The Plum Village community announces the very sad news that on Wednesday, 24 July our beloved elder Brother Thầy Pháp Lượng, a member of our monastic sangha at the European Institute of Applied Buddhism, passed away.
The monastic sangha was on an outing at Biggesee Reservoir in Sauerland, Germany when a young brother found himself in difficulty in the water. Thầy Pháp Lượng went to his aid, but was then overcome himself. Our community feels the loss deeply. Many centers have already held ceremonies in order to come together, to embrace the tragedy, and to honour and celebrate Thầy Pháp Lượng’s life. A ceremony was held at the EIAB in Germany on Sunday, 28 July.
Thầy Pháp Lượng was loved and appreciated for his deep commitment to brotherhood, his continual joy, his equanimity, and the many bonsai trees he raised with so much loving care. Many saw him as a father figure who was ever present offering help and advice. Through his many acts of care and loving kindness he will continue always in our hearts.
Brother Thầy Pháp Lượng was ordained by our teacher Thầy on 28.06.2001, and became a Dharma Teacher in January 2009. Here is the Gatha he received from Thầy during the transmission of the Dharma lamp:
Pháp môn thi thiết tuy vô Lượng
Phật quả ngày mai quyết định thành
Đất thơm hiến tặng mùa xuân mới
Đường về mây trắng gọi trời xanh
Although there are immeasurable, skilful Dharma Doors,
(they all) one day, definitely lead us to realise the fruit of Buddhahood.
The fragrant earth offers a new spring,
and on the way back white clouds call for the blue sky.
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