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The Forty Propositions of Plum Village Teachings A
Across all of France from today, smoking in public places is prohibited. This is the first step of a new regulation aimed at “protecting the health of oneself and those around us.” At the same time, at 7:55, the whole of France—including the Eiffel Tower with its 10,000 light bulbs—simultaneously turned off the electricity for five minutes as a collective mindfulness practice, to help raise awareness of the state of the Earth and our responsibility to protect the environment in the face of climate change.
Joy does not depend on titles or circumstances—whether one is ordained or not, whether one goes to Vietnam or not—but comes from the practice of mindfulness, the capacity for love and understanding. Suffering arises when we blame others or wait for others to change; true happiness comes from transforming our own habit energies, taking responsibility for ourselves, and joining hands to build the sangha through deep listening, loving speech, and democratic processes.
Three principles in the tradition of Christian monasteries:
- Poverty—finding joy in simplicity and poverty
- Chastity—maintaining purity
- Obedience—following the teachings, not arguing back
The last five points reflect on ordination and commitment on the path of practice:
- There are two ways of looking at allowing others to be ordained: fear, or trust that discipline will help transformation.
- When someone leaves, we must accept it.
- Do the ten people about to be ordained feel any hesitation? Are the aspirants, who will ordain in seven days, ready?
- Once you have decided to walk this path, you cannot turn back.
- This is the fortieth proposition; before this, we digressed a little.
