We share the same space and practice to observe the Five Mindfulness Trainings and the Six Harmonies while we farm with the community. We practice to farm as a family, as a spiritual community taking care of each other’s wellbeing and spiritual growth. The harvest, the plans and the projects are secondary to the practice of living in harmony and mindfulness. Happy Farmers practice to live together in harmony, building brotherhood and sisterhood while cultivating their own spiritual growth. Happy Farm brings these two elements together under the umbrella of the mindfulness practice.
We have observed many young people are increasingly interested to live in community and to practice organic farming. The quality of our being, our peace and freedom is crucial to the practice of farming. When we sow the seeds, cultivate the land or water the plants, we can be happy right in the present moment and the quality of the harvest depends on our peace and happiness. Happiness is a fruit that we can harvest each day, each moment as we practice with the land. Farming is not about the future, about plans and waiting for the fruits to arrive. “There is no way to the harvest harvest is the way” is a teaching that was taught by our teacher, Thầy, to our three lay residents of Happy Farm during the TET New Year’s festival. From this process, we also touch healing and transformation within ourselves and gain a sense of our place and responsibility to the planet. We feel our intimate connection with the planet as a living breathing being and cultivate our gratitude and reverence for this miracle. With mindfulness and concentration, we can come in touch the earth, the sky, and the wonders of life.
Cultivating the land, transforming the elements, harvesting the fruits of the season, and observing the rhythms of nature are all practices of understanding, love, and mindfulness.
Mother Earth is calling out for our love and farming is a practice of meditation on our love and connection to her. We invite you to get involved in supporting Plum Village’s very special Happy Farm, our organic vegetable farm which is actively promoting mindfulness, community and sustainability.