Send Healing Energy to Thich Nhat Hanh

From Plumvillage.org:

With a deep mindful breath we announce to the world the news that yesterday, the 11th of November 2014 Thay, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, experienced a severe brain hemorrhage. Thay is receiving 24 hour intensive care from specialist doctors, nurses and from his monastic disciples.

At present, Thay is still very responsive and shows every indication of being aware of the presence of those around him. He is able to move his feet, hands and eyes. There are signs that a full recovery may be possible.

…

All the monasteries in the tradition of Plum Village are organizing practice sessions to generate the energy of mindfulness and to send Thay this healing and loving energy. We would like to ask the whole worldwide community of meditation practitioners to participate and support us in this critical moment. We know and trust that Thay will receive all your energy and that this will be a big support in his healing and recovery.

And here’s a suggestion from Sister Chan Khong, via Lion’s Roar:

If someone want to send healing energy to Thay please ask them to keep one day per week avoiding eating beef, pork, chicken and fish (vegetarian) per week and send the merit to offer life to Thay.

Even if you don’t happen to subscribe to the notion of Buddhist merit, then, as a teacher of mine once said, “try it on.” I know refraining from meat isn’t possible for everyone, but if it is for you, then it can’t hurt, right?

Here’s an excerpt from The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching that has stuck with me throughout the years. It’s not particularly apropos to the current situation (at least, not in a way that I immediately recognize); it’s just something that I go back to whenever things get difficult, or I find myself caught in unhealthy thought patterns.

If you come to Plum Village for one day, you have an idea about Plum Village, but that idea isn’t really Plum Village. You might say, “I’ve been to Plum Village,” but in fact you’ve really only been to your idea of Plum Village. Your idea might be slightly better than that of someone who has never been there, but it’s still only an idea. It is not the true Plum Village. Your concept or perception of reality is not reality. When you are caught in your perceptions and ideas, you lose reality. (page 55)

I hope Thich Nhat Hanh makes a full recovery. May all beings be happy, well, and safe from harm.