For the Lunar New Years, I went to the Quan Am Nam Hai Monastery (https://quanamnamhai.org) in Panama City, Florida for about a week, on recommendation from a friend from Krishna Consciousness. I had never practiced within the monastic lifestyle before and I was interested in using this as a meaningful experience to strengthen my path. Most of everything I “knew” were from the sutras or commentaries, and some touristic experiences back in the day when I knew practically nothing about the teachings.
One of the most important aspects I was looking to get out of this, was accepting peaceful experiences for what they were entirely. Being at the Panama City Beach was certainly peaceful in nature, but I had a sort of feeling like, “That’s it? That’s all there is to it?” If I was not going to be happy at this moment with nothing else wrong happening in my life, then I was not going to be happier in the future.
And so, I spent my time at the monastery doing the most ordinary activities. I helped with some chores, and I helped set up New Years decorations. I went around and admired the Buddhas and Bodhisattva’s. On some days, I attended the morning meditation and chanting sessions, although I admit, my Vietnamese is lacking (which I hope to improve for my future visits and practice). In many ways, this was the dream.
I became more acquainted with Master Tran and the other two monastics. I learned to take my mindfulness to another level, from how I walked, to eating food, to hearing the sounds around me. Interestingly, I made a simplistic statement about “knowing of the Four Noble Truths” (which any common person would know from reading), and I think Master Tran picked up on this as a time to truly teach me about its meaning.
On the last day, Master Tran left me with the blessings and teachings. I learned how to treat my gestures in prayer and meditation. I learned how to rethink the Four Noble Truths as an active part of how I think about my suffering. I learned how to understand how my mind works.
In today, and this New Years, I become aware that I choose what flows into my mind and actions, not for suppression or rejection, but in manners to help myself and everyone in the world.
Charlie Tran 