AIAB 2024 September Newsletter
This summer has been eventful. We are grateful to have retreats and ceremonies to allow us to stay mindful and gain insights on inner peace and the upcoming challenges together. When we are about to welcome September, let us pause and ponder to get ourselves prepared for another new academic year as well as the remaining months of 2024. Past Event Recap Educators Retreat 2024 With the theme “The Way Out is In”, Educators Retreat 2024 was conducted from July 31 to August 4 for participants in the field of teaching and training. The Retreat brought us together to revisit the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and guide us to look deeply into our body, feelings, emotions and thoughts for untangling the challenges ahead. Through indoor and outdoor meditations, Dharma talks, group-sharing, exercises, and activities, the Retreat led us to regain peace and happiness within ourselves while embracing the tranquil ambience and the beautiful nature around Lotus Pond Temple. Rose Festival (Sunday Day of Mindfulness) The Rose Ceremony began in Plum Village by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. This is the tradition of wearing roses to remember the kindness and love of our parents and expressing our gratitude to them. Every year, as part of the Plum Village tradition, we celebrate the Rose Ceremony together with the Ullambana Festival, which is an occasion to commemorate Venerable Maudgalyayana for his expression of filial love – rescuing his Mother from the Hell realm, and to honor our ancestors. This year, we organized the Rose Ceremony on August 18 to reflect on and appreciate the good seeds nurtured by our parents. Families and individuals got together to practice meditation and enjoyed a picnic lunch. Please click below to enjoy videos that are parts of the singing mediation in the Ceremony. Pavarana Ceremony (Rain Retreat Closing Ceremony) To mark the conclusion of the 3-month Rain Retreat, we had Pavarana Ceremony on August […]