During their recent visit, our monastic friends from Plum Village had an ongoing joke they liked to roll around whilst chuckling amongst themselves. It is based on semantics: ‘We went up the Downs’. ‘We went for a walk – up the Downs! Our six visitors brought with them tremendous humour and warmth, along with some super songs, a great deal of heart and soul, and a lovely simplicity.
At the beginning of term, as part of a two-day staff inset, they shared some memorable Plum Village practices and songs which will no doubt be permeating into your lives via your children! Although we were only dipping gently into the art of mindfulness over the two days, it was a powerful session and deeply felt. They then spent time with the children for two days and led an inspiring public talk at the Brighthelm Centre, entitled,’ Smiling Amidst Uncertainty and Change’. A day of mindfulness also took place with the parent community and the local Buddhist sangha.
It is my feeling that although they have taken vows to become monastics, the practices they espouse are relevant to us in our everyday lives and in the world at large. It ‘just’ requires some discipline, redirection of the mind and an awareness of the habitual ways in which we (individually and collectively) behave.
A major advantage of living in community (as the monastics do) is to be ‘called’ on some of this. In other communities I have heard this described as ‘fierce friendship’: deeply honest and direct communication, yet kind and compassionate, holding each other to their best ideals for themselves. I spent only a year living in spiritual community and, although it was not easy, I would recommend it (with the correct conditions) to anyone inclined to personal development and growth.
During the inset days they encouraged us, through ‘flower-watering’, to express our often unexpressed gratitude towards others. After a while, this became easier and easier and was a reminder that in our families as well as in our work, we can practice looking for the good in our partners, children, co-workers and others. I experienced a real sense of joy, lightness and connection through this practice.
The tradition that the monks and nuns are from is also called the ‘Order of Interbeing’, as they prioritise an interactive, social kind of Buddhism. Their teacher, Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, says: ‘While being faithful to the original teachings, we can also respond to the needs of our times for spiritual practice and transformation. The different schools of Buddhism from the time of 140 years after the Buddha entered nirvana until the beginning of the Mahāyāna did just that and of course, our community should do the same.’
The Dharma Primary School is a school with a Buddhist ethos, rather than a Buddhist faith school. This is an important distinction in the school’s interpretation of these practices and songs, which talk of nature, gratitude, interconnection and qualities that will sustain and nourish our children. Mindfulness practice in various forms helps to embed a sense of spaciousness and confidence in our children, which they can take forward into secondary school and beyond. That is certainly my experience having met many of our alumni.
We look forward to developing and strengthening our relationship with Plum Village and, in the meantime, the monastics have directed me to ‘breathe and smile’. It feels great. I would invite you to try it!