In working as a hospice volunteer for the past four years, I have found mindfulness to be the key to visiting with dying people and their families. I follow my breathing to bring myself completely into the present moment so that can respond to the situation at hand with authenticity…
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Beach Cleaning Meditation
By Penelope Thompson Several months ago, our small sangha met at the beach for a morning of mindfulness. First we sat together, then we did forty-five minutes of "cleaning the beach meditation." After that we shared our experiences together and ended with walking meditation. The experience was extraordinary for all of us, and we have…
The Queen of the Night
Aurora Leon and Felipe Viveros share about bringing spirituality into conversations about racial equity and inclusion during the “Science, Spirituality, and Action” retreat at Plum Village, France.
Climbing Together the Hill of the Century
Do you know that my happiness is very great? Sometimes it is so great that I have the feeling I cannot hold it all. Whenever I see my students attending me, my heart is filled with love and gratitude. I am deeply grateful to all my students. I think that our Sangha should renew the practice of the Four Gratitudes (gratitude toward parents, teachers, friends, and all living beings), so that they become the Five Gratitudes. We can add gratitude for descendants and disciples. This includes monastics, OI (Order of Interbeing), and lay members who have helped Thầy and the spiritual ancestors to realize the work of spreading the Dharma and helping living beings.
Joining with Grace
By Laureen Osborne photo by Bonnie Bluhm For seven years, I helped take care of my two elderly parents while trying at the same time to run my own business. My mother suffered with a rare form of dementia from which she eventually died in 2000. Eighteen months later, my…
Peanut Butter Balls
Children’s Exercise on Interbeing By Terry Masters This activity can take one or two days, depending on the ages and interests of the children and how much time you have. Note: What you might say is in boldface. The answers to questions in parenthesis are the answers our children gave…
The Small Red Heart
By Lisa Boken Many times after driving from one place to another, I realize that I don't remember most of the trip. I often eat a plate of food so unconsciously that I wonder where the food has gone when I awaken to an empty plate. Here's a "day-in-the-life" example: I have plenty…
A Long Enduring Mind
By Svein Myreng When we take up the practice of mindfulness, it feels wonderful. We enjoy a new calm and serenity, see trees and the sky more vividly, and find pleasure in a community that values friendliness and equanimity. This is the "honeymoon" of mindfulness practice, to be enjoyed fully. But it doesn't last in…
Fierce-Faced Bodhisattva: A Policewoman’s Story
Interview with Cheri Maples by Barbara Casey during the Hand of the Buddha Retreat, June 2002 Cheri, how did you decide to be a peace officer? Cheri: There were three things I wanted to be as a little girl: a lawyer, a police officer and a professional baseball player. I…
Mindfulness Practice Center
Dear Friends, February 14th and 15th, we had an open house for the Mindfulness Practice Center of the Upper Valley, Vermont. About three hundred people joined us in mindful sitting and walking, clementine ceremonies, introductory talks, total relaxation and singing. The Mindfulness Practice Center of the Upper Valley is "a resource center and gathering place supporting…