Invitation to Ignite the Sangha Spirit & "Who is Thich Nhat Hanh?" Course Opens
Fire-building sessions, "Who is Thich Nhat Hanh?" Course re-opens, Summer Book Tour closes, & more ways to practice from Deer Park
Dear Beloved Community,
A historic moment is approaching for our global spiritual family. Plum Village practitioners around the world are invited to host local “fire-building sessions” to shape our collective future. We invite you to read more about this important initiative in September’s issue of Coyote Tracks.
We are happy to announce a second cohort of the “Who is Thich Nhat Hanh?” Course, which begins on October 11 and runs through January. This online course offers a deep dive into the wisdom and insights of one of the most influential spiritual leaders of our time and our teacher, Thay.
We look forward to welcoming many friends this fall, whether that be for our upcoming Sun Day of Mindfulness to celebrate solar energy or for our monastic Ordination Ceremony in October to initiate our novice monastics.
In this issue, we also share several ways to deepen your practice, including a 5-minute Qi Gong practice with Brother Insight, Thich Nhat Hanh teachings to turn phone calls into moments of mindfulness, and a podcast episode with Brother Phap Hoi who shares his extraordinary journey from refugee to monastic.
Thank you for the wholehearted presence you bring to our beloved community.
Bowing in gratitude,
The Brothers & Sisters at Deer Park Monastery
Invitation: Sangha Fire-Building Sessions Around the World
You are invited to host a local “fire-building session” over the coming year to strengthen bonds, deepen aspirations, and prepare for the 2026 OI Retreat and Council. These local gatherings—open to all committed practitioners—will include shared practices and Dharma sharing. Read the full announcement here.
Who is Thich Nhat Hanh? Course Registration Open
We invite you to embark on a transformative journey into the life and teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay). This online course offers a deep dive into the wisdom and insights of one of the most influential spiritual leaders of our time. Registration is now open.
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.
Hiking Zen Summer Book Tour
Join Brother Phap Luu and friends for our last stop on the Hiking Zen Book Tour this year. Together we will practice mindful walking around La Jolla, followed by a Hiking Zen book signing at Warwick’s. To ensure seating, we invite you to reserve one book per person through Warwick’s for everyone in your party.
Ordination Ceremony: October 19
We welcome you to join us for a monastic Ordination Ceremony. Registration will open on October 5 at 8AM PDT.
Rains Retreat Updates
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR CLARITY HAMLET: The 3-month Rains Retreat program has reached capacity for Clarity Hamlet (with the nuns). To register for a shorter stay of one or two weeks during the Rains Retreat, please click here.
APPLICATIONS ARE STILL OPEN FOR SOLIDITY HAMLET: Solidity Hamlet (with the monks) is still accepting applications for the 3-month Rains Retreat. Applications are due by September 19, 2025. If you aren’t ready to commit to the full 3 months, you can choose a shorter stay of one or two weeks during the Rains Retreat here.
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.
Qi Gong Practice with Brother Insight
From the chaparral mountains of Deer Park, enjoy this 5-minute Qi Gong practice with Thich Man Tue (Brother Insight).
Deepen Your Practice: Telephone Meditation
This excerpt highlights Thích Nhất Hạnh’s teaching on practicing mindfulness in daily activities, including using the telephone. The telephone meditation practice doesn’t require a meditation hall—it can be done anywhere to reduce stress, uplift mood, and bring mindfulness into daily life.
Love Letter: Pandemic Enlightenment
“Deer Park has been a refuge of healing and joy for me and my wife. The Dharma talks, music, and community remind us each day to breathe, smile, and let go.”
Meet The Monastics: Brother Phap Hoi
Enjoy this podcast featuring Brother Phap Hoi, a Vietnamese refugee and the most senior Brother at Deer Park Monastery. Listen to his extraordinary journey into monastic life.
Looking Ahead:
September 18, 2025 - Hiking Zen Book Signing at Warwick’s in La Jolla, CA
October 11, 2025 - January 17, 2026 - “Who Is Thich Nhat Hanh?” Online Course
October 19, 2025 - Ordination Ceremony
October 26, 2025 – January 25, 2026 – 90-Day Rains Retreat
November 2, 2025 - Day of the Dead Celebration
November 27, 2025 - Day of Gratitude Celebration
January 18, 2026 – Memorial Ceremony on the Fourth Year of Thầy’s Passing
January 25, 2026 – Pravāraṇā Ceremony to end the 2025 Rains Retreat
February 16-19, 2026 – Lunar New Year’s Eve (Tết) Ceremonies and Celebrations