BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Plum Village UK - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Plum Village UK X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://plumvillage.uk X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Plum Village UK REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20240331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20241027T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251130T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251130T203000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251107T111307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T111339Z UID:10015768-1764529200-1764534600@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Being Peace Practice Centre Sangha DESCRIPTION:An evening of practice and updates with the Being Peace team and Trustees \nPlease join us. URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/the-being-peace-practice-centre-sangha-2-2-2-2-2/ LOCATION:Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/being-peace-bluebells-16-9-scaled-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251202T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251202T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251111T212619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T135054Z UID:10015876-1764702000-1764709200@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Online 6 week course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\n6 Week Online Course:\nTuesdays 7 – 9 PM\n2\, 9\, 16\, 23 & 30 Dec\, 6 Jan \nExperience how mindfulness can transform your life in this 6-week group course based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. \nZen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Week by week\, learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do. \nEach weekly 2-hour session will be interactive\, with a mixture of guided meditations\, group discussions\, and practical exercises. \nAll our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques\, Zen is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none –  everyone is welcome. \nInformation & Booking\nFor full information and how to book please see the course webpage. \n  \n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/art-of-zen-2-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251216T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251216T200000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20250423T120409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T125102Z UID:10015309-1765911600-1765915200@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Engaged Practice for Peace DESCRIPTION:Hosted by members of the Plum Village UK Sangha.  \nLet us offer the world the best flowers and fruit of our practice\, lucidity\, solidity\, brotherhood\, sisterhood\, understanding and compassion.  Let us give rise to the determination to look deeply into the nature of fear\, anger\, hatred\, and violence and to give rise to the eyes of compassion \n– Thich Nhat Hanh \nMany are deeply affected by ongoing violence in Ukraine\, The Middle East\, and continuous conflicts around the world\, which are causing great suffering. How can we support those who are in distress and also take gentle care of our own strong emotions? \nYou are warmly invited to join us as we take refuge for an hour of peace\, and the precious opportunity to practise with friends in the wider Sangha\, breathing together\, listening deeply\, sharing what is in our heart. \nWe know that mindful breathing is a concrete way to bring the practice of peace into our life\, and help us defuse strong emotions\, and establish solidity\, calm and concentration in our mind and heart.  We must take good care of our self before we can be there for others. \nPlease join us for a guided meditation\, a reading\, music and Dharma Sharing. \nWe also have an opportunity to share news about peace initiatives in our what’s app group. URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/engaged-practice-peace/2025-12-16/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/peace-in-oneself-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251230T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251230T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251112T164746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T122126Z UID:10015889-1767121200-1767128400@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Online New Year Retreat DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\nOnline\nTue 30th – 7-9pm\nWed 31st – 9.30-11.40am\, 1.45-4.30pm\, 7-8.30pm\nThu 1st – 10-12\, 2-4pm \nExperience how mindfulness can transform your life in this online retreat based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. All of the material from the usual format Art of Zen course will be covered. \nZen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Week by week\, learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do. \nEach session will be interactive\, with a mixture of guided meditations\, group discussions\, and practical exercises. \nAll our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques\, Zen is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none –  everyone is welcome. \nInformation & Booking\nFor full information and how to book please see the course webpage. \n  \n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/the-art-of-zen-new-year-retreat/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260101T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260101T120000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251218T155421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T165619Z UID:10016029-1767261600-1767268800@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Mindful Morning - New Year Aspirations DESCRIPTION:Following a popular tradition in the UK Sangha’s online events\, we offer a Mindful Morning on New Year’s Day where we can \nThere will be a video recording of a New Year’s Eve Dharma talk from Plum Village\, and an opportunity to share in small groups our own aspirations for deepening our practice in the year ahead. \nSome previous aspirations\n  \n* Be aware of the time spent using my mobile! \n* Sit and breathe