About The Great Aspiration
Amidst the ebb and flow of life’s rhythms, let us embrace a path beyond labels through deep looking and healing and transformation. The Dharma beckons us to transcend identities – not just Buddhists, activists, or practitioners, but something in between, and yet, beyond. To be truly present in a world of both suffering and beauty, we must become both and neither simultaneously.
Venerable Clear Grace Dayananda embarked on a unique journey, departing from the traditional monastery to heed a calling leading to what they term “barefoot Buddhism.” A mobile monastery, lovingly named “The Great Aspiration,” serves as a vessel for this pilgrimage. Launched on September 1st, 2021, it travels across the U.S., a symbol of carrying the monastery beyond physical walls.
This pilgrimage aspires to bring the essence of “neither Dharma nor activism” to unconventional spaces, reaching individuals who might not find solace in traditional monastic settings. For Venerable Clear Grace Dayananda, this form of Dharma has been a source of profound insight and transformation, a truth they are called to share through authentic and loving self-presentation.
The pilgrimage seeks to weave a nationwide sangha, connecting practitioners, volunteers, and Dharma friends. It is a collective endeavor to bring compassionate action into communities, transcending the mere sharing of Dharma teachings. The vision is to embody and model the Dharma through tangible actions. It is an inclusive, nationwide invitation to step off the cushion and unite in the streets, raising awareness and fostering compassionate action for diverse needs.
Remaining dedicated to being present amidst suffering, Venerable Clear Grace Dayananda emphasizes unique and creative approaches that are tangible and relatable to those facing systemic oppressions. Kindness and compassion, in this perspective, involve being present with all aspects of human experience, recognizing the inherent self-determination within each person.
The pilgrimage undertaken shares the depths of joy and suffering, aligning with “The Great Aspiration” to foster connections between the nature of suffering, the nurturing of compassion, and the transformative engagement sought by Traveling Nunk in addressing the struggles of the world.
In Clear Grace’s words, the tender embrace of existence invites a collective seeking of unity over division, active participation over withdrawal, and solace in shared communion rather than solitary isolation. The journey unfolds as a dance between embracing and cultivating the profound wisdom of Clear Grace and the transformative engagement envisioned by Traveling Nunk.
Central to this mission is the practice of bringing joy and contentment through people’s own language and lifestyle. Compassionate action, described as the dharma, involves activities such as sitting in parks with people who have no homes, distributing school supplies, creating art, sharing food, and laughing.
The potential fruition of these efforts relies on letting go of preconceived ideas about ourselves and others. Success is contingent on the conditions created by individuals who can contribute themselves and their resources. The mission has already come into focus through the support of well wishes, financial contributions, and dedication, and its continuity depends on sustaining these efforts for as long as needed.