On the 21st of January 2021, the Plum Village fourfold community gathered and practiced together for a day of mindfulness. We also had a ceremony for sister Lan Nghiem’s 49-day memorial. In the Buddhist tradition, on the 49th day after the passing away of a person, there is a ceremony to remember and say goodbye to the deceased who will take a new form. The ceremony was simple but warm in the love of her spiritual family.
Contemplation on No-coming, No-going
This body is not me.
I am not limited by this body.
I am life without boundaries
I have never been born,
and I have never died.
Look at the ocean and the sky filled with stars,
manifestations from my wondrous True Mind.
Since before time, I have been free.
Birth and death are only doors through which we pass,
sacred thresholds on our journey.
Birth and death are a game of hide-and-seek.
So laugh with me,
hold my hand,
let us say good-bye,
say good-bye, to meet again soon.
We meet today.
We will meet again tomorrow.
We will meet at the source every moment.
We meet each other in all forms of life.
Here are some photos of the ceremony.
The ceremony began with silent sitting, chanting and “Contemplation on No-coming, No-going”. 
Offering the food that she used to like. 
The urn that held Sr. Lan Nghiem’s ashes. Bringing her ashes along with us for walking meditation. 
Enjoy the warmth and togetherness… 
Spreading her ashes at the polar forest. 
She is not limited by her body. She is now continuing in many trees in Low Hamlet. 
She has not gone any where. She is always with us. 
Planting a new tree to remember her. 
‘ashes to ashes,… 
…dust to dust’ 
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