a different flavor of zen

just completed a weekend retreat at PKS under the guidance of venerables from the Plum Village in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh...

one of the first activity was... singing!

my my, some of the first thoughts that went thru my head was - zen dun sing!
haha interesting narrow egoic definitions of what zen is or not ;)

could feel some resistance energy within...
letting go the thoughts, residing in the uncomfortable sensations
(i am not realli that enthu to sing at a zen retreat i suppose haha =P)
...then just doing it for the weekend =)


breathing in i smile =)

breathing out i relax ahh...

(one of the many many gathas Plum village like to employ in our practice)

ahhh.... it was a realli wonderful retreat loh =D
like a sundae morning breeze...
so gentle, so refreshing, so much loving kindness at the retreat =)
a truly different flavor of zen but i am loving it!
this style of practicing realli knows how to enjoy
reminds mi of the famous one liner -


present moment, wonderful moment =)




Waking up in the morning, i smile =)
knowing there are 24 brand new hours before me.
i vow to live fully in each moment,
and look at beings with eyes of compassion.
(another wonderful gatha)



thank u venerables for your wonderful teachings and sharings...
palms together, deep bow...

and oh another interesting note, one of the venerables was my JC schoolmate =O
what a small world, respect her for her devotion and dedication to the practice of wisdom and compassion, another deep bow...