On Sunday, October 11, the Compassionate Dharma Cloud Monastery in Morrison hosted a Day of Care and Love. This day united more than 30 Vietnamese- and English-speaking people in support of the monastic sisters and brothers of Bat Nha monastery in Viet Nam as well as those suffering from recent natural disasters in Southeast Asia.

The monastics of Bat Nha, who practice in the tradition of Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, have been forcibly removed from their monastery by local police forces. The monastery has been ransacked and looted. The police are trying to force the sisters and brothers, many of whom are teenagers and young adults, to leave their practice and disband their community. (For more information, please see http://helpbatnha.org.)

The Morrison gathering on Sunday was one of many being held around the world. It included sitting meditation, chanting in both Vietnamese and English, a silent lunch, and a candle ceremony. Abbot Tinh Man also gave a talk encouraging everyone to generate love and compassion not only for the monastics but also for those inflicting the damage and harassment. He reminded those gathered that non-violence and love can transform violence.

A story relayed online illustrates how this can happen. One of the nuns from Bat Nha described how the sisters helped an attacker whose hand was cut when he smashed windows. Although the sisters' first aid kit had been destroyed, they were fortunate to find some materials to clean and dress the man's wounds. Through this act of kindness and care, the man was deeply moved, thanked the sisters and retired to a corner until he left quietly.

Clearly, cultivating love and compassion can be transformative.

The Compassionate Dharma Cloud Monastery philosophy is based on the teachings of the Buddha and cultivates many Vietnamese Buddhist traditions, including engaged Buddhism, Pureland, and Zen. Programs at the monastery are for practitioners of all levels and cultural backgrounds. More information can be found at http://cdcmonastery.org.