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fr uits of the WINTER RETREAT
Chuc Mung Nam Moi
Happy New Year
January 22, 2004 Year of the Monkey
by Hope Lindsay
I came to the Ocean of Peace medi-
hall early today, soon to be filled with
monastics and lay retreatants for the
Asian New Year celebration. I am
drawn to the beauty of this new hall
at Deer Park Monastery. I want to fill
my spirit through my eyes before the
festival begins.
The altar area is filled with living
color. There are mums, tulips, bamboo,
and several species of orchids. Large vases
contain pussy willows and reeds tied with
tiny red ribbons. Bright red gladiolas repeat
the color of good fortune. On the central altar,
candles and incense are burning. Here are towers of
fruits: mangos, apples, oranges, pineapple, and papayas.
Sky and earth cakes wrapped in banana leaves
remind me of the patient monastic and lay hands
which made them the day before.
tation
But perhaps the loveliest arrangement is
the “tree.” It is Zen symbolism at its finest.
Rocks arranged in classic patterns of heaven
and earth support the large oak limb which
has clusters of yellow blossoms attached to
complete the appearance of spring. Red kites with words of peace and
wisdom dangle from the tree.
Now Thay has arrived and the hall has filled. We are awaiting the
Chinese dragons (in lion form) to announce the beginning of the five
days of fun and reverence. Here they come turning, and rearing! They
are led by a paunchy red-faced figure representing the Earth. No one
can resist laughing out loud as the lions blink their large eyelids and
open their mouths in pretended ferocity, except Thay, who remains
in meditation until the procession reaches him. Then he breaks into a
sweet, almost twinkling smile.
Thay was presented with a collage of miniature photos shaped
in the form of the single pillar pagoda which replicates the stained
glass window in the hall and expresses
the theme of Tiep Hien, interbeing. The
monastics wished Thay a long life, filled
with good health and loving kindness. I also
wished him long life, motivated by
attachment. I need this soft-spoken,
wise being awhile longer to help me
awaken. Long, long life in this form
to you, dear teacher.
Thay’s New Year wish for us is for
our health. For the Asians in residence, he
requests remembrance of their ancestors, and
to carry their memories into enlightenment. For
Westerners, he wishes rest and mindfulness. Also, he
wishes us mindful consuming, the single most important
mission for the Western world. In consumerism lies
the cause of poverty and war. Wise consuming is the
key to world peace.
I am aware that I came to this ceremony to “fill
up my senses.” My eyes were filled with the
sight of the monastics, dressed in
earth brown under their bright ceremonial
robes, looking like mantles
photo by Emily Whittle of sunshine. My ears were blessed
with Vietnamese music sung by Sister Chan Khong, Ha Thanh, a
visiting opera singer, and Sister Thi Nghiem. I hear this haunting
music in my mind, even now. I can also feel the wonderful rhythmic
challenge between the large brass bell and taiko drum speaking from
opposite sides of the hall.
Blessings to us all in the year of the monkey. Play more, be joyfully
spontaneous, and at the same time calm our monkey minds.
Hope Lindsay, True Flow of the Heart, spent the
winter retreat at Deer Park. She is a founding
member of the Umpqua Area Sangha in Roseberg,
Oregon, and an aspirant to the Order of Interbeing.
the Mindfulness Bell 13