by Keith Brown
The Chan Volunteer camp was a wonderful opportunity for all DDM Core members to see how they interact together as well as get to know each other in a more informal and social setting. I saw many happy, smiling faces, interacting together while doing chores, walking, enjoying the nature of Kevin pusa’s lovely cottage, and sharing their stories regarding how they come to relate to practice. During this retreat, I learned to realize that Chan practice really needs to be in my heart, in every movement, and in the stillness of listening to others. I also can see Chan practice more and more as rejoicing in the happiness of other sentient beings, to see that their happiness is part of my experience and that ultimately there is no separation of I and others. When the mind can let go without picking and choosing, liking and disliking, and release all discrimination, there is nothing to reject and the joy I see in others becomes my joy. But even when this is difficult as it has been in many cases, one can certainly rejoice in the opportunity to practice. Thank you to Meili, Kevin and Chyleen for the program design and for all the detailed planning that went into the retreat. Thanks to Fashi and all volunteers for their sharing and teachings.