There have been quite a few new developments these past months in my life. I have applied for and have accepted a few scholarships and grants to attend Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado this year. Orientation begins Aug. 16 which means I will be leaving Las Vegas within a few weeks or so. If you are currently receiving e-mails for my events as well as events with the Las Vegas sangha in the Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh you will continue to be on the lists, unless you tell us otherwise.
My wish is for a home and a presence for Thay's (Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's) teachings in Las Vegas Valley when I am gone. Continuing in the lineage of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh for some means to face violence, interrogation and even death. What we have offered the Las Vegas community for over five years and many more through our sister sangha, Lotus in the Desert, which had its founding roots in Thay's tradition a decade earlier, has been a precious opportunity that has saved lives, including my own.
The following is a recent article on the attacks on one of Thay's main monasteries in Vietnam. Several people whom I know, who went on the trip to Vietnam when I did in 2007, had the opportunity to visit Prajna Temple. What we can offer the monks and nuns of Prajna and Thay is our diligent practice; make steps today in peace. Stop, breathe and smile when you feel your anger, arrogance or greed has been aroused. Stop, breathe and smile and know that your practice is the practice of many who are breathing and smiling on the path of love.
Attack on a Vietnam monastery
A recent attack on a monastery practising a non-traditional brand of Buddhism is just one of a number of incidents that has raised concerns about curbs on religious freedom in Vietnam. The BBC's Krassimira Twigg looks at the events at Bat Nha monastery.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/
