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Sitting meditation is like returning home to give full
attention to and care for our self. Like the peaceful image of the Buddha
on the altar, we too can radiate peace and stability. We sit upright with
dignity, and return to our breathing. We bring our full attention to what
is within and around us. We let our mind become spacious and our heart
soft and kind.
Sitting meditation is very healing. We realize we can just be with whatever
is within us- our pain, anger, and irritation, or our joy, love, and peace.
We are with whatever is there without being carried away by it. Let it
come, let it stay, then let it go. No need to push, to oppress, or to
pretend our thoughts are not there. Observe the thoughts and images of
our mind with an accepting and loving eye. We are free to be still and
calm despite the storms that might arise in us.
If our legs or feet fall asleep or begin
to hurt during the sitting, we are free to adjust our position quietly.
We can maintain our concentration by following our breathing and slowly,
and attentively change our posture.
In between sessions of sitting meditation, we practice Kinh Hanh, which
is indoor walking meditation. We take one step with each in-breath and
each out-breath. Aware of the Sangha around us, we feel in harmony with
the larger body. Everybody is moving together, slowly, and mindfully.
We can find suggestions for guided meditations in Thay’s book,
"The
Blooming of a Lotus” or also from one of the Dharma teachers.
We should arrive five minutes before the meditation period starts so that
everyone is comfortably seated before the bell is invited to formally
begin the session. We should not enter the hall after the bell has been
invited. If we are late for sitting meditation, please remain outdoor
and enjoy walking meditation.
Although in our daily lives we are constantly with the Sangha, we are also in solitude. Solitude is not about being alone high up in the mountains, or in a hut deep in the forest, it is not about hiding ourselves away from civilization. Real solitude comes from a stable heart that does not get carried away by the crowd nor by our sorrows about the past, our worries about the future, and our excitement about the present. We do not lose ourselves; we do not lose our mindfulness. Taking refuge in our mindful breathing, coming back to the present moment is to take refuge in the beautiful, serene island within each of us.
We participate together with the Sangha for sitting meditation, walking, meals, working, but always we are within our own island as well. We can enjoy being together with our brothers and sisters, but we are not caught and lost within emotions and perceptions. Instead we see that the Sangha is our support. When we see a sister move in mindfulness, speak with love, and enjoys her work, she is our reminder to return to our own source of mindfulness. Returning to mindfulness is to return to solitude.
When we enjoy our time with the people and friends around
us and we don’t feel lost in our interactions with others, then
even in the midst of society, we can smile and breathe in peace, dwelling
in the island of ourselves.
Village des Pruniers - Làng Mai - Green Mountain Center - Deer Park Monastery - Lộc Uyển
Email: PVlistening@plumvillage.org - Meyrac Loubès Bernac 47120 France