Plum Village Monastery

A Sanctuary of Peace and Mindfulness

TheGentleLaw Community

Plum Village is a renowned Buddhist monastery located in the southwest of France, founded by the esteemed Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. Since its inception in 1982, Plum Village has become a global center for mindfulness practice, offering a serene environment for individuals from all walks of life to come and learn how to live more mindfully, peacefully, and in harmony with the present moment.

The Origins of Plum Village

Thich Nhat Hanh, a globally respected spiritual leader, poet, and peace activist, envisioned Plum Village as a place where people could come together to practice mindfulness in the Plum Village tradition. Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings are deeply rooted in the principles of Zen Buddhism, which emphasize mindfulness, awareness, and compassion.

Before founding Plum Village, Thich Nhat Hanh had already made significant contributions to Buddhism and global peace efforts. Having been exiled from Vietnam due to his activism for peace during the Vietnam War, Thich Nhat Hanh's mission was clear: to help people cultivate peace not only within themselves but also in the world around them. In this spirit, Plum Village became a symbol of his teachings, offering a sanctuary for those seeking solace and transformation.

The Core Teachings of Plum Village

At the heart of Plum Village lies the practice of mindfulness, which is the art of being fully aware of the present moment. Mindfulness is taught through both formal meditation practices and everyday activities, such as eating, walking, or listening. By integrating mindfulness into all aspects of life, practitioners are encouraged to become more connected to themselves and others.

Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings are based on the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings, which are principles that guide practitioners in cultivating compassion, understanding, and nonviolence. These include:

1. Reverence for life – Cultivating respect for all living beings.

2. True happiness – Seeking true joy that arises from within, not external sources.

3. Generosity – Sharing freely with others without expectation of anything in return.

4. Loving speech and deep listening – Engaging in communication that fosters harmony and understanding.

Mindfulness practices at Plum Village are designed to help practitioners develop a deep sense of awareness and presence, allowing them to break free from habitual patterns of stress, anxiety, and suffering. By practicing meditation, chanting, walking, and eating mindfully, practitioners learn to be in the moment and to live with more peace and clarity.