when I feel a difficult emotion \n* Slow down. Stop. Do nothing \n* May everyone’s year be happy and light ? \n\nUsually on the first Sunday of every month\, we offer a Morning of Mindfulness led by UK Lay Dharma Teachers\, Members of the Order of Interbeing\, Monastic Dharma Teachers and special guests. \nThe morning will typically include a guided meditation\, followed by a talk or panel. After a short break\, there will be an opportunity for Dharma sharing in groups. \n  \nMain image by Maria Baltazzi on Unsplash URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/mindful-morning-new-year-aspirations/ CATEGORIES:Mindful Morning ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/maria-baltazzi-5bshDY_VxT0-unsplash-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260104T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260104T153000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251112T163448Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T133523Z UID:10015888-1767520800-1767540600@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Online 3 week course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\nOnline\nSundays 10 AM – 3.30 PM\n4\, 11 & 18 Jan 2026 \nExperience how mindfulness can transform your life in this 3-week group course based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. \nZen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Week by week\, learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do. \nEach weekly session will be interactive\, with a mixture of guided meditations\, group discussions\, and practical exercises. \nAll our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques\, Zen is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none –  everyone is welcome. \nInformation & Booking\nFor full information and how to book please see the course webpage. \n  \n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/art-of-zen-4-jan-2026/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260113T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260113T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251112T155103Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T133544Z UID:10015884-1768330800-1768338000@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Online 6 week course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\n6 Week Online Course:\nTuesdays 7 – 9 PM\n13\, 20 & 27 Jan\, 3\, 10 & 17 Feb \nExperience how mindfulness can transform your life in this 6-week group course based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. \nZen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Week by week\, learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do. \nEach weekly 2-hour session will be interactive\, with a mixture of guided meditations\, group discussions\, and practical exercises. \nAll our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques\, Zen is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none –  everyone is welcome. \nInformation & Booking\nFor full information and how to book please see the course webpage. \n  \n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/art-of-zen-13-jan-2026/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260130T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260130T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251112T165345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T170010Z UID:10015890-1769799600-1769806800@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - York weekend course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\nFriday 30 Jan: 7 – 9 PM\nSaturday 31 Jan: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM\nSunday 1 Feb: 9:30 AM – 3 PM \nExperience how mindfulness can transform your life in this weekend course based at York\, based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. \nZen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do. \nThe weekend will be interactive\, with a mixture of guided meditations\, group discussions\, and practical exercises. \nAll our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques\, Zen is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none –  everyone is welcome. \nInformation & Booking\nFor full information and how to book please see the course webpage. \n  \n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/art-of-zen-york-30-jan-2026/ LOCATION:Harriet Centre\, York CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260214T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260214T180000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251125T102414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T133951Z UID:10015896-1771066800-1771092000@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Durham weekend course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\nSaturday 14 Feb: 11 AM – 6 PM\nSunday 15 Feb: 10 AM – 5 PM \nExperience how mindfulness can transform your life in this weekend course based at York\, based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. \nZen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do. \nThe weekend will be interactive\, with a mixture of guided meditations\, group discussions\, and practical exercises. \nAll our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques\, Zen is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none –  everyone is welcome. \nInformation & Booking\nFor full information and how to book please see the course webpage. \n  \n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/the-art-of-zen-durham-weekend-course/ LOCATION:Durham Yoga Studio\, Crossgate Centre\, DH1 4HF\, Crossgate Centre\, Durham\, DH1 4HF CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260217T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260217T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251125T112407Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T134139Z UID:10015899-1771354800-1771362000@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Looking Deeply - Online 6 week course DESCRIPTION:Schedule\nTuesdays 7 – 9 PM UK Time\n17 & 24 Feb\n3\, 10\, 17 & 24 Mar \n\n\nAbout the Course\nLooking Deeply is a 6-week follow on course from The Art of Zen (formerly called “Be Calm Be Happy”) in which we can refresh and extend our practice