Mindfulness and Liberation True Love Global Sangha: - The ...

TMagical Momentglobal SANGHAat BorobudurTempleBy Deny HermawanThay’s marvelous teachings have been deeply etched in myheart for a few years. On October 7, 2010, his teachingsbecame even more impressive and alive for me when hecame to Java to visit one of the most magnificent Buddhistsites in the world, Borobudur Temple.On that day I felt so excited because I was able to walkmindfully together with hundreds of people, including manymonastics from Plum Village, led by Thay. Although I wasnot able to maintain my awareness at every step, the peacewalk was incredible for me. I could feel the energy of peace,love, and compassion spread over the area, empowering thesacred monument that was built by King Smaratungga in800 AD. The encounter of the great historical temple anda living bodhisattva was a significant and moving moment.Thay’s presence, the Sangha’s solidity, and the rainy weathercreated an unforgettable atmosphere that day.It seemed like magic occurred. Right after we completedthe peace walk, rain started falling heavily. It stopped just asThay began his Dharma talk by saying, “I am happy becauseI’m able to be here and now, in the present moment. Therefore,I feel no anxiety; I feel free.” Later in the afternoon, justas the event was coming to an end and Thay was getting intoa vehicle to leave, the rain started falling again, as if naturewere grieving the departure of the legendary teacher.Moments with Thay and the monastics from Plum Villageand the Indonesian Sangha at Borobudur were trulyamazing. Walking and sharing lunch with them were wonderfulmoments, and another moment that truly impressed mewas the pindapatra, or alms round. I felt so lucky becauseI had a chance to put some food into Thay’s bowl. I felt hisbeautiful eyes see right through me, smiling, and I felt hiswisdom strike my mind without words, perhaps like the storyof the Buddha holding flowers and Mahakashyapa smiling.I attended my first retreat with monastics from the PlumVillage tradition in 2008 when Brother Phap Kham and othersled a retreat in Indonesia for the first time. That retreatwas the beginning of my journey towards true happinessand mindful ness. Before that retreat, I had already become abig fan of Thay’s teaching through reading his books. Beingable to meet the writer and participate in mindful activitieswith him was absolutely amazing. I hope I can maintainthe spirit of goodness of that day at Borobudur Temple sothat I can contribute more positively to society and so that,finally, heaven on earth will become truly possible.Deny Hermawan,Determined Lightof the Heart, isa practitionerin Yogyakarta,Indonesia.40 Winter/Spring 2011photo by Deny Hermawan