In the early hours of Thursday, the 23rd of January, the oldest building of Lower Hamlet went up in flames. Thanks to the buddhas and bodhisattvas, one sister woke up and nine sisters asleep on the upper floor were able to get out just in time.
The Purple Cloud building is more than just a building: it is the heart and hearth of our hamlet. It’s one of the first structures to be renovated after Plum Village was founded. It’s where Thay’s room was located, and where ten sisters lived. When Thay was still with us, it was here that he rested after Dharma Talks, welcomed guests for tea, guided his students, listened to chanting, signed books, and relaxed in his hammock.
Plum Village has a link provided for offering financial support to help the community rebuild. Kingfisher Sangha will be planning a fundraiser later this year so that we can offer support as a community.