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UC Santa Barbara - Vietnamese Retreat
A reporter from Elle magazine came to Plum Village to practice for a week, and then had a direct meeting with the teacher to learn the method of practicing mindfulness right in family life: when husband and wife are glued to the television, the wife (or husband) gently turns to the other, calls with loving speech in a tender voice: “Dear, I have something very important to share with you… Are we truly a happy couple?” That is the beginning of shamatha meditation—stopping, focusing on observing the breath, the smile, and truly looking deeply into the state of the family to find the roots of suffering.
From burdens, irritation, and unconscious resentment, husband and wife rely on each other to practice, reminding each other to maintain mindfulness, loving speech, and deep listening, gradually transforming suffering and renewing love. Clearly recognizing that we have been “prisoners” seeking “refuge” in television, entertainment, or work, we learn to return to the shared breath of two people, awakening the seed of love that can never be destroyed.
- A home gathered together morning and evening—the happiness of living together, seeing each other every day.
- Cool breeze and moonlight on our faces, simple pickled vegetables nourish the heart—enjoying the simple wonders of earth and life.
- Simple living—living simply, not letting busyness and worries dominate the mind.
- Vastness on all sides—space and freedom for the individual and the family.
- Tides rising morning and evening, clouds drifting before and behind—touching each moment of nature as a marvelous symphony.
- Old disasters completely swept away—overcoming all past misfortunes and afflictions to open the heart to the present moment.
