I have gone through long years of illness. I distanced myself from society, living in darkness, avoiding contact with anyone, and even limiting interaction with my own family.
Then one day, having learned about the World Peace Gathering (WPG) in Southern California in a few weeks, I was suddenly awakened. Memories of attending the Altruistic Home-Leaving retreats came back to me vividly. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. It was a wonderful week spent living together with the monastic community, familiar faces, and fellow practitioners from near and far, gathering in the peaceful Big Bear mountains to experience the true life of renunciation, far away from the noise of the mundane world… I was momentarily speechless, savoring that moment of happiness and indescribable joy.
Then, that weekend, I went with my wife to the CSS Center nearby, to participate in activities with fellow practitioners that I hadn’t seen for a long time. As I approached the entrance, from a distance, my dharma brothers and sisters immediately recognized me. They warmly welcomed me as if I were a long-lost sibling returning home. Overwhelmed with emotions, I felt grateful for the warmth and love radiating from everyone, especially their encouragement, advising me to attend the gatherings more regularly. In my heart, I promised to return and consider them my second family.
The day of the two-day Dharma Assembly arrived. Once again, I met old dharma friends from various states across the United States, some from Canada and Germany. They embraced me with both joy and sorrow at our long separation. Perhaps, they felt a tinge of sadness seeing me now, no longer as strong as before, relying on a walker for mobility. For two consecutive days, with a sincere heart, I listened attentively to Thầy’s Dharma teachings. In the evening, I watched the procession of people lighting candles and circumambulating the Anaheim Convention Center grounds, a unique and solemn sight.
The most exceptional moment was when I had the chance to meet four Masters. Thầy Hằng Trường recognized me right away. He held my hand as if transmitting energy to me and gently tapped my head while giving me words of encouragement to continue my spiritual practice. Thầy Hằng Đức and two other Masters also greeted me and bestowed blessings upon me.
Returning to my hometown with a renewed spirit and happiness, I began regularly participating in group activities with fellow practitioners, such as practicing Tai Chi every morning, repentance ceremonies, reciting the Flower Adornment Sutra compiled by Thầy, and memorizing the Great Compassion Mantra (which I thought I had forgotten). I diligently recited sutras daily, reviewed Thầy’s teachings, and practiced writing the Hand-Eye seeds of light, immersing myself in serious practice.
Thank you, all my CSS brothers and sisters, for spreading love and encouragement and providing opportunities for me to continue my cultivation practice. I’m grateful to my family for always being by my side, caring, and loving me. I’ve rediscovered my network of connections, my web of affinities. Dear Thầy, dear dharma brothers and sisters: “I have returned home!”