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Living Together in Harmony and Joy
In June, the European Institute of Applied Buddhism organized two major retreats for German and Dutch practitioners right at Dai Bi Monastery (also known as the Vô Ưu Institute), instead of renting tourist facilities or universities as before. Practitioners paid lower fees, enjoyed the atmosphere of the meditation hall, beautiful nature, and food prepared by the monks and nuns. More than 100 monastics from Plum Village came to offer support, with about 150 people participating in guiding Dharma discussions, cooking, serving, and creating a close and intimate connection between the monastic and lay communities. The German retreat lasted five days and was described as “never before has there been such a happy retreat”; last year’s Dutch retreat had 600 practitioners with a revenue of 200,000 EUR but nearly all went to expenses, whereas this year, held at the monastery, it was similarly successful. In addition, there were two large events in Cologne that attracted 1,700 people to attend the Dharma talk, with 100 monks and nuns lighting candles; the mindfulness session in the Dharma hall attracted 1,200 people, including the mayor, who participated fully.
The Institute is aiming to have 100 resident monastics so that it will not be necessary to rent buses (currently costing 18,000 EUR for two trips) and to reduce dependence on outside facilities. Alongside physical construction, the focus is on developing a resident Sangha, living in harmony, and practicing diligently every day. Applied Dharma doors such as walking meditation and mindful breathing are used to calm the “storm” of suffering within before helping others, as illustrated through examples of resolving conflicts between mother and child, or mother-in-law and son-in-law, with quick results observed after the retreat. Living together in harmony is emphasized more than organization; individual practice (meditating alone, walking peacefully, mindful breathing) is the foundation for all success and for radiating the energy of transformation to the local and European community.
- Develop a resident Sangha (currently 58 monastics, aiming for 100)
- Dharma doors of walking meditation and mindful breathing to first calm the suffering within
- Organize retreats right at the monastery, reducing costs, increasing the quality of the meditation environment, and strengthening the connection between monastic and lay communities
