By: Camila Prock
Background
The Blooming Desert Lotus Sangha was founded on September 8th, 2002 at Borders bookstore in Glendale, AZ. It all began with a tornado hitting the city the previous day, which the 25 people, ranging from the ages of 8 to 82, used to share the Dharma talk of “Introduction to Mindfulness”. They found it appropriate because both the earth and their minds were not currently “at peace”, in addition to the first tragic anniversary of 9/11 in the very near future. By practicing mindfulness, they believed this first meeting would be an impactful first step towards the beginning of the Blooming Desert Lotus Sangha. The thought process behind this title originates in the idea that they live in a desert in the middle of Arizona where all is dry and barren, and for a lotus to bloom in this environment would be a miracle. They view themselves as this miracle, constantly blooming further and further via meditation and studying the works of the famous Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. They view each member as a petal of the lotus flower that is their program. Fourteen days after their meeting in the bookstore, this same group met where they now gather — the Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City, AZ. Sunland has accomodated a funeral home, mortuary and cremation center (as well as a recent Pet Rest Cemetary) since 1962. As they practiced both walking and sitting meditation in the
midst of headstones, their Dharma talk focused on impermanence. This precise gathering is what decided for them that they would meet here in the future, because they decided that Sunland Memorial Park provided for them the home they needed.
Meditations & Practices
There are 4 major practices outlined on their website – Mindful Meals, Gathas For Living, The Order of Interbeing, and Five Wonderful Mindfulness Trainings. Each are either in tandem with, or in addition to, classic Zen meditation practices.
Mindful Meals:
The center holds these every Sunday at 10a.m. at Sunland Memorial Park. Anyone is welcome, but each individual is required to bring a plate or bowl, silverware, a cup (tea is kindly provided), and if possible, a vegetarian dish for everyone to share. It is emphasized that this meal is not a “cooking competition” but rather another practice, so perhaps they have had a history of guests spending too much time preparing their vegetarian dishes. This Lotus Sangha is not ashamed to admit that they do sometimes eat up to 3 times a day, because each time they consume food they do indeed practice Mindfulness. Thus, in fact, it could be beneficial to eat more often, as long as Mindfulness is being practiced throughout. They discourage being distracted while eating, for example by TV, reading, or even conversation with family — they are all bad influences and make you ungrateful for the food you have been presented. Instead, one should think about the “growers, the transport professionals, the grocers, and the very nutrients that made the food possible” while one prepares the food, selects a special bowl (or plate), chooses an eating place, admires the physical qualities of the food, recites a Gatha, begins to eat slowly, chews the food thoroughly, swallows and traces the food, focuses on the drink, becomes aware of the body as a whole, continues to eat slowly, and lastly (but definitely not least), while one clears and cleans one’s plate and silverware. They have quite the tedious task for consuming meals and declare that it is essential in the practice of Mindfulness to constantly be focused on the simple (or maybe not so simple) act of eating, chewing, swallowing, while being grateful to all that allowed for this grand moment of consumption to come into existence.
Gatha recited during Mindful Meals:
“This food is a gift from the whole Universe – The Earth, the Sky, and much hard work. May we be worthy to receive it. May we transform unskillful states of mind, especially the habit of eating without moderation. May we take only foods that nourish us and prevent illness. We accept this food to realize the path of understanding and love.”
Gathas For Living:
The Mindful Meal Gatha is not the only one. There’s one for waking up, in which you smile and vow to cherish each hour of the next 24; one for your first steps of the day, in which each step “reveals the wondrous Dharmakaya”; one for brushing your teeth, in which there is a metaphor — a clean mouth equates to pure and loving words; one for washing your hands, in which you are thankful for the water that comes from the earth you wish to preserve; one for dressing yourself, in which you honor freedom; one for greeting another, in which you mentally grant them a lotus (a very generous offer); one for lighting a candle, “brightening the face of the Earth”; one for incense offering, allowing you to concentrate and be awakened; one for calming the breath, allowing you to live in the moment; one for before a meal (printed above); and lastly, but most significantly, one for approaching the Buddha’s Altar, in which you “see your true self… and cut off all distractions.” These Gathas allow members to connect their daily lives with Mindfulness in as many ways as they see possible.
The Order of Interbeing:
First, Second, Third…all the way to the Fourteenth Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing. Each training is a detailed paragraph, a mini lesson on themes to be aware of during daily adventures. I will outline these lessons in short sentences… The 1st and 3rd of these trainings encourage tolerance for all beings and beliefs. The 2nd training explains that knowledge is ever-changing. The 4th teaches compassion and humility. The 5th discourages the consumption of alcohol, drugs, and other toxins. The 6th addresses the harmful, overpowering energy that is anger. The 7th focuses on the present, and demands that you crave nothing more. The 8th communicates effectively to avoid causing problems. The 9th warns to be wary of the words we speak, and to always be objective. The 10th instructs against using the Buddhist community for personal or political gain. The 11th advises to be aware of “global economic, political, and social realities.” The 12th encourages nonviolent approaches at all costs, because killing is not permitted. The 13th addresses respect for the property of others, unless said property creates suffering for other beings. The 14th, and the last, is specifically for lay people, and reminds all that sexual relations will not solve problems but will further suffering, and recommends being aware of what it means to bring “new lives into the world.” Their website does not state how often these are studied or reviewed at their location in Sun City, but their members (“petals”) always have easy access to them.
Five (Wonderful) Mindfulness Trainings:
Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s translation of five basic precepts taught by the Buddha Shakyamuni. These translations are claimed to be much more relatable for today’s present society, most likely westernized by modern, American culture. Again, these are originally longer paragraphs with many more details, outlining how members should guide their lifestyles. First Mindfulness Training: suffering is caused by destruction of life; discourages killing any form of life including plants, animals, and minerals. Second Mindfulness Training: suffering is caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing and oppression. Third Mindfulness Training: suffering is caused by sexual misconduct; “I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment.” Fourth Mindfulness Training: suffering is caused by “unmindful speech and inability to listen to others.” Fifth Mindfulness Training: suffering is caused by any kind of consumption without awareness, or consumption of unnecessary items (being gluttonous) – i.e. toxins, certain TV programs, books, films, “conversations”. These five precepts explain what suffering is caused by, and then demonstrates which qualities, that can be found in the self, one should be aware of to avoid the specific sufferings.
Readings and Quotations
Peace is Every Step, Being Peace, and The Miracle of Mindfulness, all written by Thich Nhat Hanh. This Zen Master is basically the only person that Blooming Desert Lotus Sangha studies and worships. He is the center of every one of their teachings and the website contains various quotes from him on every page. A few of my favorites include:
” It is with our capacity of smiling, breathing, and being peace that we can make peace.”
“Possess nothing that should belong to others.”
“The true miracle is not walking on water or walking in air, but simply walking on this earth.”
Conclusion
I find this Sangha to be very modern and down to earth, yet still within the traditional rules and practices of classic Zen Buddhism. They clearly highly respect Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, and rightfully so. I found it interesting that for the lay people, they encouraged sexual relations only if there was love and long-term commitment involved. I believe that is a more modern twist on Zen Buddhism, because it does not distinguish different rules for males and females, but is rather all encompassing. Lastly, I highly respect their dedication and commitment to practicing in Sunland Memorial Park’s grounds, as it is a humbling experience that I am sure is unparalled.
References
https://www.bloomingdesertlotus.org/index.php
http://www.dignitymemorial.com/sunland-memorial-park-mortuary/en-us/index.page