in the Plum Village tradition. \nWe do this most beneficially as a Sangha\, a group of people coming together to practise and support one another on the journey. \nWe go deeper into Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings\, helping us to become more aware of our territory of body\, feelings\, mind and consciousness. We discover how to take mindfulness further into our daily lives. \nWhat to Expect\nSessions are online via Zoom. In each\, we meditate together\, consider the weekly theme\, and undertake a reflection exercise looking at its relevance to us\, with time for group discussion. \nThere will be recommended meditations from the Plum Village App to use during the week. You can install the Plum Village App here \nYou will get the most from this course if you regularly practise the meditations and reflect on the weekly theme between each session. The Plum Village App will be a valuable resource to support this. \nThemes for the sessions: \n\nArriving Home\nMindfulness of the Body\nMindfulness of Feelings\nMindfulness of the Mind\nImpermanence\nConnectedness\n\nFormat\nThe course is at the same time every week. You will meet with the same group each time. \nThis is a live\, interactive course\, without any recorded sessions to download. \nEach session lasts two hours. \nWho can attend?\nThis course is only suitable for those with some experience already. If looking for an introduction to Plum Village practices\, Zen or meditation\, we recommend the Be Calm Be Happy course instead. \nOur expectation is that you have either attended a Be Calm Be Happy course or that you have experience of practising in the Plum Village tradition with a Sangha. \nThe course is suitable for those of all faiths and none. Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds. \nTicket Pricing\nIn offering a range of ticket prices we aim to make the course available to all. \nSponsor £200.00\nSupports those on a lower income to attend \nSupporter £160.00\nSupports us in offering concessionary places. \nStandard £130.00\nOur break-even price. Please pay this if you are able to. \nConcession £95.00\nif you are on a low income. \nSupported £30.00\nIf you are unemployed or unable to work. \nRefund Policy\nIf 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. \nCourse Leaders\nEach course is led by two experienced practitioners in the Plum Village Tradition. \nClare Belbin-Carlile\n\nClare lives in North Yorkshire and practises with the Kirkbymoorside and York Sanghas. \nClare was ordained into the Order of Interbeing in 2021 and received the True name True Spring Waterfall. \nClare first encountered Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings through attending Plum Village mindfulness retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh from 1998. This encounter was life changing\, she became increasingly committed to her daily practice with the support of Sangha and it is now a central part of her life. \nClare’s mindfulness practice continues to be deeply rooted in her daily practice of drawing and painting in Helmsley Walled Garden. Clare’s practice transforms and enlivens everything she does. Her daily painting practice involves cherishing and falling in love with her subject matter\, nature. \nThrough the wealth of experience brought by parenthood\, periods of great change and upheaval in her life\, the journey of caring for and the subsequent death of her beloved parents and husband\, Clare has practised looking for the wonderful\, ‘flecks of gold’ in her life (“this moment is full of wonders”). She realised that in trying to block suffering she would also be starved of her joy. \nTran Vinh Tan\n\nTan resides near Plum Village in France with his companion. \nTran can speak Vietnamese\, English\, French\, and Norwegian. In the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh\, his practice name is True Virtue of Vulture Peak. \nIn 2008\, Tan began exploring mindfulness practices in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh to navigate a personal crisis. Since then\, he has dedicated himself to studying and practicing mindfulness\, expanding his approach to include various methodologies such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)\, Search Inside Yourself (SIY)\, Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP)\, and Theory U. \nTan seamlessly integrates mindfulness practices into his professional work as a human flourishing facilitator\, sharing his insights with numerous individuals and organizations\, including multinational entities like the United Nations\, General Electric\, and Salesforce. He currently leads The Flourishing Circle\, a mission-driven initiative aimed at helping individuals flourish by combining wisdom and science. \n\nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhat if I miss a class? \nIt 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. \nWhat further information will I receive? \nYou 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\, inviting you to a short pre-course zoom call. \nWhat is your cancellation policy? \nIf 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. \nIf you have any questions please contact us via mindfulness-courses@plumvillage.uk \nThe Community of Interbeing UK\nCharity Number 1096680\nPlum Village UK \n\nPARTICIPANT AGREEMENT \nPlease read the terms and conditions carefully. It is important that you understand and agree to these fully. URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/looking-deeply-online-6-week-course-2/ CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/looking-deeply-16-9-nov-2025.