Dear Thay, dear Sangha,
Thay says if we are constantly maintaining a presence to what is
happening in and around us, we will come to a moment of breakthrough
or insight. We will see clearly and understand the suffering in ourselves
and our loved ones.
Mindfulness practice helps us stop the stories in our mind, so we
can truly rest and be fully present.
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Dear Thay, dear Sangha,
Thay says if we are constantly maintaining a presence to what is
happening in and around us, we will come to a moment of breakthrough
or insight. We will see clearly and understand the suffering in ourselves
and our loved ones.
Mindfulness practice helps us stop the stories in our mind, so we
can truly rest and be fully present. Profound rest makes deep listening
and deep looking possible. We see our ancestors’ suffering in our own
thought, speech, and actions. These insights help us embrace our suffering
tenderly and change habits that cover it up.
Frustration, anger, resentment, and hate begin to dissolve; love,
acceptance, and forgiveness arise. We feel freer. Articles in this issue
illustrate the gentle practice of stopping, listening, and looking deeply
that leads to transformation, healing, and liberation.
Our teacher’s Dharma talk, “Miracles of Reconciliation,” reflects
on beginning anew, peace negotiations, and true diligence. The “Sangha
Appreciation” section offers insights on living in a Plum Village lay
practice center in Germany, seeing Thay in and around us, and offering
gifts to an ordained monastic. In “Garden of Transformation,” monastics
and a lay friend share about loving themselves, taking refuge in the
Sangha, enjoying playfulness, and appreciating another person. “Ancestral
Roots” focuses on touching the Earth and healing our wounds.
“Engaging in Society” includes sharings from practitioners who face
events outside their control, and “Family Practice” tells about mothers’
reconciliation with their families and inner children.
Finally, we welcome Thu Nguyen as guest editor and new caretaking
council member. Thu joined the Order of Interbeing in 1985 and
received the Lamp Transmission from Thay in 1992. For twenty years,
he has worked full-time at the Mindfulness Practice Center of Fairfax,
Virginia, to spread Thay’s teaching and help build Sanghas for both
Vietnamese and English-speaking communities.
May these offerings bring you peace, joy, and inspiration.
In gratitude,
Thu Nguyen
True Wisdom
Hong-An
Conscious Aspiration of the Heart
