Morning the 12^th of May in the year 2011, Thầy arrived at the EIAB, with the warm sun shining down and the news that Thầy has arrived, all disciples gather together to welcome our beloved teacher. Some brothers and sisters sweep leaves, trim branches, and clean up around. The atmosphere is very bonding and warm like a family. Thầy stepped out of the car and he sends lovely smile to all the disciples. Thầy look at his students with eys of compassion. The moment was short but it was very nourishing!

The next day 13.05.2011, Thầy and his students had the chance to sit together in the EIAB building, Thầy chose a spot to sit in order to see clearly each disciple face. After the silence lunch, Thầy invited the brothers and sisters to sit together and sing songs. Then Thầy smile and said, “We should sit in such a way in order to have happiness and the people that is sitting on the same flight will also have happiness”. One group of brothers and sisters sang a song to offer to Thầy and the Sangha: “Peacefully Free” composed by Sister Triêu Nghiêm, from the trees in the village there is always the special sweetness of love. After listening to this song Thầy said, Thầy has an insight for the phrase: I'm so free because I can be me, I can be myself. I am free when I can be myself, but we can look deeper I can be myself and hope you can be the same, be who you are. I accept you and your difficulties, we are free and we don't cause others to have difficulties.

Thay shared, during the last flight, Thay was invited to sit in first class seat. Thay tried to refused, he couldn't. Thay just had to sit in first class, but Thay wasn't happy, because Thay was sitting alone and the brothers and sisters were sitting in a different class. The brothers and sisters were only allow to come visit Thay in first class for a little while, and then they had to return to their seats, they are not allow to stay in first class with Thay. Thay just wanted to be with his disciples that is why Thay went into the economy class where the brothers and sisters were sitting. Looking at the freshness and simplicity of Thay, gives us a feeling we are really on the same flight. Thay also reminded us to buckle our seat belts for safety (keeping our practice) for the retreat.

This year returning to the EIAB, the brothers and sisters felt the energy was lighter, more joyful then before. The atmosphere of practice from the resident brothers and sisters at the EIAB and from the Plum Village Sangha has offered to everybody a lot of joy and happiness. On 15 May 2011 Thay will give a close sharing before the German retreat starts on 16 May 2011. ( Thầy Pháp Năng).

Peacefully Free

Composed by Sr. Trieu Nghiem

I'm so free

because I can be me

look at the clouds at play

passing over everyday

inside the sky so blue

immense, spacious and true

I'll be tall like the sky

wide enough to embrace what's inside

just like the clouds passing by

flying high in the grand open sky

everything around me will be loved, embraced and peacefully free

everything inside me will be loved, embraced and peacefully free

Comments (1)

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written by Cindy , May 15, 2011

Thank you for sharing so beautifully the adventures on your journey. I felt more peaceful after reading this and picturing the smiles all around.

Blessings on your lives;

Cindy

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