Deer Park Unveils New School, Online Bookshop, and 2026 Schedule
Introducing the Thích Nhất Hạnh School of Interbeing, our newly opened Online Bookshop, and a calendar of 2026 retreats and events.
Dear Beloved Community,
The footsteps on the dirt path to the Stupa quietly remain as reminders of our friends who visited last weekend during our annual Vietnamese Retreat. This was a special time of deep practice, cultural celebration, and connection across generations.
In this month’s issue of Coyote Tracks, we are delighted to share several joyful announcements from Deer Park, including the Thich Nhat Hanh School of Interbeing, a living expression of Thầy’s heartfelt vision for a holistic approach to education that integrates mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and ethical living. The School is a vital expression of the larger Village Way vision, which Brother Pháp Dung outlines in this Mindfulness Bell article.
We’ve also opened the doors to our new Online Bookshop, making it easier than ever to access the Dharma and support the monastery from anywhere in the United States.
Looking ahead, we are happy to announce our 2026 retreat and event schedule, so you can save the dates for your time of practice with us next year.
In this issue, you’ll also discover a heartfelt letter from a practitioner recounting her children’s visit to Deer Park, as well as details on upcoming retreats, including the Rains Retreat, General Practice Retreats, and other ways to join us in mindfulness.
We are deeply grateful for our beloved community and for your unique place in it.
Bowing in gratitude,
The Brothers & Sisters at Deer Park Monastery
Deer Park Announces the Thich Nhat Hanh School of Interbeing
The Thich Nhat Hanh School of Interbeing — which aspires to open in Fall 2026 — is dedicated to advancing Thay’s vision of nurturing kind, wise, and compassionate human beings. Rooted in Buddhist principles and applied ethics, the school offers a holistic approach to education for children that integrates mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and ethical living. Read the full announcement here.
Online Bookshop Now Open
You can now purchase some of your favorite calligraphies, books, bells, and more from our Online Bookshop. Although the bookshop sisters love seeing your smile in person, you don’t have to wait until your next Deer Park visit to order your favorites. Shipping is available to all U.S. residents.
2026 Retreats and Events Schedule
Save the dates! We are happy to announce our 2026 Retreats & Events Schedule. Additional information will be available as each retreat date draws near.
Thích Nhất Hạnh’s Vision: The Village Way
Brother Pháp Dung outlines Thầy’s aspiration and vision for residential spiritual communities as a service and refuge for society. Read how Deer Park is expanding into this vision in the Mindfulness Bell article here.
Hiking Zen Summer Book Tour
Join Brother Phap Luu for mindful walking and Hiking Zen book signings in the San Diego area this summer, including Barnes & Noble in Escondido and Warwick’s in La Jolla. We hope to see you there.
Rains Retreat Applications Close in One Month
We warmly invite you to join our Sangha of monastics and lay practitioners for the annual 90-Day Rains Retreat at Deer Park Monastery. Learn more & apply today.
Jeff, a Rains Retreat participant, shares his experience of transforming from hurried and angry to mindful and calm. Read more about his experience.
New Dates Available for General Practice Retreats in Solidity & Clarity Hamlets
Looking for some peace in nature this fall? We invite you to stay with us for a General Practice Retreat. Throughout the duration of one or two weeks, you spend each day following the schedule of the resident monastics and lay community. You’ll enjoy the basic mindfulness practices such as sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindful eating. Learn more and view available dates here.
Alaska Mindfulness Retreat
Join Deer Park Monastics in Alaska for the "Peace is Every Step" Mindfulness Retreat, in partnership with Floating Leaf Sangha. Retreat offers four days of teachings, mindful breathing, walking in nature, total relaxation, deep listening, and Dharma circle sharing surrounded by the beauty of Alaska. Learn more and register here.
Mindfulness Gathas
Gathas are nourishment for your mind and body, giving you peace, calm, and joy, which you can share with others. In his book Happiness, Thay shares a number of gathas (mindfulness verses) to help us be mindful in our daily lives.
Sharing Peace With My Children
“What I found so comforting about my first Deer Park visit is the quick and subtle impact it had on the boys. I observed the peace and love of Deer Park settle into their spirits immediately.” — Keri D.
Read the full story of how a practitioner found peace for her family at Deer Park.
Podcast: We Are a Buddhist Family
Enjoy this episode of Meet the Monastics featuring Sister Phu Nghiem, who shares her journey to monastic life and reflections on mindfulness practice. Listen to the 40-minute podcast here.
Looking Ahead:
August 16 - LA Day of Mindfulness
August 24 - Hiking Zen Book Signing at Barnes & Noble in Escondido, CA
August 29 - Sept 1 — Alaska Mindfulness Retreat “Peace is Every Step” in Chugiak, Alaska
September 18 - Hiking Zen Book Signing at Warwick’s in La Jolla, CA
October 26, 2025 – January 25, 2026 – 90-Day Rains Retreat
January 25, 2026 – Pravāraṇā Ceremony to end the 2025 Rains Retreat