Last winter I was extremely fortunate to spend three months at Plum Village in Thenac, France, and met General Leopard, aka Christian Bethelson. Christian was a General during the First and Second Liberian Civil War, and was actually on his way to become a mercenary when he got stuck in the mud (literally). While stuck in the mud, he happened to meet Dharma Teacher Cynthia Jurs, who was ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh, Thay, in the Order of Interbeing. Christian is currently in Monrovia helping with the Ebola outbreak by broadcasting a radio show that informs people about how the disease is transmitted, and teaching them mindfulness practices to overcome the fear. If you think you are fearful of Ebola (thanks MSM) imagine how it must feel on the streets of Monrovia. The international nature of the Sangha that Thay has built at Plum Village is truly amazing. In any circle at Plum Village you are likely to find people representing every continent (except Antarctica, although I hear this years Winter Retreat will include some penguins :). Its through this interchange of different perspectives and cultures that you really see how alike people all over the world really are. I would like to offer you this song by Christian that was recorded during the last Winter Retreat, and express my profound gratitude to Dear Thay for building such a beautiful and international practice center at Plum Village...
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 19:06:17 +0000