It's been three years since I traveled to Seattle for the 4th Level of UHBE teaching. I have really wanted to return to see so many people, my colleagues on the other side of the world, the class’ environment, the warm welcome of the Masters, many memories and great wisdom overall. How does one live it? …with a heart and and open mind.
The adventure to Seattle, USA began at dawn with a stopover in Paris, France from Valencia, Spain. We had the fortunate experience for over 18 hours, sharing long conversations with my colleagues that brought us closer.
Everything was as written by the warm hand of the best storyteller. At the airport they were waiting for us to take us to the meditation center where we could talk with the masters Thay and Co. The warm reception of Diep and his wise words always inspired me. They were my companions during the stay in Seattle.
Susan's support and the fortune of having Joseph, a local translator, helped us enormously to reach the 5th level. In addition, we had conversations with peers from other centers that were very interested in how we knew about UHBE teaching. I was surprised to find a couple of people who spoke some Spanish. This was the best welcoming environment to experience new knowledge.
For example, the organizing team and people cooking were so attentive and helpful while delighting us with their dedication and feasts. I have never in my life have received so much attention and have eaten so much and so well. How could I ever show my appreciation?
We could meditate quietly after the reception at the Seattle Center Meditation. The Centre was at rest with some people meditating and after nearly three hours, we ate generously and went to the hotel to rest until the next day that began the Level 5 Class.
Everything that happened was so intense! We meditated calmly, received lessons and countless sacred experiences that will forever be a part of us. I remember smiling when the Master Thuan explained the treatments and everyone wanted to volunteer! It was so great when Master Co reviewed notes in between lectures and when Diep and the other trainers addressed many of our questions!
Joy spread when we announced that the opening of the chakras were going to let sit for part of meditation... my God! How? But I stood meditating more than 40 days! I did not meditate much sitting ... Anyway, you do what you have to do and that was a great physical effort and incredible concentration in a collaborative environment. Then I reached at the end of the meditation, where I was struggling, unexpected improvement and mental balance at a time. I was greatly relieved by the unexpected treatment. It felt like I was floating. Sensational!When I realized the great effort by all the Masters and assistants, it touched me to think about how much we offer. We are giving something to live a new life and are able to reach another level of consciousness, humanity, and to contribute to evolutionary development. Fascinating!
Since I rarely participate in events and celebrations, I was struck by our celebrations in UHBE. I got involved in important ceremony presentations, experiences, singing, and doing skits and jokes. I was very surprised the first time I experienced it and enjoyed it more now., though I am still taken by the magnitude of this event that held room for spiritual joy and carefree, relaxing experiences.
We returned home with great lessons and many comments between us about teaching, dealing with new situations in Spain, concerns, and personal situations. I remember the patience, love and dedication of all the people of the Headquarter of Seattle Meditation Center, our colleagues in the kitchen who assisted us during the whole time we were there and the great Masters farewell breakfast with us at the Hotel, and Diep until Susan and I got into the car... taking us to the airport, and many and many more...
It was a great life journey with a stopover in Valencia to go home to our everyday environment where from now we continue the sacred mission to help humanity.
Now it is our mission to "plant the seed under the tree, near where it can be protected" and to continue the sacred work pass to the Grand Master Founder Dasira Narada, Narada Mahathera, his successor, who in turn passed to the five Masters Vietnamese and then to our beloved Masters Thay Co, for all beings to find the correct path of Universal love.
My sincere thanks to all the people that I have had the luck of sharing the great journey of humanity.
Miguel-Angel Monge Ortiz,
In Puerto Sagunto, September 24 of 2012.