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260226T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260226T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251112T160403Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T134514Z UID:10015885-1772132400-1772139600@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Online 6 week course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\n6 Week Online Course:\nThursdays 7 – 9 PM\n26 Feb\, 5\, 12\, 19 & 26 Mar\, 2 Apr 2026 \nExperience how mindfulness can transform your life in this 6-week group course based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. \nZen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Week by week\, learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do. \nEach weekly 2-hour session will be interactive\, with a mixture of guided meditations\, group discussions\, and practical exercises. \nAll our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques\, Zen is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none –  everyone is welcome. \nInformation & Booking\nFor full information and how to book please see the course webpage. \n  \n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/art-of-zen-26-feb-2026/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260301T093000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260301T160000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251218T161706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251218T161729Z UID:10016031-1772357400-1772380800@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Day of Mindfulness in Oxfordshire DESCRIPTION:Inclusion and Equanimity\nPresented by Oxford and Sunflower Sanghas \nThe day will be in the Plum Village tradition with the teachings of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh\, Thay. Members of the Oxford and Sunflower Sanghas will lead the day and our Dharma Teacher\, Teri West\, will share teachings on the theme: ‘Inclusion and Equanimity’. \nTeri has been a student of Thay’s since 1988 and is a member of the North Devon Sangha. She is a storyteller\, singer\, musician\, part-time poet and sometimes a clown. Teri became a member of the Core Community (Order of Interbeing) in 2000\, and ordained as a Dharma teacher in 2016. \nIn the Plum Village tradition\, inclusion and equanimity are interconnected practices for cultivating deep love and non-discrimination. Thay says: \n“If we see ourselves as beloved\, not as victims\, we can encounter others without malice\, even when we disagree. That’s the power of equanimity\, of inclusiveness.” \nEquanimity\, often called “non-discrimination\,” is the foundation for love and involves embracing all beings equally\, including those who are suffering. Inclusion is the practice of including everyone\, and is nurtured through loving-kindness\, compassion and joy. \nThe day offers us an opportunity to come back to ourselves\, to become aware of our body and mind in this moment. We will deepen our experience through sitting\, walking and eating meditation\, as well as sharing deep listening and mindful speech. \nPlease arrive from 9.30am\, so we can start promptly at 10am. We will finish at 4pm. Further details will be emailed to you a week before the event. \nProfits from this event will be donated to the Being Peace Centre\, Abenhall \nCost\n£33 or £16.50 according to your means. Some free places available. URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/day-of-mindfulness-in-oxfordshire/ LOCATION:Goring Village Hall\, High Street Goring-on-Thames\, RG8 9AG\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Day Of Mindfulness ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/teri-west-bell-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260306T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260306T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251125T105444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T105444Z UID:10015897-1772823600-1772830800@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Hebden Bridge weekend course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\nFriday 6 Mar: 7.00 PM – 9.00 PM\nSaturday 7 Mar: 9.30 AM – 5.30 PM\nSunday 8 Mar: 9.30 AM – 3.00 PM \nExperience how mindfulness can transform your life in this weekend course based at York\, based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. \nZen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do. \nThe weekend will be interactive\, with a mixture of guided meditations\, group discussions\, and practical exercises. \nAll our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques\, Zen is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none –  everyone is welcome. \nInformation & Booking\nFor full information and how to book please see the course webpage. \n  \n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/art-of-zen-hebden-bridge-course/ LOCATION:Harriet Centre\, York CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260317T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260317T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260108T161633Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T171036Z UID:10016064-1773774000-1773781200@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Online 6 week course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\n6 Week Online Course:\nTuesdays 7 – 9 PM\n17\, 24 & 31 Mar\, 7\, 14 & 21 Apr \nExperience how mindfulness can transform your life in this 6-week group course based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. \nZen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Week by week\, learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do. \nEach weekly 2-hour session will be interactive\, with a mixture of guided meditations\, group discussions\, and practical exercises. \nAll our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques\, Zen is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none –  everyone is welcome. \nInformation & Booking\nFor full information and how to book please see the course webpage. \n  \n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/the-art-of-zen-online-6-week-course/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260321T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260321T160000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251127T140013Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T102515Z UID:10015902-1774087200-1774108800@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Stamford Weekend Course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\nSaturday 21 Mar: 10 AM – 5 PM\nSunday 22 Mar: 10 AM – 4 PM \n  \n\n  \nCourse Overview\nThe course offers a deeper understanding of mindfulness and how it can support many aspects of your daily life. \nThe wisdom of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us to find a sense of peace within ourselves\, and