L.A. Peace Walk & Lunar New Year Festivities Begin
February 2026 Issue of Coyote Tracks from Deer Park Monastery
Dear Beloved Community,
As the first hints of spring stir beneath the soil, we arrive together at a significant threshold: Tết, the Lunar New Year, and the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse.
Tết is our tradition’s most cherished celebration. It is a time for togetherness as well as a sacred pause to bow to what has been, to tend what is here, and to bless what is to come.
Our celebrations officially began last Sunday with the Flower Market and Raising of the Flag ceremony. We welcome you to join us for additional Tết activities, such as Lunar New Year and Oracle Readings.
Inspired by the Theravāda Buddhist monks and with appreciation for the journey they have walked, we will have a Walk for Peace LA this Saturday, February 14. This will be a silent, mindful walk, without signs or chanting. All are welcome.
This month’s issue of Coyote Tracks includes many other exciting announcements and happy moments. We invite you to enjoy your breathing as you continue reading.
With love and trust in the path,
Your Brothers and Sisters at Deer Park
Saturday: Walk for Peace L.A.
Inspired by the Theravāda Buddhist monks and with appreciation for the journey they have walked, we will have a Walk for Peace LA on Saturday, February 14, 2026. This will be a silent, mindful walk, without signs or chanting. Learn more & register here.
Wake Up Retreat: “Unplug & Be”
We warmly welcome folks aged 18-35 to join us for our annual Wake Up Retreat, March 15-21. This device-free retreat will offer you a chance to deepen your mindfulness practice, work on the organic Happy Farm, and practice Forest Bathing (mindful hiking in nature). Registration is now open.
Americanizing Buddhism: Evolving a Living Buddhist Tradition in America
Brother Phap Dung will be hosting a new in-person & online course this spring, Americanizing Buddhism: Evolving A Living Buddhist Tradition in America. This hybrid course will be taught live in person on Saturday evenings and the recordings will be available for folks joining online. The course will begin recording on March 28 and continue for eight weeks. Registration opens tomorrow, February 13.
Wild Ideas Worth Living: Podcast Interview with Brother Phap Luu
REI’s podcast, Wild Ideas Worth Living, recently interviewed Brother Phap Luu about Hiking Zen and how to practice mindfulness in nature. Listen to the episode here.
Inaugural Action Wake Up Fellows Receive 5 Mindfulness Trainings
Five members of the inaugural Action Wake Up cohort received the Five Mindfulness Trainings after three months of practice on the Rains Retreat at Deer Park. Read more.
Volunteer With Us This Summer
We are looking for volunteers for Teen Camp and Family Retreat this summer. Before, during, and after a special retreat, we need additional help, so we are inviting mindfulness practitioners who have already attended a 7-day retreat (or longer) at Deer Park Monastery to apply for the volunteer program. Learn more & apply here.
The Thich Nhat Hanh School of Interbeing is Now Hiring Teachers
The Thich Nhat Hanh School of Interbeing is searching for Founding Teachers. If you or someone you know feels called to support this vision of education grounded in wisdom and compassion, we warmly encourage you to apply or share this opportunity. View open career opportunities with the school here.
Colorado Mindfulness Retreat
The Sun My Heart Retreat • August 9–15 • Estes Park, CO
Join us for a nourishing week of mindfulness practice in the Plum Village tradition. This family-friendly retreat invites us to slow down, reconnect with nature, and cultivate healing in ourselves and our communities. Learn more & register here.
Hiking Zen Retreat at Deer Park
Join the Deer Park monks and nuns for mindful hiking and camping in the chaparral mountains surrounding Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, CA. March 1-7, 2026. Hiking experience and self-sufficiency in managing your own camping, sleeping, and cooking systems is required. We invite you to apply to attend this retreat here.
Rhythm of the Earth Mindful Music Festival Returns to Deer Park
Save the date: May 9, 2026, Rhythm of the Earth Mindful Music Festival returns to Deer Park for the third year. More information & lineup coming soon!
Furniture Donations Welcome
We are happy to share the joyful news of a new dwelling in Simplicity Hamlet, which will be home to the Action Wake Up practitioners as they live and practice together during their time in the Action Wake Up program. The friends are currently moving into the house and are in need of most essential household and furniture items to support simple and mindful living, particularly a large refrigerator, dining room table, and a couch.
If you feel inspired to offer a donation, please email Veronica at vero@veronica.earth with a brief description of what you would like to donate. She will respond with the appropriate drop-off address.
With appreciation, we kindly ask that donations not be dropped off at Deer Park Monastery, but delivered directly to the house. Thank you for your generosity and care in supporting this new dwelling.
Looking Ahead:
February 14, 2026 - Walk for Peace LA
February 16, 2026 – Lunar New Year’s Eve (Tết)
February 22, 2026 - Oracle Reading
February 26, 2026 - Online Joyful TNH School of Interbeing Parent Gathering
February 26, 2026 - Virtual Oracle Readings with Sister Kinh Nghiem, Peggy Rowe Ward and Ava Avalos
February 28, 2026 - Happy Farm Spring Planting Day
March 1-7, 2026 - Hiking Zen Retreat
March 15, 2026 - Save the date: Rains Retreat 2026-27 applications open
March 15-21, 2026 – Wake Up Retreat (Ages 18-35 only)
March 19, 2026 - Online Joyful TNH School of Interbeing Parent Gathering
March 27-29, 2026 - Theme Weekend in Clarity (nuns) Hamlet only: Fermentation and Meditation (Registration opens next week)
March 27-29, 2026 - Theme Weekend in Solidity (monks) Hamlet: Mindful Climbing Weekend
March 28 - May 16, 2026 - Americanizing Buddhism: Evolving A Living Buddhist Tradition in America (Registration opens this Friday, February 13)