Finding Peace Amid Uncertainty
In the November issue of Coyote Tracks, we are here to support you in cultivating resilience and connection during the holiday season.
Dear Beloved Friends,
In these challenging times, we recognize that the landscape of our world feels especially turbulent and uncertain. Many of us are experiencing a mix of emotions: worry, sadness, frustration, anger and fatigue. With such profound global shifts and personal upheavals, it’s more important than ever to find spaces of peace, refuge, and healing.
Here at Deer Park and within the Global Plum Village community, we continue to offer practices, Dharma content, and events designed to support you in this journey, wherever you may be. May these offerings remind us of our capacity for compassion, resilience, and deep connection as we walk together on the path of mindfulness.
In this spirit, we’re pleased to share a few of our recent gatherings and upcoming opportunities, which we hope will offer insight, connection, and encouragement as you nurture peace within yourself and the world.
Join us for a moment of togetherness, joy and resistance to consumerism for our annual “Make Black Friday Brown” online event on Black Friday (November 29).
Earlier this year, our senior monastics offered a Dharma talk at Dartmouth College on peace and reconciliation, followed by compassionate chanting and a candlelight vigil for world peace.
We recently hosted a Day of Mindfulness with a book signing event, where Sister Dang Nghiem shared readings from her new poetry book, The River in Me.
Have you listened to our new podcast yet, Meet the Monastics? In this episode, Sister Boi Nghiem shares her journey from Vietnam to monastic life, emphasizing self-love and compassionate inner dialogue as keys to well-being.
We are excited to share that 6 monastics and 43 friends will be joining us on our upcoming pilgrimage through India and Nepal to deepen our connection to the Buddha’s teachings. There is still some space left and registration closes December 1, 2024.
Our Monks’ Residence Construction Project is almost complete, and we welcome volunteers with or without experience to join us in completing the build.
In this month’s Love Letter, a long-time volunteer and practitioner shares how Deer Park became a source of healing and peace for her family.
We look forward to celebrating the upcoming holidays with you, whether that be in person or online.
With peace and compassion,
The Monastics of Deer Park Monastery
Make Black Friday Brown With Us
Join the monks and nuns for a moment of togetherness, joy and resistance to consumerism. On Black Friday (November 29) let’s come together and support one another to resist the temptation to get more things, to re-establish our sense of sovereignty and belonging, and to remind ourselves that we are enough and that we do have more than enough conditions to be happy right here in this very moment. Register here.
Veterans Visit Deer Park Over Veteran’s Day Weekend
A group of veterans stands together at Deer Park Monastery, each face reflecting a mix of strength and peaceful presence gained from a weekend of mindfulness practice. Among them is Michael, a former monk and Iraq War veteran, who now shares the gift of mindfulness with fellow veterans at the Veterans Affairs in San Diego. Michael is also the son of Sister Dac Nghiem.
Peace and Reconciliation: A Talk with Senior Monastic Dharma Teachers at Dartmouth College
Filmed during our visit to Dartmouth in April 2024, this video features a Dharma talk on peace and reconciliation, followed by chanting to invoke compassion and a candlelight vigil for world peace.
Meet the Monastics Podcast
This episode of “Meet the Monastics,” hosted by Brother Minh An shares insights into the lives and practices of monastics in the Plum Village tradition.
In this episode, Br. Minh An interviews Sister Boi Nghiem, who emphasizes the significance of self-love and healthy inner dialogue as key practices to maintain well-being and prevent burnout. She shares her journey from a childhood in central Vietnam to immigrating to the U.S. and eventually finding spiritual direction after a difficult breakup. Initially drawn to Plum Village for personal healing, she gradually committed to monastic life.
India & Nepal Pilgrimage: In the Footsteps of the Buddha
The Buddha suggested that it would be of great benefit to those who are interested in his teachings to make a pilgrimage to the places associated with his life. We invite you to make this pilgrimage with us, walking in the footsteps of the Buddha across India and Nepal in February 2025. Registration is due December 1, 2024.
Book Signing Event with Sister D
Last Sunday we welcomed friends to the monastery for a Day of Mindfulness followed by Book Signing with Sister Dang Nghiem. Sister D shared readings from her new poetry book, The River in Me, and signed copies for friends.
Listen to this interview with Sister D with Tricycle about the book and learn how she transformed grief into wisdom. Read an article about the poetry book on Tricycle’s website or order your copy of The River in Me here.
Construction Volunteers Wanted
Yesterday, the new monks’ home received electricity—a major milestone that brings the building to life and makes it more welcoming for future residents. Our dedicated crew of volunteers and subcontractors is hard at work setting finish trim for electrical and plumbing systems. Inside, we've been painting the interior, which is really beginning to feel like home.
Outside, we’re focusing on shaping the soil into basins to capture rainwater and greywater for the fruit tree garden. If you have skills in painting, installing trim, or using a shovel, we’d love your help in bringing this 8-month construction project closer to completion.
Thank you for your ongoing support and contributions!
Love Letter to Deer Park: “A Garden of Peace”
“Eighteen years ago, I was looking for meditation support online when I found you, a Buddhist monastery in my own back yard. I was intrigued but hesitant to visit. Would I be welcome? Would I wear and say the right things?…”
Practicing Mindfulness in Divisive Times
On October 18th, Dharma teacher Kaira Jewel Lingo joined Brother Phap Luu to share how we can practice mindfulness in divisive times. This offering is part of a monthly online series on Engaged Buddhism. Read or watch the interview here.
TNH Foundation Seeks Fundraising Associate
The Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation is seeking a full-time Fundraising Associate based in Southern California who can commute 2x/week to Deer Park Monastery. Read the full job description and apply here.
Come Visit Us
November 24, 2024 — Day of Mindfulness
November 28, 2024 — Thanksgiving Day of Mindfulness
December 1, 2024 — Day of Mindfulness
December 8, 2024 — Day of Mindfulness
December 15, 2024 — Day of Mindfulness
December 22, 2024 — Day of Mindfulness
December 24, 2024 — Christmas Eve Day of Mindfulness
December 29, 2024 – January 03, 2025 — Holiday Retreat: Love in Action
Save the Dates for 2025
New dates have been added to our 2025 schedule - Save the Dates for 2025 Retreats & Events here.