serenity in the face of suffering. In a supportive community of like-minded people we experience developing more kindness and compassion. \nWe will introduce and explore new ways of bringing mindfulness into our day\, not only in meditation\, but also in how we eat\, behave\, speak to ourselves and others\, and take care of ourselves. \nThis course provides\n\nAn opportunity to experience the power of practising mindfulness in a supportive community\nA grounding in Thich Nhat Hanh’s approach to mindfulness\nA programme of structured learning and guidance from experienced practitioners\, which helps build a mindfulness practice that is stable and self-reliant\nUnderstanding ways to live with less anxiety and a greater sense of wellbeing\nEthical strategies to help cope with life’s stresses and develop inner peace\n\nMindfulness encourages a sense of wellbeing moment by moment\, as well as being aware of what is happening in the present moment without reacting to it. \nWhat does the course offer?\n\nAn introduction to mindfulness\, how it works and how to practise it\nReducing feelings such as loneliness\, anxiety\, anger\, and depression by establishing a stable and lasting mindfulness practice\nA sense of connection and community by practising and sharing together with course participants\nPractical exercises to help you bring more awareness to your experiences\, understand the importance of rest\, and what it means to be more Zen\nConnecting more deeply with family and friends by learning the art of compassionate speech and deep listening\nThe art of mindfulness in everyday life as a means of generating compassion\, joy and calm for yourself and others\n\nReported benefits\n\nIncreased enjoyment of life\nIncreased ability to be calm and relaxed\nIncreased control of emotions such as anger and anxiety\nImproved sleep quality\nFewer feelings of anxiety and low mood\n\nWho can attend?\nThis course is suitable for beginners\, as well as those wishing to gain a fuller understanding of how mindfulness can support calm and peaceful living. Mindfulness is a practice originating in Buddhism and supported by neuroscience and psychology; it may be practised by those of all faiths and none. \nMany of our participants learn new ways to care for their wellbeing and can develop positive responses to challenging situations. \n  \nCourse Leaders\n  \n\nIan Sneath\nIan is a fully ordained student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh\, receiving the Dharma name True Insight on the Path\, while living for two years in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Monastery in France. \nIn 2014 he attended the 21-day retreat\, “What happens when we are alive\, what happens when we die?” led by Thich Nhat Hanh. This was a deeply powerful\, healing\, and transformative teaching that made Ian stop\, look deeply\, and realise that he had been on the wrong entrepreneurial path for most of his life. \nMindfulness has given Ian so much benefit\, helping every aspect of his life (ethics\, health\, relationships\, compassion\, insight\, concentration\, livelihood\, peace\, kindness\, openness\, etc) and his volition is now to dedicate his life to continuing to deepen his practice\, to lead a happy and joyful life and to help bring Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings to others\, whilst also building community. \nIan spends time between Plum Village France and the UK and practices predominantly with Nottingham Deep Roots and Durham Sacred Earth Sanghas. \n  \n\nKirstie Berridge\nKirstie is firmly committed to the Plum Village approach to mindfulness\, having been introduced to Thich Nhat Hanh in 2013 and receiving the Five Mindfulness Trainings while on retreat in Plum Village France in 2022 and the lineage name\, Deepening Path of the Source. Kirstie is now enjoying the journey as an Aspirant to receive the Fourteen Mindfulness Training and to join the UK Order of Interbeing. \nMuch of Kirstie’s time is spent on Sangha building and spreading the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh\, providing administrative and marketing support for Plum Village UK on a voluntary basis\, including supporting the delivery of Plum Village UK’s Mindfulness courses and serving as the UK Sangha Coordinator. Kirstie is fortunate to visit Plum Village France regularly. \nKirstie continues to experience the transformational benefits of practicing mindfulness on all aspects of her life\, including relationships\, right livelihood and interbeing. Kirstie lives just outside of Stamford and practises with the Nottingham Deep Roots Sangha with an aspiration to continue to build Sangha\, including in and around Rutland / Lincolnshire. \n  \nPractical Info\nLocation\nGuide Hall\n34 Conduit Road\nStamford\nLincolnshire\nPE9 1QQ \nParking\nThe Guide Hall is on a residential street with restricted parking. The closest car park is North Street car park\, PE9 1EG. The charge for a full day is approximately £5.50\, but parking is free on Sunday. \nRefreshments\nTea / coffee / herbal teas will be available. You are invited to bring a packed lunch to eat during the lunch breaks together. There are also cafes and shops close by. \nAccessibility\nThe venue is single storey and fully accessible for wheelchair users / restricted mobility including accessible toilets. \nPricing\nStandard Rate | £130 \nThis rate helps us to sustain the course. \nSponsor Rate | £200\nThis rate helps us to sustain the course and allow us to offer it to to those on a lower income. \nDiscounted Rate | £95\nFor students and participants on a low income that cannot afford the standard rate. \nSupported Rate | £30\nFor those with no income\, one or two supported places are available. \nPlum Village UK is a not for profit charity based in the UK\, dedicated to sharing the practice of mindfulness and mindful living in the Plum Village tradition. \nThe pricing range enables us to cover marketing and admin costs and ensure the continuation of the courses well into the future. \nRefund Policy\nIf 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. \n  \nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhat should I bring with me?\nYou may find it helpful to bring the following with you to class: \n\nA pen and notebook for journaling.