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sangha NEWSSangha NewsThe Steering Committee has worked to create a clear statementof objectives and strategies for the Seeding Hope and PeaceProject, which is shared below for the benefit of the worldwideSangha:VisionOur vision is that peoples of different faiths and cultures use thepractice of mindfulness, watering the seeds of hope and peace,to resolve conflicts within themselves, their families, and theircommunities, and between groups and nations, thereby creatingthe conditions for enduring peace.MissionAcross the world, thousands of civilians are injured or killedeach year because of violent struggles between ethnic or socialgroups. Violence plays out in communities, homes, and people.Our aspiration is to offer the peaceful practice and insights ofmindfulness to leaders, emerging leaders, and society at largethrough education, so that we may understand how the seeds ofpeace and hope can flower.Seeding Hope and PeaceMagnolia…sweet wafting among the plum blossomsDogwood…upright and delicateRoses…reaching toward the sun, perfuming the skyLilies…orange marmalade springing from precious earthLotus…in the crescent pond subtle and engagingphoto by Zachiah MurrayDuring the 21-day retreat last June in Plum Village, amid theperfumed fragrances of early summer, a group of monastic andlay practitioners were inspired by Thay’s teachings, and met todiscuss ways in which the practices of mindfulness could be offeredmore widely as a means of reducing the suffering causedby social conflicts. Our particular objective was to reach out togroups that are currently using violence as a means to achievepolitical ends in inter-group conflicts.During late summer, the initiative became the Seeding Hopeand Peace Project, under the spiritual leadership of Thay andSister Chan Khong. The members of the group’s SteeringCommittee are: Sister Chan Khong, Thay Phap An, BrotherPhap Son, Sister Tung Nghiem (Sr. Pine), Sister An Nghiem(Sr. Peace), Baruch Shalev, Dan Urech, Mitchell Ratner,Shantum Seth, and Pritam Singh. The Advisory Board includesDharma Teachers and Order of Interbeing members from allover the world who practice the peaceful resolution of violentgroup conflict.BackgroundThich Nhat Hanh teaches that the true source of peace is in themind and that it is always possible to nourish peace and reconciliation.During the worst years of the war in Vietnam, whenmillions were dying, he founded the School of Youth for SocialService with Sister Chan Khong. Risking their lives, they andthousands of young people went to the countryside to establishschools and health clinics and to rebuild villages destroyed inthe fighting. Thich Nhat Hanh did not choose sides; he workedto bring peace rather than war to divided Vietnam. Because ofhis courageous efforts, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. nominatedThich Nhat Hanh for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967.StrategyWith the support and spiritual guidance of Thich Nhat Hanhand Sister Chan Khong, Seeding Hope and Peace seeks toassist in moving toward the realization of peace, justice, andreconciliation. The group’s initial effort will be to offer twospecial retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh at the Plum Village PracticeCenter.Members of Seeding Hope and Peace Steering Committee: Sister Pine, Baruch Shalev,Sister Chan Khong, Mitchell Ratner, Sister Peace, and Dan Urech44 Winter/Spring 2010
sangha NEWSWe love to receive your letters and suggestions.Please e-mail editor@mindfulnessbell.orgor write to Mindfulness Bell, c/o David Percival,745 Cagua S.E., Albuquerque NM 87108, U.S.A.photo by Lisa HaufschildThe first retreat for twenty to forty people will take place thefirst week of May, 2010. It will bring together the SteeringCommittee of Seeding Hope and Peace with recognized peacemakers,who will be recommended by the Advisory Board. Thepeacemakers will be individuals who are known both for theirnonviolent methods and for their ability to work directly withgroups engaged in violent conflicts. The peacemakers mightbe religious leaders or leaders of social organizations, who aregenuine messengers of hope and peace. It may include NobelPeace Prize Laureates and nominees.During the week-long retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh, the groupwill practice together and develop plans for the second retreat,planned for May, 2011, which will include leaders and emergingleaders from conflict zones.During the second retreat, under the guidance of Thich NhatHanh and Sister Chan Khong, the participants will learn andpractice the tools of peace and reconciliation, including deeplistening, mindful speech, trust, understanding, and compassion.It is anticipated that the teachings, along with the experience ofpracticing and living together in the Plum Village community,will nourish personal transformation and encourage new waysof thinking about and moving toward peace and reconciliation.Seeding Hope and Peace begins at an auspicious time, whenthe President of the United States and other world leaders areencouraging open communication and alternatives to violentconflicts. The retreats and future efforts provide a way for thePlum Village community, the Order of Interbeing, and theextended community to share our collective experience andsupport others in making our world, our communities, andourselves peaceful.We look forward to working together with the support of all ourDharma friends to realize the deep aspirations of the SeedingHope and Peace Project. For further information, please contactpvbelovedcommunity@gmail.com.In the Footsteps of the Buddhaand other transformative journeysPilgrimages with Dharmacharya Shantum Sethacross India and South AsiaDh. Shantum Seth"With each step and breath the Buddhacomes alive. Shantum's knowledge, insightand humor brings joy to those journeyingwith him in the footsteps of the Buddha."-Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen MasterIn the Footsteps of the Buddha: Peepal : Feb. 2010 / 2011The Exquisite Caves-Ajanta & Ellora: Feb. 2010 / 2011Living Faiths of India: Rishikesh, Amritsar: Feb.-Mar. 2010 / 2011Wisdom Traditions of South India: Kerala & Tamilnadu: Nov.2010In the Footsteps of the Buddha: Bodhi: Jan. 2011Delhi, Agra and more tansformative journeys...(all year round)Contact us at:info@buddhapath.cominfo@elevendirections.comwww.buddhapath.comwww.elevendirections.comMindfulness Bell 3.5” x 4.75REFUGE OF THE HEARTA Hawaiian Retreat Centerin the tradition ofThich Nhat HanhProperty Manager / CaretakerSeasonal one to six month positions available.Work trade for room and board.Qualifications:- Ability to work on garden and landscape projects.- Excellent communication skills.- Has taken the Five Mindfulness Trainings,Three Jewels and received a Dharma name.- Sangha references.- Has a daily practice.For more information contact:mikemigrates@gmail.comthe Mindfulness Bell 45
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Page 12 and 13: miracle of SANGHAADear Brothers, Si
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Page 26 and 27: embracing VIETNAMWhere Help Is Need
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Page 44 and 45: death and DYINGphoto by Corina Bene
Page 48 and 49: media REVIEWSHappinessEssentialMind
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