Sister Le Nghiem came to the practice after the death of her brother, and typically does solo retreat at the monastery for a few weeks a year.
"So the practice gives me the greatest happiness. And this practice gives me being with others. Being with friends on retreat. Being with my siblings. Spending time each other. So when I practice it gives me happiness. And when my practice is deep, my happiness gets deeper. So it's all to do with the practice, nothing else."
2:17 Death of Brother and Discovering Thay's Teachings 9:25 Meeting the Monastic Sangha, Deciding to Become a Nun 17:00 Spending Time with Family Before Ordination 23:08 Nourishment from Solitude 32:34 Advice for Potential Nuns 35:49 Greatest Happiness in Monastic Life
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This is an interview from Meet the Monastics, hosted by Brother Minh An at Deer Park Monastery. The episode features Sister Le Nghiem, also known as Sister Respect, a monastic in the Plum Village tradition ordained in 2005 at the age of 35.
Key Highlights:
Journey to Monastic Life: She discovered mindfulness and Thích Nhất Hạnh’s teachings during a difficult time after her brother’s passing. Reading The Miracle of Mindfulness and joining a local Sangha in Brisbane were transformative, helping her heal and connect deeply with the Plum Village practice. Her aspiration to become a nun solidified after meeting Plum Village monastics during retreats in Australia.
Family Challenges and Support: Coming from a non-Buddhist family, Sister Le Nghiem faced initial resistance to her decision to ordain. She postponed ordination in Vietnam in 2005 to spend quality time with her family, preparing them for her new path. Over time, her family grew to accept and support her choice.
Solo Retreats and Community Life: Sister Le Nghiem finds nourishment in both solitary practice and community living. Her solo retreats allow her to connect deeply with herself, cultivating mindfulness and understanding. At the same time, she thrives in the Sangha environment, sharing the practice and building strong relationships with her monastic siblings.
Inspiration for Young Women: Sister Le Nghiem advises aspiring nuns to focus wholeheartedly on the basic practices of mindfulness, which she believes are the foundation of a fulfilling monastic life. She emphasizes putting one’s heart into the practice to find clarity and joy.
The Role of Practice: Throughout her journey, Sister Le Nghiem highlights the central role of practice in cultivating happiness. Whether alone or with others, her deep commitment to mindfulness brings her the greatest fulfillment.
This heartfelt interview offers insight into Sister Le Nghiem’s spiritual path, her balance of solitude and community, and her unwavering dedication to the practice, which continues to inspire her daily life.