\nA meditation cushion\, stool\, mat or blanket – or whatever helps you to be comfortable\, particularly during the meditation sessions. Chairs will be provided.\nA packed lunch. We will be invited to eat together during the break for lunch. Local cafes and shops are also a short walk away.\nA selection of hot drinks will be available\, but if you have a favourite drink\, please bring this.\n\nWhat should I wear?\nPlease dress casually and comfortably. You may find it helpful to wear several layers\, so that you can remove/add a layer to maintain a comfortable body temperature during the day and particularly while meditating. \nWhat do I need to do to prepare?\nYou do not need to do anything to prepare for the course. This course is designed to be suitable for beginners and all the information you need will be provided. During the course we will propose some home practices and routine activities to help you integrate mindfulness and meditation into your daily life\, including Apps and links to guided meditations online. \nWhat further information will I receive?\nYou will receive a confirmation email once you have registered. \nContact Us\nIf there is anything else you would like to know before the course starts please do not hesitate to contact us: kirstieberridge@plumvillage.uk \n  \nWith best wishes\nKirstie and Ian \n\nPARTICIPANT AGREEMENT \nPlease read the terms and conditions listed below carefully. It is important that you understand and agree to these fully. \nI acknowledge that I am physically and psychologically fit enough to participate in this programme. I know of no reason\, nor have I been informed by my doctor or health care professional\, of any reason why my participation in this programme would do me or others harm of any nature. \nI understand that the course may raise emotional issues. Whilst mindfulness can be helpful with ordinary anxiety and low mood\, this course is not suitable for people with extreme anxiety\, severe depression\, psychosis or personality disorder. \nThe course is not intended to provide a therapeutic environment. It is not a substitute for ongoing medical support. \nI agree to take full responsibility for my own health and well-being. \nI understand that participants and instructors must keep everything that happens within the course completely confidential. \nAs a participant\, I agree not to record or make any reproduction of the whole or any part of the programme\, materials or electronic files and I understand that the content is protected by copyright laws. \n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/art-of-zen-stamford-weekend-course/ LOCATION:Stamford Guide Hut\, St Mary's Hill\, Stamford\, PE9 1QQ\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260329T133000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260329T173000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260110T181043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260110T181645Z UID:10016070-1774791000-1774805400@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Family Sangha London DESCRIPTION:Whether or not you have meditated before\, we would love for you to join us for one of our days of mindfulness which we are currently holding once every month on a Sunday afternoon at the Wandsworth Quaker Meeting House near Clapham Junction. \n  \n\n  \nTogether we practice a guided meditation\, mindful movements\, dharma reading and sharing\, in the tradition of Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. Children and teens will join adults for part of the day and will then have parallel programs facilitated by young people from Wake Up London. \nOur aim is to create an inter-generational day of mindfulness for people of all ages to come together as a mindful family. Our experience of all age family meditation groups on retreats has been of creating wonderful connections across age groups\, and we believe that children benefit from a loving\, spiritual community just as much as adults do. We welcome people outside of London to join us for this event. \nPlease contact us to let us know if you would like to join our mailing list and find out when our next event is. People of all ages with or without children are welcome to come. All children must be accompanied by an adult. \nFor adults without children\, we also recommend the Heart of London sangha or a local Plum Village sangha. You are of course welcome to join our inter-generational community. \nWe really look forward to practicing together and building connections. We’d be grateful if you could take a moment to share about us with sanghas you know\, families and people of all ages who would like to participate. \nA lotus for you\, \nFamily Sangha facilitators \nBelow is a typical schedule for one of our days of mindfulness: \nArrive from 13:45pm \n14:00 Welcome & Mindful movements \n14:30 Parallel spaces \nChildren 4-10\nTeens 11-18\nAdults (guided meditation\, reading\, sharing) \nBabies and toddlers can either stay with the adults or join the children (accompanied by a parent) \n15:30 Tea and snacks (Vegan/Vegetarian…bring snacks to share if you like!) \n16:30 Everyone together for mindful activities (in the garden if weather is favourable) \nWalking meditation\nGratitude circle\nSinging \nClosing to give lots of time to depart by 17:30pm URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/family-sangha-london-2/2026-03-29/ LOCATION:Wandsworth Quaker Meeting House\, 59 Wandsworth High St\, London\, SW18 2PT ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/family-sangha-16-9-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260409T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260409T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260226T163236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T163236Z UID:10017231-1775761200-1775768400@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Online 6 week course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\n6 Week Online Course:\nThursdays 7 – 9 PM\n9\, 16\, 23 & 30 Apr\, 7 & 14 May 2026 \nExperience how mindfulness can transform your life in this 6-week group course based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. \nZen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Week