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Purifying the Mission
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Trinh Cong Son (1939–2001) once sent Thay his music scores, was invited to Tu Hieu Temple to chant sutras and compose “sutra music” but arrived late; after graduating from the teacher training college, he taught and served as principal in Blao, nurturing a deep sadness and the loneliness and uncertainty about the country’s future. Songs such as “The Age of Sad Stone,” “Holy Sad Words,” “Sad Gospel,” and other anti-war songs, though not widely popular, still resonated as the voice of the times during war, expressing the longing for peace amidst bombs and division.
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Phap An experienced a childhood awakened by bombs in the night, witnessing the fragility of his father’s death and being enveloped by fear, so he grew up with a deep sorrow; after many years of practice, Thay was able to recognize and transform his spiritual wounds. During the same period, Thay participated in founding the Saigon Buddhist College (1964), was chief editor of Hai Trieu Am, secretly printed the anti-war poetry collection “Joining Palms in Prayer for the White Dove to Appear” (60 poems; only three were censored and approved), and organized three requiem ceremonies to pray for millions of the deceased, combining Vajrayana, Pure Land, and Zen to heal the wounds of war.
- “Touring from the heart” – bringing your whole heart into the retreat; walking meditation, sitting meditation, and daily activities such as cooking rice and washing dishes are also practice, transforming suffering into happiness.
- Second body – a companion who helps maintain mindfulness and precepts, protecting spiritual safety; each member also takes care of the second body of others.
- Mindfulness, sitting, and walking of the heart – reading sutras, chanting, and walking meditation must truly touch the suffering of oneself, the community, and the world; pressing the palm with each step to open the heart of compassion.
- Simple practice – brown robes, mindful rules for using electronic devices, collective energy protected by a moderate rhythm of Dharma sharing, sufficient rest, maintaining the quality and unity of form and spirit.