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Practicing for Our Ancestors
The practice of being present is the essence of both walking meditation and sitting meditation, helping each step and each breath become freedom and ease, not only for ourselves but also for our ancestors, our family, those we love, and even those we have not yet been able to love. This freedom is the foundation of happiness, and each peaceful step or mindful breath is a victory, a glory. During 40–50 minutes of walking meditation or in a sitting meditation session, we sharpen our inner freedom, build mindfulness and concentration, so that each moment of dwelling in the present becomes the most vibrant moment.
While sitting and walking meditation, we use some of the sixteen methods of mindful breathing, combined with the gathas practiced at Plum Village, for example:
- Breathing in, I know I am breathing in – Breathing out, I know I am breathing out
- Breathing in, I feel healthy – Breathing out, I feel light
- Breathing in, my mind is calm – Breathing out, I smile
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Dwelling in the present moment, it is a wonderful moment
When practicing, you may choose a single gatha to repeat until it becomes natural, use a meditation sheet as you would a musical score, or bring a small cup of tea for tea meditation, helping to orchestrate the music of presence and support the Sangha around you.
Unilateral disarmament is a Dharma door for beginning anew, to transform hatred and anger with anyone, even if they are very far away, through deep looking with mindfulness. To practice reconciliation, you do not need to meet face to face; you only need to dwell in the here and now, look deeply into the roots of suffering, let go of delusion, and you have already forgiven, already disarmed yourself, and sent the energy of compassion to the other person.
The historical premise marks two Zen masters of the Vinitaruci school:
- Phap Thuan (died in 991), a scholar skilled in technology and literature, assistant to King Le Dai Hanh, who served the Song dynasty envoy and composed the Bodhisattva Repentance Text.
- Van Hanh (ordained at 21, passed away in 1018), advisor to Le Dai Hanh, who advocated for Ly Cong Uan to ascend the throne, drew the plans for the citadel of Thang Long, contributed to 215 years of peace for Dai Viet, and was praised by King Ly Nhan Tong in the poem “Van Hanh embraces the three times, truly fulfills the ancient prophecies…”
Nhat Hanh & The Samadhi of Universal Maintenance