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Speaking About the Fruits of Illumination
Today marks the opening of the spring retreat at Cam Lo Temple. Thay emphasizes that the great goal is that in the next fifty years, when Sister Man Nghiem becomes a senior nun (around 60–65 years old), the majority of monastics at Plum Village, Deer Park, and Maple Forest must be Westerners for it to be considered a true success. By then, Asians will be guests, while Westerners will take on the roles of conducting ceremonies, organizing, and chanting in French, German, and English, replacing the current Asian flavor.
Thay affirms that the teachings and practice must go hand in hand between adaptation to circumstances (suitable to the situation and capacity of the practitioner) and accordance with the Dharma (the criteria of the three Dharma seals: impermanence, non-self, nirvana). Western Buddhism needs to be built upon the local culture in architecture, sculpture, music, and cuisine; for example, the New England Dharma Hall at Maple Forest follows the New England style, with a young Western Buddha statue sitting together with nine children of different ethnicities.
- Most important is the spirit of living and working as a Sangha, not as individuals, to help maintain the long-term continuation of the Dharma
- Practice the Dharma door of shining light: each person shines light on themselves and is present in the shining light session, maintaining mindfulness, creating a space for sincere sharing
- The methods of practice have proven effective through many short and long retreats, helping to nourish and transform the inner self at different speeds, but with perseverance, transformation will come