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The Lion's Adversary
Today is the day of the Invitation Ceremony marking the end of the Winter Retreat. The Invitation Ceremony is conducted according to the tradition of mendicant monks, with the following main steps:
- The procedure of karmavachana is performed to confirm that the Invitation Day is in accordance with the Dharma, keeping silence for several tens of seconds to inquire if anyone has objections or doubts.
- Sending a representative of the bhikshuni sangha to request guidance; the representative of the bhikshuni sangha kneels down to ask for support and to receive care from the Sangha.
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Nominating those who will receive the invitation through karmavachana (usually three people; if the assembly is larger, then six or nine are chosen). These individuals must possess five qualities:
- not loving (with attachment)
- not hating
- not timid (courageous to speak directly)
- the ability to contemplate deeply
- knowing how to point out offenses according to the true Dharma and using loving speech
- The most senior member (the elder) receives the invitation first, followed by the three (or six, or nine) invitees who perform the ceremony for each other, then the whole Sangha kneels down to perform the invitation three times, making vows to repent and to practice in order to transform.
Alongside the Invitation Ceremony, Plum Village has developed many practices throughout the year to nourish true happiness and instant awakening:
- Practicing mindful massage every day (head, shoulders, back, arms, legs) to circulate the blood, increase vitality, and reduce the need for medication.
- Writing about suffering and happiness, sharing in the collection commemorating 15 years of Plum Village (for example, “I find great happiness in not having any money”).
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Simple practices of instant awakening in daily activities:
- When angry with each other in the ultimate dimension: close your eyes, breathe, contemplate “in 300 years, where will you be and where will I be?”
- Sitting meditation in the ultimate dimension: “every moment is enlightenment, every tree is a Bodhi tree, every seat is the Jeweled Seat.”
- Eating in the historical dimension: “miraculously, we nourish each other” (eating for our ancestors, for the future).
- Dharma discussion in the ultimate dimension: “I look at you and smile, you are truly myself.”
- Going out, walking meditation: “my hand holding your hand” as if walking with the Buddha.
These practices help the Eight Respectful Observances become gentle and lovely, nourishing peace and instantaneous insight in every moment of monastic life.
