Yesterday, mindful steps carried us along the stream of practice to the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall. There, on a winter morning before daybreak, saffron-clad monastics and lay people surrounded a group of practitioners with a formal request. As the black sky began to brighten with the first signs of day, the sangha granted this request and transmitted the Five Mindfulness Trainings. When asked if they committed to receive, study, and practice each training, the voices of these seekers resonated as one, shaking the cosmos and sending chills up spines.

It was a familiar ceremony, but a special day, for the five members of the first Action Wake Up cohort were taking their bodhisattva vows. After three months on the Rains Retreat at Deer Park, their togetherness was already shining brightly, amplified by the spirit of their practice and loving hearts of service. They received names like Stable Friend of the Source and Spacious Compassion of the Source, reflecting deep aspirations to offer kindness, love, and wisdom to the world, each other, and themselves. When it was all over and the certificates had been distributed there was much laughter, many hugs, and lots of photos. The fruits of our practice filled the air with sweet nectar, offering a sense of belonging, joy, and stability to all.

As hunger began to nudge us towards breakfast, we left the hall in quiet reverence, sharing admiration for the strength of each others' practice, and appreciation for the importance of sangha on the path. After a few mindful logistics about the house, I got in my car (on loan from a retreatant) to head back. With a few deep, mindful breaths I set off, gliding through the once-dark hills, now capped with golden sunlight. For the first time, I made it back to the house without a map, the way having been fully traced in my heart. I have arrived, I am home.

Action Wake Up House Needs Support

We are happy to share the joyful news of a new dwelling in Simplicity Hamlet, which will be home to the Action Wake Up practitioners as they live and practice together during their time in the Action Wake Up program. The friends are currently moving into the house and are in need of most essential household and furniture items to support simple and mindful living, particularly a large refrigerator, basic kitchen items and a large dining table/chairs.

If you feel inspired to offer a donation, please email Veronica at vero@veronica.earth with a brief description of what you would like to donate. She will respond with the appropriate drop-off address.

With appreciation, we kindly ask that donations not be dropped off at Deer Park Monastery, but delivered directly to the house. Thank you for your generosity and care in supporting this new dwelling.