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| Walking Meditation is an important tradition at Plum Village. the collective activity deepens the connection between our bodies and the earth. Ty said during this activity, we breathe, take a mindful step, and come back to our true home. This photo of a group doing a walking meditation was taken by Plum Village staff. |
Dharma Talks happen bi-weekly at Plum Village. The talks are a public discourse hosted by senior teachers at Plum Village. They represent an opportunity to share wisdom, lessons, and understanding of life and the Sutras. Sutras are teachings of Buddha distilled into a few simple words. On the Plum Village website, many Dharma Talks can be streamed. Topics vary greatly, as do the presenters. This Dharma Talk on Mother Earth hosted by Brother Pháp Lai is worth listening to.
Unfortunately, I could not acquire a set of headphones to listen to the translation of the Dharma Talk. The Sister spoke only Vietnamese. All presentations are translated into either English or French at Plum Village. And although I could not understand the words spoken, I chose to use this as an opportunity to be present with the moment. During the Sister's talk, I was able to share her emotions, though I did not understand the words or context of what she was sharing. After about 10 minutes, I noticed Michael, from Germany, get up and exit the Meditation Hall. He chose to not participate once he realized he could not understand.
It was an interesting experience to sit for over an hour without understanding the words spoken. The Mind wants to wander when it does not have anything to do. It happens to us all. There were times when it was more difficult than others to gently return to my breath and refocus my attention toward the Sister. Nevertheless, I remember enjoying her talk very much. I did not understand most of it, but I loved how animated she was when she spoke. The Vietnamese language had a beautiful cadence which I enjoyed a lot.
After a 20-minute break, everyone gathers outside near the Pagoda for the Walking Meditation. One of the Sisters leads the Meditation Walk. About 100-plus people follow. I sense a powerful collective awareness around me a few minutes into the walk. It is unlike anything I have ever experienced. It feels amazing! No one says a word. We all walk in silence. Everyone walks with the same unified rhythm. I can feel the collective purpose we share and the power of our presence. What I felt in this moment is difficult to describe.
As the Sister leads us up a hill overlooking the valley around New Hamlet, I notice that every time I look at a tree, there appears to be a leaf that is waving at me. When I look at the tall grasses to my right, they appear to be coaxing me along. I can feel everything around me calling to me this morning. Called to what I cannot say and do not know. But it is as if I am being invited in. I've done Walking Meditation before, but this is my first time in a large group like this. This is truly incredible!😃
At the top of the hill, the Sister stops, turns, and overlooks the valley. As I continue walking up the hill, I notice people filling in around the Sister as they crest it. I do the same when I arrive. I can see the trail of people below me following the same rhythm up the hill. People continue to fill in around us as they arrive. I look out across the valley and admire the view. I feel a deep reverence for what I see and am entirely consumed by the beauty that lies before me this morning. Everything is in harmony, and I am glad to be here.
As a Wildlife Biologist, I learned to identify many ecological problems. One of the downsides of this gift was I only saw what was wrong with the landscape. What I saw lacked beauty and broke my heart. I shared The Lorax's pain for most of my professional career. I could only see what should have been there. Today, for the first time since I can't remember, I no longer see the earth's scars. I am no longer consumed by grief when I look out across the landscape.
After everyone arrives at the top of the hill, the Sister resumes the Walking Meditation. As the Sister heads down the hill, the massive group again thins out into a long string. As I head down the hill, I notice all the trees and plants appear to be rejoicing. It is as if they are saying, "He finally sees us." This was a powerful moment for me that I will not soon forget. We spend the next 25 minutes walking back to the Pagoda, where we conclude the Walking Meditation before lunch. The entire walk might have taken me 10 minutes to do walking normally. Today it took nearly 45 minutes.
The rain we experienced during our Walking Meditation gave way to warm sunshine after lunch. I find an open area, lay on my back, and enjoy the sun for a while. I love walking and have noticed that I can sit anywhere and be comfortable when I do. It's one of those little things I enjoy. After a while, I sit up and open my eyes. A Latina woman passes by. There's a bunch of grass on your back, I say. The woman takes another step, then stops cold. She turns, looks at me, then doubles back without saying a word and sits next to me on the grass.
Maria is widowed and from Argentina. Like me, she is here on a week-long retreat. We spend the next 20 minutes talking. It feels great to talk with Maria. She speaks excellent English. Our conversation transcends the routine small talk. I feel very comfortable with Maria like I've known her for a long time. I am shocked to meet her here. I have been in a deep, relaxed state for many days now. The bell rings, and it is time for our next activity, Dharma Sharing. These are small circles where laypeople, Brothers, and Sisters can share their experiences with those in the group. Which area are you going to, Maria? I ask. "I want to go where you are going," says Maria. We find one of the English circles and grab a couple chairs. "Do you want some tea," asks Maria. Yes, please. Maria heads to the dining hall and returns with two cups of tea as the sharing begins.
We continue our conversation where we left off after the Dharma Sharing. Suddenly, I look around and notice I am the only man at New Hamlet. What time is it? I ask, "Not sure why?" Maria replies. One of the Sisters looks at me and says, the bus is leaving right now! I look at Maria, knowing I don't have time for a proper goodbye. She reads me and says, "Go. Don't worry. We are gathering at Upper Hamlet later this week. I will see you again then." Like that, I turn and run for the bus. When I board the bus, I am the last to find a seat.
I never know what the day will bring. I've been here at Plum Village for a few days now, and I am noticing that each day is so rich with experiences. It feels fantastic to be here, and I am glad I seized the opportunity to be here !! 😉
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