Apr7

Sister Chan Khong sings Plum Village’s “Happy Song”

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This morning before I rolled out of bed I thought “What a pain-filled and agonizing day today is going to be.” Then I checked my email and a buddhist friend of mine had sent me a video of Sister Chan Khong from Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village singing the “Happy Song” After listening to this I was able to move forward through my day with a lighter heart. I share this with all beings so that perhaps you too can have a happier day.

“Every morning when I wake up, I am happy.
Being aware of my eyes, I am happy.
Being aware of my health, I am happy.
Because I have learned to look deeply.”-Plum Village


The PlumVillage’s Happy Song, introduced by Sister Chan Khong at a Retreat in Berlin, June 2007

 

 

 

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About fiercebuddhist

Welcome. I am happy that our paths have crossed. Here you will find various poems, articles and photography. I hope that you enjoy them and visit often. I am currently working on writing “A Haiku A Day” so that I can, perhaps, have enough good ones for publication. If you are wondering what a “Fierce Buddhist” the following declaration should clarify. The “Fierce” in FierceBuddhist I define as “an obligation to do what I can to benefit all sentient beings, not just those close to me or those I agree with. If I see something or someone that is hurting others I must step forward and do what I can to assist them.” In the Army and in the dojo I learned how to defend myself, family and country but that does not mean I endorse the use of force. Two nonviolent examples of Fierce Buddhists that come to mind are Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama. While I do not claim be even close to them I can strive and so can you. Furthermore, my Buddhist name, given to me by Sensei Kubose, is Seiyo. His interpretation of my communication and interaction with him led him to this name. He told me Seiyo means “Fierce Sun.” The sun shines on everyone without prejudices without giving preferential treatment to anyone. This is tough to live up to, as you can imagine, but it sure sets the tone for my life. In Buddhism this is called a Fierce Bodhisattva. I am only on the path to Enlightenment and can only say to be a Fierce Buddhist.

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