“It is possible the next Buddha will not take the form of an individual. The next Buddha may take the form of a community, a community practicing understanding and lovingkindness, a community practicing mindful living. And the practice can be carried out as a group, as a city, as a nation.” -Thich Nhat Hanh
Buddhist practices have interested me for 15+ years. However, it has been in just the last couple of years that I’ve actively been on the path to consistently cultivating daily practices. Thich Nhat Hanh wrote the words above back in 1994, but I only recently learned of this idea from my mentors. They like to say that rather than turning to a single guru, we have the opportunity to be a “gu-roup” or sangha, a community of fellow practitioners who shift our collective way of being.
This Monday, I had a thought I left the evening group meditation at UUFM with: No one belongs to anyone when we all belong. I think of this in the context of codependent relationships, within social groups, as well as about the idea of citizenship. As someone recovering from feeling socially anxious for much of my life, it is incredibly relieving to step into communities of inherent worth and belonging. They give us the strength to carry out a more deeply loving and compassionate presence far beyond the immediate community space.
While returning to a cushion to breathe with others again and again might not seem like the most life-altering practice, it’s amazing to me what a positive impact I’ve felt from it, recognizing that I have the capacity to show up with more grounded presence when faced with some life’s most difficult moments.
With that said, I will close this short reflection by sharing these Four Great Vows from the Zen Buddhist tradition:
Beings are numberless: may I free them all.
Reactions are endless: may I release them all.
Doors to experience are infinite: may I enter them all.
Ways of awakening are limitless: may I know them all.
Upcoming Happenings:
Mindful Movement in the UUFM Sanctuary, Mondays at 11am in March
(*Note: there will be no 3/23 session)
RSVP here: https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/06c0e9327397
Please note that Macey will be taking time off from Wednesday, March 18th to Sunday, March 29th.