It's a little hard to admit this, but during the pandemic lockdown, I was very fortunate that I had an opportunity to enrich my spiritual practice. It became a time to reflect, heal, and practice mindfulness. My wife and I are both teachers, and as schools closed down, we had time and space to practice mindfulness.
My wife and I joined the online retreats during the pandemic from December 2020 to July 2021. However, the first time we attended Deer Park was July 4, 2021 for a day of mindfulness for "interdependence day." It was also the first time we had ever visited a Buddhist Monastery. The Dharma talk was by Brother Phap Luu, "Waking up this morning, I smile." The meditation hall was a little empty, because it was the first time the monastery had opened after the pandemic, and only a few people were allowed to visit. Brother Freedom welcomed us in the parking lot, and I was so excited to see him in person as I had listened to his online lecture on "Letting Go" just a few months before.
Deer Park has brought us so much nourishment. My wife and I are truly grateful to have this practice. It has helped us heal, work with our emotions, and have the courage to believe in ourselves--all Dharma talks, meditations, and lovely ceremonies for our beloved teacher Thay. I am truly grateful to have a sister Monastery of the Plum Village tradition close to our home; well, two hours away, but closer than traveling to France :) A place to be hidden from the world and yet to be open to nature so we may be able to nurture and water our positive seeds. Oh, and the music festival, walking meditation, wonderful stories of our teacher Thay, and the delicious vegan food!
All the monastics have always been so welcoming. Sister D's Dharma talks, gentle and loving reminders. Brother Phap Dung's Dharma talks and reminders on working with our strong emotions were reflections for me as well, especially those difficult emotions towards my father. The live streams, 40 tenets, and book readings from Brother Phap Luu have been so nourishing and insightful. And Sister Boi Nghiem who is now at Deer Park, but her talks and online meetings from Magnolia Grove were also wonderful reminders of this practice (Teamwork makes dreams work). Brother Peace and his beautiful songs, I am truly grateful for his lessons through his guitar, words, and music. Sister Dac Ngheim at the bookstore and the wonderful mindfulness reminders.
Closing off, we know you are there and it makes us very happy. Tears and smiles and ways to nurture ourselves. Music and support. Openness and inclusiveness. Nature. A home that guides us in our path and the practice in the present moment.
In gratitude, I write these words as I am still working on things, but I have a north star for guidance. I may not reach it, but I can smile towards the sky and feel assured that my teachers have given us the right tools to work with. To breathe, smile, and to let go.
In gratitude,
Juan and Delia Quintero
Unfolding Awareness of the Heart and Clear Light 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.
