Honoring Thầy & Prayers for Global Healing
In the face of natural disasters, we find strength in honoring Thầy’s legacy, fostering compassion, and walking the path of mindfulness together.
Dear Beloved Friends,
As we begin this new year amidst the challenges of natural disasters and other hardships, we are reminded of the preciousness of life and the refuge we find in practicing mindfulness in community, which helps us to cultivate hope, compassion, and peace in the face of adversity.
Last weekend, we honored Thầy’s passing with deep gratitude for the healthy, happy sangha that is his living legacy. Thầy Phap Dung gave a Dharma Talk and our Sangha gathered for a special Memorial Ceremony in the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall.
With gratitude, we share that the construction of the monks’ residence has been completed and officially passed inspection. We are now wholeheartedly preparing for our Lunar New Year (Tết) activities. We welcome you to join us at Deer Park for this special occasion.
On January 11, 2025, we held a Prayer Ceremony for victims of recent fires and earthquakes. The prayer texts and a recording of the ceremony are available to help us collectively hold these tragedies in our hearts.
For our friends in the Northeast, we are happy to announce that registration is now open for Zen and the Art of Mindful Living: Mindful Week at Dartmouth with The Buddha The Scientist Symposium. Together, we will explore the intersection of Buddhist wisdom and scientific research to address pressing global issues.
Thầy invites us to create a space of peace and presence in our homes. Read his reflections on how a dedicated breathing room can nourish yourself and your loved ones. Hear from Sister Chua Xua in our recent “Meet the Monastics” episode as she shares her heartfelt dream of supporting young people.
This month’s offering from our Monthly Engaged Buddhism Series features Lay Dharma Teacher Mitchell Ratner who will be speaking on Embracing Life As It Is. Join us for this free virtual workshop and explore ways to cultivate service-based communities.
May this month’s offerings bring nourishment and inspiration to your practice. We are here for you.
In gratitude and peace,
The Monastics of Deer Park Monastery
Honoring Thich Nhat Hanh: Three Year Memorial Ceremony
We commemorate Thầy’s passing with gratitude for the happy, healthy sangha that is Thầy’s legacy. This special three year anniversary memorial Dharma talk with Thay Phap Dung was recorded in the Ocean of Peace Mediation Hall at Deer Park Monastery, Escondido, CA.
Letters to Thầy
Read the special letters that were read during Thay’s three year memorial ceremony at Deer Park.
Prayer for Fire and Earthquake victims
On January 11, 2025, Deer Park Monastics held a Special Prayer Ceremony for Fire and Earthquake Victims in the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall. You may watch the replay and read the prayer texts here.
Zen and the Art of Mindful Living: Mindful Week at Dartmouth with The Buddha The Scientist Symposium
Join monastics from Deer Park Monastery and Magnolia Grove Monastery at Dartmouth College, April 1 - 7, 2025, for a week of mindfulness practice and the Buddha the Scientist Symposium.
“There were many memorable moments, but hearing the scientists share their research and how changing our diets could save the planet was very inspiring.” — The Buddha the Scientist Participant, 2023
The symposium will explore how scientific knowledge and Buddhist wisdom can be combined to create lasting solutions that impact the world. Registration is now open.
Sister Chua Xua: Enjoy Your Free Life
“I also have a dream. I have a wish that I can support the young Western people to take the monastic life. The life that when you open your eyes, you see the moon and the star over your window. You feel very free. You light the candle with the hot cup of tea, the warm one, and you enjoy tea in the early morning. You look through the windows, you enjoy the moon and the star, and you enjoy your free life.” — Sister Chua Xua (Sr. Ancient Temple)
Listen to the full podcast episode here.
Deepen Your Practice: Breathing Room
Thay writes about how we can create a room or corner in our home where we can sit, breathe, and meditate. Read the full passage to learn how you can create a Breathing Room into your home and benefit your family.
Monks’ Residence is Complete & Passed Inspection!
We are delighted to share that the construction of the monks’ residence has been completed, thanks to the countless volunteers and helping hands who supported this effort with their time, energy, and love over the past year. On Saturday, January 18, we held a beautiful ceremony and blessing to honor this milestone and express our deep gratitude to everyone who made it possible. The event included a blessing of the land and was graced by the presence of Diane Little Eagle, who traveled from Alaska to offer her indigenous wisdom and prayers. This special gathering celebrated not just the completion of the residence but also the collective spirit of generosity and community that brought it to life.
Embracing Life As it Is (Virtual)
This workshop is a part of our ongoing Monthly Engaged Buddhism Series featuring Lay Dharma Teachers and Order of Interbeing (OI) Members in the Plum Village Tradition. This series is for mindfulness practitioners around the world who want to learn more about engaged practice and how to build service-based mindfulness communities. Register for free and join us from wherever you are in the world.
Love Letter to Deer Park: “The Joy Was Palpable”
“I remember the moment I fell in love with Deer Park. It was a warm Sunday afternoon after my first weekend retreat. I was sitting outside the kitchen of the large dining hall. Most other lay people had left for their drives home. I heard a funny sound like a buzzing of many bees and the gleeful laughing of men…”
Read the full Love Letter to Deer Park here.
Looking Ahead:
January 28 – Lunar New Year’s Eve (Tết) Ceremony and Celebration
January 29 – Lunar New Year’s Day & Oracle Readings
February 3 – Embracing Life As It Is with Mitchell Ratner (Virtual)
February 9 – 22 – Deer Park India Pilgrimage (registration is closed)
March 25 – TNH Center for Mindfulness in Public Health Symposium at Harvard
April 1 – 7 – Zen and the Art of Mindful Living: Mindful Week at Dartmouth
April 27 – May 3 – Wake Up Retreat — Volunteer Applications Now Open
May 16 - 20 - Mindfulness As a Foundation For Health: The Buddha the Scientist Symposium & Retreat at University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada)