About this event
In this 6-week course we explore together how to bring the Five Mindfulness Trainings (5MTs) more fully into our lives, using them as practical guidance and spiritual friends on our intended path of living mindfully.
There will be one weekly 2-hour session over the course of 6 weeks.
This is the third course in the series, following on from the Art of Zen and Looking Deeply.
We offer a concentrated examination of the 5MTs in a supportive group atmosphere of people practising together. Each week is an opportunity to explore one MT and see what challenges it presents. What parts are difficult/easy to follow now? They are an ethical way of checking in to how closely we are following what we value in life, our intentions, and making conscious decisions instead of acting habitually, without awareness.
You may enjoy this short video the short video below from Sister True Dedication explaining the importance of the 5MTs within the Plum Village tradition. Note however – the trainings are not only for young people!
What to expect
In each session we will:
- meditate together
- reflect on one training in each session, through the Course Leaders’ sharing and a relevant video
- personal reflection time and dharma sharing with the same group throughout the course.
- follow specific home practice related to each training.
You will be provided with a handout summarising each session and recordings of the guided meditations used on this course.
We recommend the book The Mindfulness Survival Kit as a companion to the course.
For those who wish to receive the transmission of the 5MTs, ceremonies for this are held from time to time at some of our retreats. Please see the retreats page on our website for the latest information as to at which retreats this might be possible.
Please note, the course and taking the trainings are separate items and not conditional. You are not necessarily expected to receive the 5MTs after the course, nor do you have to have done the course in order to receive them. This is an optional extra.
Themes for the Sessions
1. An Introduction to Living Mindfully
2. Reverence for Life
3. True Happiness
4. True Love
5. Deep Listening and Loving Speech
6. Nourishment and Healing
7. Optional session explaining the content of the five mindfulness trainings ceremony
Course Leaders
I found the beautiful, thoughtful, generosity of the Course Leaders (Vari and Lauri), their humour, candour and compassion most helpful.
The Course Leaders were very generous and open in their sharing of how the topic had helped them and this is appreciated. I really feel I benefited from having regular time with the Dharma teachers each week, I am sorry it ended but so grateful for the opportunity.
The way you work together is very natural and professional.
Each course is led by two experienced practitioners in the Plum Village Tradition.
For more information on our course leaders, please visit our website.
Pricing
We offer a range of pricing options from £30 – £200 with the intention that the course is available to all. We ask that you pay whatever you can afford, to enable these courses to continue.
Plum Village UK is a not for profit charity based in the UK, affiliated to Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village monastery in France, and dedicated to sharing the practice of mindfulness and ethical living in the Plum Village Zen tradition.
For more courses like this please visit our website: plumvillage.uk/learn-mindfulness
We recommend that everyone signing up for this course becomes a member of the Community of Interbeing – please see our website at Join Us
Frequently asked questions
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel your booking at least 14 days before the start of the course we will refund your course fee. After this time, no refunds will be possible.
What if I miss a class?
It is ideal if you can make all the classes as this way you will gain a sound foundation in mindfulness practice. If you have to miss a class and know ahead of time, do let your course leader know.
What further information will I receive?
You will receive Joining Information in a confirmation email once you have purchased your ticket. This will confirm the information on the class timings, and how to access the online course. You will receive a further email directly from the Course Facilitator in the week before the course starts.
Can I join from a different timezone?
This is a UK-based event, but you are free to join from anywhere. If you are joining us from outside the UK, you may wish to use a timezone converter such as worldtimebuddy.
