Winter/Spring 2012 Issue
Photo by Polly Hommel
Dear friends,
Please read this special message from Brother Phap Dung and the Mindfulness Bell...
Happy 30 Year Anniversary, Plum Village!
Plum Village has deeply touched and changed our lives. We have begun to enjoy mindful breaths and steps. We have learned to peel a carrot with joy, to wash our dishes in peace, and to open a door with freedom. We have cried a deep cry that opened our eyes and softened our hearts. These little drops of practice water the rich soil of our heart's garden, as we enter the stream of practitioners and move toward the ocean together as a spiritual family.
Please help us celebrate by sharing your love story about Plum Village in writing, photos, or videos on 30yplumvillage.mindfulnessbell.org.
The Winter/Spring 2012 issue of the Mindfulness Bell has manifested — a beautiful collection of writings on forgiveness and healing the past in the present. This issue features Thay's wonderful Dharma talk, "Free from Notions: The Diamond Sutra." Thay invites us to release four notions in order to end our suffering: the notions of self, being human, living beings, and life span.
Sister Jewel shares the story of her recent visit to San Quentin and insights on true freedom. Dharma Teacher Glen Schneider invites us to try the Ten Breath Practice to nourish our happiness. Elizabeth Hospodarsky explains the work of the TNH Continuation and Legacy Foundation.
This issue also includes an article by our dear friend, Brother Phap Kinh (Christopher), who passed away on January 23. The magazine had just been printed when we learned of his passing. His article, "Forgive Us Our Trespasses: Pardoning an Imperfect Church" reflects upon his reconciliation with the Catholic Church. It sings with love and gratitude — testimony to the tenderness and complexity of his heart.
May our stories and insights, shared from each one's heart, deeply nourish our collective understanding and compassion.
