On the morning of December 15, 2020, the Plum Village fourfold sangha gathered at the Still Water Meditation Hall in the Upper Hamlet in France for the Pavarana ceremony to close the Rains Retreat.
Following the tradition of the Buddha, each year the monastic community has three months when they focus on developing their practices and limit their movement outside the monastery. In this ceremony, each monastic brother and sister will receive a letter from the community with all the guidance and encouragement for their practice (Shining light letter). This day is joyful like a celebration of the New Year as we gain one monastic age.
Please enjoy some photos of the ceremony.
The fragrance of this incense
fills our practice center,
protects and guards our mind
from all wrong thinking.
The fragrance of this incense collects us and unites us.
Precepts, concentration, and insight
we offer for all that is.Sitting meditation and chanting to start the ceremony.
It’s always very touching to hear the powerful sound of the Prajna bell and drum resounding in everyone’s heart. 
The Prajna drum and bell are often invited in important ceremonies. 
Lighting the incense. 
The fragrance of this incense
invites the awakened mind
to be truly present with us now.
The fragrance of this incense fills our practice center, protects and guards our mind from all wrong thinking. The fragrance of this incense collects us and unites us. Precepts, concentration, and insight we offer for all that is. 
Showing the way fearlessly and compassionately, the stream of all our Ancestral Teachers, to whom we bow in gratitude. 
Chanting 
Representatives of the three hamlets requesting words of guidance from the elders who represent our Teacher. 
Elders from each hamlet who represent our Teacher. 
Sister Chan Duc offered some encouraging words. 
The sangha listens to the The whole sangha requesting guidance from our elders. 
Listening wholeheartedly 
Touching the earth in gratitude 
Each person received a Shining light letter from their mentor and the happy moment of taking a photo together. 
Together we continue our Teacher, Thay. 
Happiness is here and now.
More photos here
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