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In the House of the Tathagata, Sowing Rhymes to Compose Poetry
Thay is preparing to revise and print a color edition of the Pratimoksha, expected to be released worldwide in the next three months—an act of support for the Buddha, as it has been 2,600 years since such a revision has taken place. Thay is currently seeking input from venerable elders to further perfect it, and is also discussing with the Tu Hieu lineage whether the publication should be under the name of Plum Village Sangha or the Tu Hieu lineage, in order to share the merit with the ancestral temple. Next week, the ancestral temple will organize a seven-day retreat with a similar Dharma talk, with the participation of ten novice monks, including those wearing the yellow robe to help open the retreat. On the eighth day of this month, there will be the ceremony of confession at Phap Van Temple, and on the ninth day, the memorial for Patriarch Thanh Quy and the memorial for our teacher at Lower Hamlet, with Hue-style vegetarian offerings prepared by the sisters of Lower Hamlet.
The practice of a monastic is expressed through “dwelling in the Tathagata’s house, wearing the Tathagata’s robe, eating the Tathagata’s food”—meaning that wherever we are is the house of the Tathagata if we maintain mindfulness in every action. Whether sitting, eating, dressing, or waiting for a flight, the mind must be established in stability and awareness. One mindful breath, following the meditation gatha based on the Anapanasati Sutra, consists of five lines:
- Breathing in, I know I am breathing in; breathing out, I know I am breathing out
- Breathing in, my breath goes deep; breathing out, my breath goes slow
- Breathing in, I feel well; breathing out, I feel light
- Breathing in, my mind is at peace; breathing out, I smile
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Breathing in, I establish body and mind in the present moment; breathing out, I know this is a wonderful moment
This practice nourishes the Buddha, the teacher, and the sangha, and is also the foundation for generating joy and happiness through mindfulness and concentration. When we have mastered our breathing and our mind is clear, wherever we are—whether in a bar or at the airport—we can maintain our freedom and liberation.