by week\, learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do. \nEach weekly 2-hour session will be interactive\, with a mixture of guided meditations\, group discussions\, and practical exercises. \nAll our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques\, Zen is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none –  everyone is welcome. \nInformation & Booking\nFor full information and how to book please see the course webpage. \n  \n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/the-art-of-zen-online-6-week-course-3/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260415T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260415T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251125T113417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T134806Z UID:10015900-1776279600-1776286800@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Living Mindfully - Online 6 week course DESCRIPTION:Schedule\nEvery Wednesday 7 – 9 PM UK Time\n15\, 22 & 29 April\, 6\, 13 & 20 May \nAbout this event\nIn 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. \nThere will be one weekly 2-hour session over the course of 6 weeks. \nThis is the third course in the series\, following on from The Art of Zen and Looking Deeply. \nWe 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. \nYou 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! \n\nWhat to expect\nIn each session we will: \n\nmeditate together\nreflect on one training in each session\, through the Course Leaders’ sharing and a relevant video\npersonal reflection time and dharma sharing with the same group throughout the course.\nfollow specific home practice related to each training.\n\nYou will be provided with a handout summarising each session and recordings of the guided meditations used on this course. \nWe recommend the book The Mindfulness Survival Kit as a companion to the course. \nFor 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. \nPlease 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. \nThemes for the Sessions\n1. An Introduction to Living Mindfully\n2. Reverence for Life\n3. True Happiness\n4. True Love\n5. Deep Listening and Loving Speech\n6. Nourishment and Healing \nPricing\nWe 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. \nPlum 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. \nFor more courses like this please visit our website: plumvillage.uk/learn-mindfulness \nWe recommend that everyone signing up for this course becomes a member of the Community of Interbeing – please see our website at Join Us \nCourse Leaders\nEach course is led by two experienced practitioners in the Plum Village Tradition. \nLauri Bower \n \nLauri lives in Yorkshire and practises with the York Sangha. \n  \n  \nLauri received the transmission of the 14 Mindfulness Trainings at Plum Village in 2014 to become an Order member. Her True name is True Mountain of Non-Fear. She is currently an Aspirant Dharma Teacher. \nLauri has been practising meditation for over 35 years and met Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings in 2006\, from which point she committed to putting mindfulness practice at the centre of her life. From 2008-12 she researched a PhD on Thich Nhat Hanh and his teachings of Mindfulness and Engaged Buddhism. \nWith her PhD complete Lauri began teaching mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) courses and is delighted to bring this experience to courses devoted to the Plum Village mindfulness tradition. Mindfulness has become a crucial aspect of Lauri’s life and she has experienced first-hand the transformational aspects of peacefulness\, calm and clarity that this practice generates. She has many years’ experience of running and organising retreats. \nLauri also has a creative practice as a paper collage artist and finds the combination of mindfulness and creativity fit together extremely well. Her creative work (paper collages\, cards\, and original artwork) can be viewed from her website. \nYou can find her PhD research published as a book here\, In The Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh; Mindfulness and Engaged Buddhism \nIan Sneath \n \nIan spends time between Plum Village France and the UK and practices predominantly with Nottingham Deep Roots and Durham Sacred Earth Sanghas. \nIan lived in Plum Village for two years. This experience allowed him to immerse himself in Thay’s deep-wisdom mindfulness practices. During this time Ian received ordination in the Zen Buddhist tradition\, becoming an Order member with the True name True Insight on the Path. \nIan discovered Thay in 2010 after studying with various mindfulness teachers. In 2014 he attended the 21-day retreat\, “What happens when we are alive\, what happens when we die?” led by Thay. This was a deeply powerful\, healing\, and transformative teaching that made Ian stop\, look deeply\, and realise that he had been on the wrong entrepreneurial path for most of his life. \nMindfulness has given Ian so much benefit\, helping every aspect of his life (ethics\, health\, relationships\, compassion\, insight\, concentration\, livelihood\, peace\, kindness\, openness\, etc.). \nHis volition is now to dedicate his life to continuing to deepen his practice\, to lead a happy and joyful life and to help bring Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings to others\, whilst also building community. \nFrequently asked questions\nWhat is your cancellation policy?\n \nIf 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. \nWhat if I miss a class?\nIt 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. \nWhat further information will I receive?\nYou 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. \nCan I join from a different timezone?