Plum Village Sangha in Bhutan

[JKhedrup]

Since we were discussing the lack of connection between the Tibetan/Vajrayana and East Asian/ Mahayana Paramitayana traditions I found it interesting when I came across this project to fund a group from Plum Village to go to Bhutan to teach mindfulness practice. In the video you will see one of the very important Kalons, the Kalon Tripa (prime minister) talking about why he feels such a project is relevant.

http://vimeo.com/46459759

http://www.plumvillage.org/sangha-projects.html

I should say that I have spoken with several lamas/geshes who are not convinced of Thich Nhat Hanh's approach, but it seems this opinion is not universal in the Mahay

[dzoki]

Since we were discussing the lack of connection between the Tibetan/Vajrayana and East Asian/ Mahayana Paramitayana traditions I found it interesting when I came across this project to fund a group from Plum Village to go to Bhutan to teach mindfulness practice. In the video you will see one of the very important Kalons, the Kalon Tripa (prime minister) talking about why he feels such a project is relevant.

http://vimeo.com/46459759

http://www.plumvillage.org/sangha-projects.html

I should say that I have spoken with several lamas/geshes who are not convinced of Thich Nhat Hanh's approach, but it seems this opinion is not universal in the Mahay

I think this might be of a great benefit for the general public in Bhutan. From what I have heard lay Bhutanese often feel kind of disconnected from the traditions being practiced in monasteries, so bringing some mindfulness and kindness into the school curriculum might be the way to go. When materialism is going on rampage we need the armour of kindness and mindfulness. I whish we had such curriculum for our kids.

[JKhedrup]

I agree. And I know that the Bhutanese love to see Western Sangha- I was received very warmly when I was there. Perhaps the Plum Village formulation of applied dharma in the context of the school environment could be successfully adapted to Bhutanese Buddhism. It would be wonderful to see a renewed interest in the dharma from Bhutanese young people. Bhutan offers a precious chance to preserve the Mahayana and Vajrayana heritage in an independent, Himalayan country.