On 23 October, we formally opened the Plum Village Monastery Rains Retreat with the Face-to-Face Ceremony (Ceremony of Refuge) with 249 practitioners (159 monastics and 90 lay friends), committing to practice dwelling peacefully together for 90 days.
During this Rains Retreat, we will continue to explore Thay’s 2012–2013 winter retreat teachings, “Soulmate of the Buddha.” In this series, Thay revisited the Buddha’s fundamental teachings—the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the Three Dharma Seals, the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination, and key Plum Village practices. He also examined Western dualism and its influence on Buddhism.
Thay’s teachings demonstrate his affection and appreciation for the Buddha, as well as how he felt that many teachings have been historically misinterpreted and misunderstood. By examining the context of India during the time of the Buddha, Thay goes to the heart of what the Buddha was offering us and makes connections between the Buddha’s sutras and Plum Village practices as an accessible yet undiluted expression of the Buddha’s teachings.
We will revisit these seminal teachings of Thay to see whether our understanding and application of the Buddha’s teachings are truly correct and whether they can help us touch ultimate reality and true freedom in our modern times.
Renewing Thay’s “100%” Practice
In the ceremony of Taking Refuge, Brother Pháp Ứng expressed deep gratitude to Thay, our ancestors, Mother Earth, and the Sangha for the precious continuation of this three-month tradition. He rejoiced that our elders are still with us and affirmed his confidence in the younger generation as the beautiful continuation of Thay’s vision and a refuge for many.
Acknowledging the challenges the community has faced in recent months, he lifted up a card marked “100%” — Thay’s reminder to live and practice wholeheartedly, with full presence in every step and every breath. This “100%” spirit, he said, is the Dharma seal of Plum Village, yet it seems to have faded over time.
He called on the Sangha to renew this practice together, inspired by our elders such as Sister Chân Đức, so that Thay’s love and the energy of mindfulness can be truly felt in each step we take on Mother Earth. “This is a precious jewel,” he reminded. “If we need to renew it, please do it — 100%.”
Precious Moments from the “Ceremony of Taking Refuge”
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