The purpose of this pilgrimage is to both learn and practice, to practice in a way that brings benefit to the beings in the region.
Learning means expanding our knowledge, and beyond that, deepening our spirituality. Knowledge and spirituality go hand in hand. Those who diligently practice often seek to broaden their understanding and deepen their spiritual insight.
Curiosity drives the desire for learning. Therefore, if one is simply seeking enjoyment, they may think they are traveling to see this landmark or that masterpiece (to say they’ve been there and experienced something), but after one, two, or three years, they may not remember anything significant, having no deep impressions. They may only remember how the food tasted, or what dishes they ate at which restaurant. Such things are not meaningful in the development of a person or their spirituality. Thus, curiosity can propel us to progress and appreciate beauty.
We should ask questions such as: Why is this so? Why does this exist? On this trip, one way to deepen both knowledge and spirituality is by asking questions like: Why do these gods exist? Who built these structures? Why did they construct at that location? What was the purpose of it? Why did they have these things? Why don’t they have such architectural wonders anymore? What does the name “Acropolis” mean?
By asking these questions, we can cultivate a more meaningful understanding and connection with the places we visit.
Normally, when we are curious in this way, we should ask questions and use a phone or a small notebook to jot down a few words to remember, then reflect on them later. Curiosity is very important. If a person has no sense of curiosity and only goes on a trip to take photos for fun, that joy will quickly pass. But if during the trip, we can learn, practice, while find time to relax, then it’s even better and more beneficial, right?
In our spiritual practice, we have methods that we cultivate together. Among the 42 hands and eyes, the dharma of the jewel grape is a practice that allows us to bring benefit to all those with whom we have a karmic connection. Grapes are one of the oldest fruits on earth, existing for tens of thousands of years, and have been beneficial to humankind. Every part of the grape— the skin, the fruit, the seeds, the leaves, and even the roots is useful.
In Greece, the most famous and abundant crop is the olive. The Goddess Athena, who is also the patron deity of the city of Athens, was the one who planted the olive tree on the top of Mount Acropolis. Interestingly, olives are similar to grapes in that they also provide many benefits to everyone.
We also practice the Vajra hand and eye. When visiting new places, our perspective naturally changes. By changing our perspective, and if we know how to practice the vajra, we can simultaneously shift the energy field of our consciousness more quickly and elevate our view.
Someone once told Thầy, “Teacher, when I go on vacation with my family, I consider that as the practice of Entering the world.” In reality, it’s not truly entering the world— it may even lead to becoming trapped by the world! The true meaning of ‘Entering the world’ is when we engage with the mundane world and help someone in some way. For example, if you travel with your family and help them understand certain things or introduce them to spiritual teachings, that is true Nhập Thế - Entering the world. Nhập Thế is wonderful because without engaging with the world, we wouldn’t be able to practice transcending wordliness.
The most important spirit in a pilgrimage is the spirit of being proactive and harmonious.
Being proactive means avoiding a negative attitude, such as always finding faults or constantly comparing. For example, if someone says, “Greece isn’t as beautiful as Italy, the food isn’t as good as in France, and the accommodations aren’t as nice as in Germany,” this type of thinking is very negative. When we constantly compare like this, we trap ourselves in a victim mentality, feeling restricted and uncomfortable, and we can’t truly appreciate the beauty and goodness of the journey.
Being proactive means having the ability to anticipate what may happen and to embrace unexpected events without developing a negative mindset.
When Thầy was 20 years old, his master often taught that it’s important to always have a clear plan, but to remember that a plan is not as valuable as flexibility. In other words, we should always discuss and prepare plans thoroughly, but we must be ready to adapt. When unexpected situations arise, we shouldn’t react negatively, blaming others by saying things like, “Why didn’t they do it this way, which would have prevented this from happening?” or “If they had listened to me, this could have been avoided.”
Instead, when we encounter an issue, we should focus on adapting rather than being stuck in preconceived plans. Each person’s level of consciousness is different, and some may struggle more with adaptability because of selfishness or self-interest. Therefore, true flexibility comes from thinking about the collective benefit, not about ‘me’.
If we feel anger or frustration, it’s important to let go of those emotions. Reacting from anger or frustration can lead to negative outcomes, such as accidents or problems. Gradually, no one will want to engage with us, which will only make us more unhappy. So, while adaptability is more valuable than rigid planning, it’s crucial that adaptability does not turn into disaster.
The proactive spirit is always optimistic, predicting potential outcomes and responding quickly, while helping others to adapt smoothly as well.
Even better, being proactive means influencing others through your sincerity. During the journey, rather than blaming or insisting that others follow your way, we should act with kindness and patience. Forcing people to conform to our way of doing things will only make them uncomfortable.
Proactive behavior also includes using spare moments to engage in uplifting conversations, offering praise and encouragement to our companions. After a few days, this approach can begin to positively influence their mindset. This change happens because of our sincerity, optimism, and genuine effort to connect, rather than acting superior, or reacting with anger or frustration to unexpected events, which can lead to chaos instead of adaptability.
In conclusion, the spirit we need to embody is:
Optimism, proactivity, openness, and flexibility, adjusting to circumstances when things don’t go as planned.
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