A restless night, an endless night. Gusts of wind bring about paralyzing, freezing emotions. The feeling while lying curled up, shivering in a frost-covered tent awaiting morning to come is no different from that of someone living remotely awaiting the late-night train to return home to celebrate Tet, to reunite with their family on Lunar New Year’s Eve. If one were to unfortunately miss the last train they surely would be quite disappointed and restless. The cold winds follow one another in the dark night of quiet scenery, inert air, people deep in sleep. I myself was alone in a quiet corner, hastily wrapped in a shawl, meditatively sitting while observing the “self” in action. I asked myself, am I happy with the life I’m living right now? Perhaps some people will think that we are torturing our bodies, torturing ourselves, is it true to the spirit taught by the Buddha? Please allow me to share the answer in the final post.

As usual, we received instant noodles for breakfast and went on with our own activities. Some are meditating, walking, or sitting, others are reading scriptures, still others are enjoying a cup of tea, etc. each joyful in their own way. Similarly, we four brothers in Dhamma gathered to drink water, eat ginger to warm the body, and tried to buy some time to write the journal. Today is the full moon day, the Uposatha Day for monks. The Buddhist disciples from Hương Đạo Temple and Vietnam made food offerings. Brother Chơn Tín and I together offered them to the Sangha and took the last positions in line. For this reason, I had just realized that the monks at the end of the line were always short on food, with only steamed rice, soup, and a little remainder of vegetables; I feel even more loving for them, having to leave last, arriving late, and the Buddhist disciples supporting the Sangha being the last to eat. Regardless, I still believe this path is ours to choose, thus willing to accept and be content with what we have. Whether the food is adequate or lacking, it is merely to sustain life through the days; a little more is just fine, a little less is also all right.

Around 3 pm, the monks dressed neatly and gathered in a pre-arranged open space. The most senior monk led the chanting of paying homage to the Triple Gem, and another monk recited the Disciplinary Rules (Pātimokkha) in accordance with the protocol. We listened attentively with joy to the Rules for monks being recited. With the cold wind rushing back, sunset was also when we chanted the suttas to spread loving-kindness, transfer merits, and share blessings, before resting. One by one we headed to our tents; another day again passed…

Source: Dhammacetiya
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