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Establishing the Three Channels of Communication
Sitting meditation nourishes and heals right in each breath, each moment of being present here and now; it is not something we have to wait many years for. Every breath, every step during walking meditation brings joy, called thiền duyệt or the joy of meditation, and it is a mistake to think that we must endure hardship now in order to buy happiness in the future. In dynamic sitting meditation, there are four words: Chỉ Quán Đả Tọa—just sit down, do not struggle, do not seek, awaken mindfulness, concentration, and insight—be aware that you are alive and present—happiness endures, as in the phrase que la joie demeure.
The Sangha gathers to preserve the life of the Dharma—taking inspiration from the Va-ri people, who meet regularly, are united, happy, uphold the law, and respect hierarchy. For a meeting to always have happiness, brotherhood, and communication, it is necessary to
- keep the meeting short and end on time
- choose a facilitator skilled in leading the meeting and an assistant with a bell
- limit each sharing to a maximum of 3 minutes, and invite the bell at the third minute
- use loving speech, humility, and speak frankly and directly about what needs to be said in the meeting
There are three channels of communication within the larger Sangha—novices, novice nuns, bhikshus, and bhikshunis:
- Happy meetings of novices and novice nuns so everyone can share briefly, and then send their input to the council of fully ordained members
- Deep listening—each month, elder brothers and sisters sit and listen deeply to the hearts of the novices and novice nuns
- Dharma teacher of reliance—each novice and novice nun has a Dharma teacher of reliance, chosen according to affinity, for personal guidance and practice
Contributing Topics for the Retreat