Building Sangha across Europe
Thirteen lay Dharma teachers from six countries came together at the Italian Avalokita Practice Centre in September. A two-hour bus journey from Rome took me deep into the Apennine Mountains in central Italy. On the bus, I already made friends with three Dharmacharyas from Spain.
The idea had been born at Plum Village four years ago –– to strengthen connections among Dharma teachers across Europe, to practise together and learn from each other. Now the invitation goes out every two years to European lay teachers in the Plum Village tradition. Each time the gathering is hosted by a different country.
Avalokita is a beautiful Center in a magnificent location, embraced by mountains at 2400 feet. September was still warm and sunny, and teachers had come from Italy, Spain, Israel, Germany, France and the UK. Communication was happening through a funny mix of English, Italian, Spanish, hands, faces and hugs. Very quickly, a very loving and warm atmosphere developed.
For four days, we followed a retreat schedule with sitting and walking meditations, silent meals and sharing circles. We took turns in guiding practices, inviting bells, facilitating sharings and taking care of the meditation hall. In daily walking meditations we were nourished by mountain views and the beautiful garden. One day included an outing into the woods with forest bathing and picnic lunch. In between the practice periods we enjoyed informal chats, getting to know each other better, and hearing about the joys and challenges faced by the community in different countries.
For me, one of the highlights of the retreat were the affinity groups on two afternoons. They offered opportunities to come together in small circles and share about topics on our hearts. Themes included “How to teach the Dharma in times of war”, “Building bridges with Wake Up”, “How to practise with ‘difficult people’ in sanghas”, “Collaborating with monastics” and “How to practise with aspects of the Mindfulness Trainings we don’t agree with”. It was valuable and refreshing to hear how things are done in different countries, and to learn from each other’s experiences.
Another session was dedicated to the Order of Interbeing, founded by Thay in 1966, which is going to celebrate 60 years of growing into a worldwide practice community this year. An initiative by some Dharmacharyas, called “Fire building”, is seeking to energise and renew the Order by inviting reflections on its past, present and future.
Much gratitude was expressed for all the conditions that made our coming together in Italy possible. The energy of love, friendship and deep, joyful practice felt like a blessing that, I’m sure, will ripple out into the wider sangha.
photos by Susanne Olbrich, True Ever-Present Stability
