I am so grateful for the Rains Retreat this year at Deer Park Monastery. It watered so many wonderful seeds in me, and I have noticed a big difference in how I am in the world right now. The retreat ended almost 6 weeks ago, and it is amazing that so much of the practice and the peacefulness is still with me.

When I was driving from San Diego to Portland, I was aware of my in-breath and my out-breath. I would sing Dharma songs that I learned at Deer Park, such as “Simple Things” and “Happiness is Here and Now.” So often when I’m driving, I’m in a hurry and I am angry. But when I drove this time, I was very calm and driving very mindfully. It was a happy trip, and I helped to spread peace and joy in the world.

I have also noticed a change in my relationships with others. I like to practice with the Gatha, “Darling, I am here for you.” Just being present with other people makes such a big difference. Another Gatha that I like to recite is “Darling, I know you suffer, and that is why I am here for you.” I am able to practice loving speech and deep listening. I pause before speaking and do not interrupt my beloveds. This practice of mindful relating seems unique to the Plum Village tradition, because I have not learned these Gathas anywhere else.

The retreat provided an opportunity to reflect on my life and to consider what is truly important to me. I know that without the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, my life would be unhappy and meaningless. But with the three jewels, my life is meaningful, happy and fulfilling. Of course, there is a lot less “me” than there was before the Rains Retreat. I am in touch with the nature of Inter-being and I see that I am a cell in the Sangha body and part of something greater than myself. When I can remember Inter-being, then I can remember that all beings have Buddha Nature and all beings have the capacity to be awake. We are all on this journey together and I can let go of the three complexes and touch the nature of Inter-being with every breath and every mindful step.

Thank you to all of the monastics and all of the lay friends who participated in the Rains Retreat. I look forward to continuing our practice together and watering seeds of love and peace in each other and in the world.

Sincerely Yours,

Jeff Kerr
Life-Giving Wisdom of the Heart

In harmony with Thay’s practice of writing love letters to share gratitude, love, and peace with those around him, we asked practitioners to submit love letters to Deer Park describing what it means to them.

If you would like to submit your own Love Letter to Deer Park, please email us at loveletters@deerparkmonastery.org. We love receiving your writings, poetry, and photos. Please include your name and Dharma name if you have one.