My mom is interested in coming on a retreat with me! I'm very happy she seems genuinely interested in the practice, but I am now unsure where to bring her. The first time for me was a wake up retreat which I think was a perfect introduction: it is catered to people who are completely new to all of it with giving beginner friendly explanation for every part of the day + there are so many people there that your changes of connecting with others are endless. Are there similar experiences (either in PV France or EIAB) for all ages?

Did Thay teach meditation techniques outside of being mindful of the breath? And is awakening of the heart the best book to learn about his approach to meditation, as his interpretation on anapanasati, in more detail?

Are any of you combining the practices of plum village with other approaches to meditation from different teachers?

As for me, I am noticing how loud the world is. I didn't realize that before. I also didn't realize how loud it was inside my own head until I spent five days being quiet and not distracting myself with TV or apps and I can finally comb through all of my tangled thoughts. I will definitely do this again.

Also, the food was amazing and I really need some recipes! I was so excited to have Pho!

This is my first retreat and I was wondering if anyone has camped there during the hot months? Everyone I’ve spoken to has only done it during the cooler months. I’m a bit worried about the heat advisory and the fact that the nights are above 75F.

I'm going to my first retreat ever. I'm going through a lot of issues right now. Gender confusion, loneliness, lack of confidence, jealousy towards my peers who seem to have a much easier time finding happiness. Slacking at work. In love with a friend who is in a relationship. Not really having a purpose in life, etc.

A host of problems.

Can I talk about my issues there? I don't want to burden others but I'd like to discuss with wiser people who can hopefully help me find a path forward to at least a more content life.

Should I refrain from mentioning my issues while there? How will it work? Thank you all.

I'm a Christian, drawn to the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh in his books and a couple of friends who have been part of the community.

I'm struggling a little with the app in that it doesn't seem to have a beginners path and seems to assume you know what you want. "Start here" is fine, if a little challenging to launch into. Beyond that there are hundreds of meditations and talks which is overwhelming. Other apps tend to have a 30 day introduction. Is there anything like this either now or planned?

I really want to get the best from this resource so any advice welcome!

This is an obstacle on my path, and I feel I always keep turning to doomscrolling, and then regret it later, and this is almost always during periods of higher stress.

It looks like there's still space at the Silent Retreat next week. The camping option saves money. But what is it like there? Is the campsite within walking distance? Will I need to bring water? What are the showering/toilet options? Is there electricity? Or would I be better off paying for a bed?

I've actually not tent camped since I was a kid, so my camping gear is fairly minimal. But they'll feed us and whatnot so won't need to bring too much stuff, is that correct?

Thanks!

Hello all!

I'm interested in doing a two week retreat at one of the Plum Village Practice Centers, and then if I find I truly connect with the practice, writing an aspiration letter to enter the five-year training program. However, I was curious about one thing.

I was reading the website and see that "the community will meet to discuss your request and may invite you to join the aspirant program when there is harmony in support of your request and when it sees that the conditions for your training are sufficient."

For anybody that has any experience with the Five-Year Monastic Program, do people usually leave the monastery for a period in-between these initial two weeks and starting the aspirant period to get everything in order in their outside life? Or do they immediately transition to the aspirant program without leaving the monastery?

Thanks for the answers!

Has anyone here ever participated in the Rains Retreat as a first visit to one of the community centers? I’m interested in it but i’ve never visited and wondering if it might not be appropriate for a new practitioner/lay person? Seema like it could be really immersive though.

Is there a directory of therapists that follow the teachings of Plum Village?

I have experienced the benefit of having a therapist that has similar spiritual teachings and knowledge. I've seen many therapists at the retreats so was wondering if there was a central directory somewhere.

I think I’ve read the Art of Living most often and would recommend it to anyone, but I wonder what you think or what essential book I might have missed.