Theme “Presence”
Closing blessing
O Beloved Community
Suffused with the Divine Presence
We will carry you in our hearts always.
A man of peace
This originally appeared in The Inquirer, Issue 8028
https://www.inquirer.org.uk/pages/
On a freezing-cold day some 20 years ago I stood well wrapped in winter gear amongst followers at Plum Village gathered for the morning walking meditation. Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) suddenly appeared beside me, clad in brown robes, so small in height I thought for a moment
Prayer for this day
Spirit of Life, Spirit of Love,
Spirit of Hope, Spirit of Justice,
God known by many different names:
You have given us a day unique from any other.
You have connected us, all of us, with each other, and with the world, in ways that are largely a mystery to us.
You have given us little
A blessing of openness
May I be willing to have no opinion sometimes
May I be open to other opinions at all times
May I challenge and be challenged
May I fall into my infinite self
May I bless others as they fall to
May I experience all of this house our world
May I bless others as they
Transcendental thoughts
When we look at the world, there is that within us which orders the world, not simply observing it; an intuitive sense that transcends and comprehends the multiplicity we experience.
When we look at a physical object – be it a table, a planet, or a human being – we see its dimensions, its shape, its
Fragrance of apples
The fragrance of apples conjures a dream
of blossom humming with bees,
singing with the voices of chaffinches in its midst;
of young apples forming, growing, ripening
from green to shades of russet and of red.
And then the harvest:
apples to eat as they are,
to cook in pies and crumbles;
apples to quench our
Now
Now,
Through the rain and the sun,
Go your ways with Gladness:
With Love in your hearts,
Peace in your minds,
And Beauty touching your soul.
We enter into this time and this place… 
We enter into this time and this place to join our hearts and minds together.
We come to this place: the doors open, the heat comes on, biscuits are laid, the water heats, and you all come.
What is it that we come here seeking? Many things, too many to mention them all.
Yet, it is