St.Mary's College Student Retreat 2006

Professor Nushi Safinya from St. Mary’s College and her students have returned to the Bay Area after a very rich two weeks here in Deer Park. At the conclusion of their stay, two thirds of the students decided to take the Five Mindfulness Trainings. A beautiful transmission ceremony was offered for the students on Friday Morning.

Upon their departure, the students offered a card of gratitude to the Sangha- some of their comments are below-

Dear Sangha, I cannot find the words to express my gratitude for all that you have done for my students and I in the last two weeks. You are awesome! This community and the work that it does brings much needed peace to our troubled world. If more people practiced Mindful Living, then we would not live in a Mad World. With love from my heart, Nushi Safinya (Professor)

Dear Sangha, I appreciate the time and effort that you’ve given us. I’ll take with me all the good memories and treasure them forever. With appreciation, Choua.

Dear Mindful Monastics,
You guys and girls have been a big breath of fresh air with your sense of humour & your kindness. I am really thankful for the time we spent together and I wish you all the best with your practice. Hopefully I will see you soon. Mark

To all,
Thank you so very much for taking your chances on a big group of college kids like us. Thank you for opening up your hearts in order to help us heal ours. Everyone here is so amazing and I am so privileged to have met you all and spent so much time wih you. You are all Buddhas in my heart. Love always, Jess

Dear Sangha,
Each of you has brought so much joy to our group in your own way; you are all deserving of your very own thank you. I feel like we are family. I have felt such a warm welcome since the day I stepped foot on this mindful soil. You are by far the #1 hosts in the unwritten book of hosts I have learned so much that I will take back to my family and Sangha. Thank you for your compassionate listening and supportive words of kindness and wisdom. I do hope that we will meet again. Until then, I shall enjoy the present moment. Love, Natalie

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I have learned so much these last 2 weeks. All of you have touched my life in a special way that will stay with me forever. I am touched by your ability to give so much. You have all opened your doors and extended your hearts to make us all feel truly at home. I have loved every day here (even the more difficult ones) and know that I will be missing the quiet, beautiful, solid mountains and ever-present bell. The laughter we shared will continue to ring in my ears every time I take a mindful breath. This has been a wonderful experience and I will thank you every day in my heart as my practice grows.
Love Monica

Dear Brothers and sisters,
These past two weeks have been some of the funnest and most carefree times of my life since childhood. Everything has gone by so quickly. I am really going to miss my time here. I look forward to coming back in the future and hopefully meeting up with some o you again. I am going to take back with me all of your wise teachings and use them in my everyday life to cause less suffering for me and others around me. I look forward to this challenge and thank all of you for this amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Love Stephanie.

Dearest Mindful Monastics,
Since day 1 I have felt so blessed to have this wonderful opportunity to be here. After sharing laughter and tears with so many of you, I feel even more connected to this beautiful place and this wonderful practice. Words are very limiting, but my heart is full of gratitude for everyone. Thank you for sharing your home and wise words with all of us. I can honestly say that after these past few weeks, I will be walking away (mindfully and slowly!!) with a smile- knowing that I have learned so very much from hearing your stories, experiences and listening to lessons. I will take this experience with me everywhere, for this opportunity is truly UNFORGETTABLE.
Ciao- Daniella.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Thank you for opening your home, your arms and your hearts to all of us. I have never felt this way about one place before. I have had so much fun in these past two weeks and I have really enjoyed playing hockey with the mighty monks. I can’t wait to come back and spend more time with you all. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. With all my love, Jose.

Dear Sangha, Each individual I’ve met at Deer Park has been an incredible inspiration to me. Until next time, Love Jess

Dear Sangha, since I came to Deer Park, time passed so fast and I was able to look at myself deeply. Thank you so much for welcoming us into your beautiful home and sharing your warmth and love. I will always remember this time. Min

Dear Sangha, Thank you for being such wonderful people & friends. I will never forget the wonderful lessons, joys and hikes ever! You will see me here again! Love, Brenda

Dear Sangha, Thank you for giving me a second life…. I feel so peaceful in my heart now. I’ll spread what I have learned to people around me. Deer Park is the home of my heart. I know that this is a big mountain to support me when my heart is weak! Thank you for all of the brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers here. I am now feeling natural and free. With Love, Sissi

Dear All, Thank you… I have been calm, understanding, caring and loving throughout this trip. We have all established a great connection. I am so grateful for so many things- it is a blessing to have been here. I will cherish these moments. Love always, Brittany.

To my new-found brothers and sisters-
Each day has brought new meaning to life. I have learned to listen to my surroundings, to admire the beautiful scenery, to listen mindfully and simply live and be in the present moment. We are one family in spirit. The past two weeks have been rejuvenating for me. When I see the simple lives you lead, I want to drop everything and come back here and share more laughs, tears and love with you. I am home I have arrived…. I will be back soon. With all my love, Dino.