwhile, to find out more and to see how you might participate, please send your name, email, and geographical location to pvracialequity@gmail.com. Please send your contact information even if you think you signed up at Deer Park.
Bowing with delight and deep gratitude,
Plum Village Racial Equity Circle
