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Returning to Refuge: Mindfulness and Love in Every Moment
Rocks, doves often sit here, the trees do not sing but I wish to hear the voice of the trees. The sky is high, the leaves are lush green, a little squirrel runs by, the Quynh flower blooms gently and purely. Together we light candles, joy fills the air, looking at the green pine tree in our hearts, listening to the birds singing in the distant valley. I sing the Refuge Chant with the words:
Namo Buddhaya – I take refuge in the Buddha,
Namo Dharmaya – I take refuge in the Dharma,
Namo Sanghaya – I take refuge in the Sangha.
The Great Bell of Togetherness resounds from the temple on the mountain peak, opening a new dawn, inviting a smile, breathing in, the mind is calm, breathing out, the mouth smiles, dwelling peacefully in this very moment, body, speech, and mind settle quietly with the sound of the bell.
Everyone picks the most beautiful flowers to offer to the Buddha in joy and gentle care, children are encouraged to choose carefully, to keep safe, with love and patience always present. That simple life is a lesson in cherishing the present moment, knowing how to stop to take care of one another, keeping the mind at peace in every moment. In the chanting ceremony, the children:
- return to take refuge with the Three Refuges and sing in Vietnamese and French,
- recite the Five Mindfulness Trainings and listen to a teaching on the path of practice,
- share the merit, enjoy a vegetarian meal in peace,
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listen to Dr. Hoang introduce the method of natural health care without medicine.
Everyone breathes together to cultivate purity and peace, offers incense, takes the Three Refuges, makes two vows and receives the Five Mindfulness Trainings, makes the Three Touchings of the Earth to express respect to the Three Jewels, and prays to take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha as guides, on the path of love and the community of mindful living.