Monday, April 20, 2026

Sangha leading ... with our hearts


Thay reminds us we need a Sanga. 'You need a brother or sister, or friend to remind you what you already know. The Dharma is in you, but it needs to be watered in order to manifest and become a reality.' ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Every time you feel lost alienated or cut off from life, or from the world, every time you feel despair anger or instability, practice going home. Mindful breathing is the vehicle you use to go back to your true home.  ~ Thich Nhat Hanh from Taming the tiger Within

Perhaps daunted by the prospect of sitting, mindfully walking and doing nothing for the next little while, we can remind ourselves:

Sitting quietly, doing nothing,
the Spring comes and the grass grows,
by itself. ~ Basho


Thay reminds us:
Breathe and the present moment appears. Leap and the net of Sangha appears.

New Sangha Handbook: "the important thing is to generate peace in yourself and to share with others...."

In, out
Deep, slow,
Calm, ease
smile, release
present moment, wonderful moment.

START
My body, speech and mind in perfect Oneness 
I send my heart along with the sound of this bell. 
May the hearer awake from forgetfulness and transcend all anxiety and sorrow.

END
May we dedicate the merit of this time together, returning to our breath, - may we dedicate this effort to all those beings who suffer, who have suffered, and who are suffering. we dedicate this to our teachers, to our parents, to our ancestors, and to our children and our children's children. May all of us receive the benefits without end of transforming our unskillful habit energies, in service to a greater good

.... Like Avalokitshivara, we hear the cries of the world.. where the listening is deep, and the way out is in.