Love Letter to Deer Park – January


Love Letter to Deer Park

In harmony with Thay’s practice of writing love letters to share gratitude, love, and peace with those around him, we asked practitioners to write love letters to Deer Park describing what it means to them. Please enjoy this monthly feature. The Deer Park monastics are truly grateful for the energy and commitment of the lay sangha as well. 


The Joy Was Palpable

I remember the moment I fell in love with Deer Park. It was a warm Sunday afternoon after my first weekend retreat.  I was sitting outside the kitchen of the large dining hall. Most other lay people had left for their drives home.  I heard a funny sound like a buzzing of many bees and the gleeful laughing of men.  I looked down the hill toward The Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall.  There were about 10 monks on rollerblades!  They were playing street hockey.  They all were laughing and celebrating making goals, staying upright, and just being together.  Their joy was palpable to me.  They loved each other and they celebrated life.  This is one of the deepest Dharma talks I had or possibly will ever receive.  Their being taught my bones:

Compassion,

Loving Kindness,

Shared Joy, and

Equanimity.

I fell in love with the brothers and sisters that day.  I fell in love with the oaks and coyotes, the warm breath of the wind, and the buzz of the bees in the pepper tree.  I knew I was home on that day nearly twenty years ago and every day ever since.

Brad W.
True Ocean of Actions


If you would like to submit your own Love Letter to Deer Park, please follow these instructions. Thank you kindly for taking the time to share your love and appreciation with us.


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