Experiencing freedom and joy

The Dharma body is bringing morning light..... ('Dharma body' can be read as 'the world' or 'life')

This is the opening line of the morning chant that the monks and nuns of Plumvillage use at the beginning of the morning meditation.

This is a new day with 24 fresh new hours for you to live and enjoy!

The same kind of chant (or mantra) can be used for the new year, or for every new moment.

In fact every moment is new and open where you can be free and happy, Free from regrets or pain from the past and being free from fear or craving for the future.

Thich Nhat Hanh wrote a small book "Our appointment with life" translating and explaining the sutra's on living happily in the present moment; A quote from one of the Sutra's :

Do not pursue the past

Do not lose yourself in the future

The past no longer is

The future has not yet come.

Looking deeply at life as it is in the here and now,

the practitioner dwells in freedom and stability.

of cause there are practical exercises to give hands and feet to this, like 'the sutra on mindful breathing'. (which we often follow in our guided meditations)

Monday evening January 5th we will focus on experiencing freedom and joy.

as of 19h15 we will be preparing the room and making tea,

19h30 there will be tea and opportunity to relax and meet.

Meditation will start at 20:00

At 21h00 we have the opportunity to share our experiences from the heart

We close with informal tea (and some cookies)

Have a free and a joyful weekend !

Hans