Voices of Order Members

Please enjoy this selection of voices from current Order of Interbeing members as they share about why they are members.

Sara Henry
I became a member of the Order of Interbeing to express my aspirations of continuing the energy of Thay, the many teachers before him, and all of the beautiful practitioners all over the world. I aspire to grow my love and care for Mother Earth and humanity through the practice of the 14 Mindfulness Trainings. I hope to inspire young adults and people in various communities to walk the path of the Dharma with the Order of Interbeing.
Sara Henry, True Manifestation of Offering
Meena Srinivasan
Being a member of the Order of Interbeing is the most important part of my life. The 14 Mindfulness Trainings are my North Star and foundation for living a compassionate, purposeful life. It brings me great joy to know I’m part of a Mahasangha where my brothers and sisters in the Order of Interbeing all share the same core values and commitment to walking the path of a Bodhisattva. I can’t think of a greater way to dedicate my life than joining the Tiep Hien lineage.
Meena Srinivasan, True Seal of Peace
George Hoguet
During Days of Mindfulness organized by sanghas in Philadelphia back in 2003-2007, I was “stopped” really, impressed and moved by OI Members who were leading us. One in particular, David Dimmick, inspired me with his gentle leadership, humility, deep listening and solidity. I was curious about those “Brown Jackets”. In early 2008, while on personal retreat at Blue Cliff monastery, I took up the Brothers’ invitation to use their kitchen in the evenings and read from the small library there of Thay’s books. I discovered the book, Love in Action, and was again “stopped” by it; stunned in a way. Here was courage, commitment, faith, love and what a life “lived as vow” (as Joan Halifax would say) looks like. Those experiences and others put me on the path to become a member of the OI in 2013. I am honored to embrace the 14 Mindfulness Trainings and do my best to live them for the benefit of all.
George Hoguet, Chan Bao Tieu (True Precious Smile)
Dzung Vo
To support my own personal practice, and to help me bring right mindfulness and unconditional love into my work and into the world.
Dzung Vo, Chân Tấn Uyển, True Garden of Diligence
Jerome Freedman
I met Thich Nhat Hanh at a public talk in Berkeley in 1984 and was impressed with his idea that “If the West stops drinking alcohol by 50%, we could feed the world. I attended my first retreat in Santa Barbara, shortly after I was diagnosed with muscle invasive bladder cancer. This led me to join a sangha and later, to become an OI member.
Jerome Freedman, True Precious Light
Natascha Bruckner
I became an Order of Interbeing member out of love for the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, and Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings and model of compassion. I want to be of service and help people heal their suffering and live peacefully. In my experience, Buddhist practices – especially those in the Plum Village tradition – are some of the most deep, effective, and long-lasting ways to do that.
Natascha Bruckner, True Ocean of Jewels
Annie Chalgian (Lake) Mahon
I became an order of interbeing member because I wanted the support of the OI community for my practice and for sangha building. I also wanted to commit myself to the 14 Mindfulness Trainings, which I find to be one of the most beautiful expressions of loving-kindness for myself and the world, and very practical as well.
Annie Chalgian (Lake) Mahon, True Blue Lake
Gary
Did I choose to become an OI member, or did it chose me? I don’t know. I can say with certainty its possibility came into my life via the perfect people, at the perfect time, in the perfect way. Looking at it in the present moment, it continues a noble, needful, and vital way of life, which I aspire to make so, in each moment, for myself and others. Please – taste & see for yourself.
Gary – Chân Minh Đài, True Platform of Light