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Lacking Collective Sincerity
In 2009–2010 at Phuong Khe Monastery, the largest group of monastics in Europe was present; the more, the merrier—not just for the individual, but for the blood family, ancestors, and humankind. Initiated by the beautiful intention to go forth, we practice with each breath, each step, each smile for:
- father, mother, brothers, sisters, ancestors
- teacher, spiritual friends from the five continents and four oceans
The purpose of a monastic is to receive, maintain, and sow the seed of holiness (thiệu long thánh chủng): mindfulness, concentration, insight, ease, liberation, loving kindness, understanding. Each step must set foot beyond the ordinary, with a mind and form different from the world, cultivating a spiritual life in every daily action—drinking tea, eating rice, washing clothes, brushing teeth, urinating, sexuality—transforming them into moments of happiness. The fifth mantra is this moment is a happy moment, living fully in the present moment for father, mother, teacher, sangha, the Buddha, and the world.