I have attended the Temporary Altruistic Home-Leaving over 10 times and even though I am occasionally being referred to as a veteran, I always have mixed emotions whenever I receive the novice monk precepts.
After a couple of years of program hiatus in California due to the 2019 WPG in Koyasan, Japan and the cancellation of the 2020 WPG due to Covid-19, we gathered back to Pine Summit Camp in Big Bear to attend the sramanera (novice monk) and sramanerika (novice nun) ordination ceremony in 2021.
This time, when kneeling with brothers and sisters of the sangha to receive the precepts, I didn’t know why I became deeply emotional. I shed tears when I listened to the gentle voice of Shr Fu/Thầy guiding and explaining the meaning of the ceremony. Perhaps this is that was the first time that I joined the Temporary Altruistic Home-Leaving to cultivate on behalf of so many people who have perished in the past few years due to Covid-19 and unrelated illnesses. I think about those who left this world in agony, loneliness, and desperation because their loved ones were not allowed to visit them. I had flashes of images of Covid-19 victims in Vietnam who died and were buried in unmarked mass graves. I have lost 5 close relatives in my family in the past two years and CSS family has also bid goodbye to our dear beloved big brother Vũ Duy Hiển.
When Thầy guided us to dedicate this last bow as a lay person before donning the robe of liberation from the Buddha, tears streamed uncontrollably down on my face. With a deep voice, Thầy reminded us to take a moment when we bowed down in the fetal pose to think about all those whom we cultivated for and let us bow this final bow on behalf of all those who did not have the opportunity to join XGVT that year.
The time we spent in the serene mountain at Pine Summit Camp has many exciting moments and deep experiences, but the most special one happened when snowflakes began to come down then quickly turned into a snowstorm. The small path and paved road going from our dorm to the Buddha Hall became very slippery. Our dharma sisters held each other’s hands walking slowly while the dharma senior brothers followed the younger ones. Those with stronger legs and stamina helped carry their handbags, lent hands to others and assisted the elder ones marching in silence. Group by group, hand in hand, they walked in the fellowship of the sangha, full of care, warmth, and mutual support.
An unforgettable image of the retreat was the picture of our two beloved and respected teachers, Master Heng Der and Master Heng Chang, walking leisurely together despite the snow coming down heavily and the wind blowing fiercely. The junior brother held the umbrella for his senior; the senior embraced the care of his brother with joy; his eyes radiating deep love and appreciation.
Wow! What a beautiful portrait of nature that was framed by endless mountains and pine forests, decorated by pure white flakes of snow and embellished by the discreet beauty of a harmonious Sangha. I will never forget the images our novice monks and nuns and the vision of our two Masters, protecting and supporting each other in serenity in the face of adversity and challenges. This is indeed the meaning of Beauty in the Triple Jewels: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. It is the harmony of the Sangha. This portrait is an unspoken dharma lecture, describing the existence of the Sangha Jewel, solid and ever-present in a society full of struggles, envy, and division.
May everyone in my web of affinity recognizes and taste the sweet dew of the Path, at least once in their lifetime, for it is the inspiration and the force to grow and nourish our Bodhi mind until perfection.
I deeply appreciate the teachings and nurturance of our Masters. I am grateful to our big Brother Khai Nghiêm for his relentless efforts and energy to build a culture of loving care in the XGVT Sangha and the Bodhisattva family called “The Thousand”.
Pine Summit Camp, Big Bear, CA, Dec 2021