\nThis 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. \nThe Community of Interbeing UK\nCharity Number 1096680\nPlum Village UK \n\nPARTICIPANT AGREEMENT \nPlease read the terms and conditions carefully. It is important that you understand and agree to these fully. \n\n\n\n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/living-mindfully-online-6-week-course/ CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/living-mindfully-nov-2025-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260425T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260426T160000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260112T170518Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T102927Z UID:10016071-1777111200-1777219200@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Leicester Weekend Course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\nSaturday 25 Apr: 10 AM – 5 PM\nSunday 26 Apr: 10 AM – 4 PM \n  \n\n  \nCourse Overview\nThe course offers a deeper understanding of mindfulness and how it can support many aspects of your daily life. \nThe wisdom of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us to find a sense of peace within ourselves\, and serenity in the face of suffering. In a supportive community of like-minded people we experience developing more kindness and compassion. \nWe will introduce and explore new ways of bringing mindfulness into our day\, not only in meditation\, but also in how we eat\, behave\, speak to ourselves and others\, and take care of ourselves. \nThis course provides\n\nAn opportunity to experience the power of practising mindfulness in a supportive community\nA grounding in Thich Nhat Hanh’s approach to mindfulness\nA programme of structured learning and guidance from experienced practitioners\, which helps build a mindfulness practice that is stable and self-reliant\nUnderstanding ways to live with less anxiety and a greater sense of wellbeing\nEthical strategies to help cope with life’s stresses and develop inner peace\n\nMindfulness encourages a sense of wellbeing moment by moment\, as well as being aware of what is happening in the present moment without reacting to it. \nWhat does the course offer?\n\nAn introduction to mindfulness\, how it works and how to practise it\nReducing feelings such as loneliness\, anxiety\, anger\, and depression by establishing a stable and lasting mindfulness practice\nA sense of connection and community by practising and sharing together with course participants\nPractical exercises to help you bring more awareness to your experiences\, understand the importance of rest\, and what it means to be more Zen\nConnecting more deeply with family and friends by learning the art of compassionate speech and deep listening\nThe art of mindfulness in everyday life as a means of generating compassion\, joy and calm for yourself and others\n\nReported benefits\n\nIncreased enjoyment of life\nIncreased ability to be calm and relaxed\nIncreased control of emotions such as anger and anxiety\nImproved sleep quality\nFewer feelings of anxiety and low mood\n\nWho can attend?\nThis course is suitable for beginners\, as well as those wishing to gain a fuller understanding of how mindfulness can support calm and peaceful living. Mindfulness is a practice originating in Buddhism and supported by neuroscience and psychology; it may be practised by those of all faiths and none. \nMany of our participants learn new ways to care for their wellbeing and can develop positive responses to challenging situations. \n  \nCourse Leaders\n  \n\nIan Sneath\nIan is a fully ordained student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh\, receiving the Dharma name True Insight on the Path\, while living for two years in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Monastery in France. \nIn 2014 he attended the 21-day retreat\, “What happens when we are alive\, what happens when we die?” led by Thich Nhat Hanh. This was a deeply powerful\, healing\, and transformative teaching that made Ian stop\, look deeply\, and realise that he had been on the wrong entrepreneurial path for most of his life. \nMindfulness has given Ian so much benefit\, helping every aspect of his life (ethics\, health\, relationships\, compassion\, insight\, concentration\, livelihood\, peace\, kindness\, openness\, etc) and his volition is now to dedicate his life to continuing to deepen his practice\, to lead a happy and joyful life and to help bring Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings to others\, whilst also building community. \nIan spends time between Plum Village France and the UK and practices predominantly with Nottingham Deep Roots and Durham Sacred Earth Sanghas. \n  \n\nKirstie Berridge\nKirstie is firmly committed to the Plum Village approach to mindfulness\, having been introduced to Thich Nhat Hanh in 2013 and receiving the Five Mindfulness Trainings while on retreat in Plum Village France in 2022 and the lineage name\, Deepening Path of the Source. Kirstie is now enjoying the journey as an Aspirant to receive the Fourteen Mindfulness Training and to join the UK Order of Interbeing. \nMuch of Kirstie’s time is spent on Sangha building and spreading the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh\, providing administrative and marketing support for Plum Village UK on a voluntary basis\, including supporting the delivery of Plum Village UK’s Mindfulness courses and serving as the UK Sangha Coordinator. Kirstie is fortunate to visit Plum Village France regularly. \nKirstie continues to experience the transformational benefits of practicing mindfulness on all aspects of her life\, including relationships\, right livelihood and interbeing. Kirstie lives just outside of Stamford and practises with the Nottingham Deep Roots Sangha with an aspiration to continue to build Sangha\, including in and around Rutland / Lincolnshire. \n  \nPractical Info\nLocation\nGroby Community Centre\n39 Forest Rise\nGroby\nLeicester\nLE6 0BB \nTravel\nThe Community Centre has a small car park and there is also plenty of street parking. Groby is also accessible by bus from Leicester city and the surrounding area. Please check before booking that you are able to access the venue via public transport. \nRefreshments\nTea / coffee / herbal teas will be available. Please bring a packed lunch on both days. \nAccessibility\nAlthough the venue is single storey and accessible for wheelchair users\, the disabled toilets need updating. If you have any queries please email us. \nPricing\nStandard Rate | £130 \nThis rate helps us to sustain the course. \nSponsor Rate | £200\nThis rate helps us to sustain the course and allow us to offer it to to those on a lower income. \nDiscounted Rate | £95\nFor students and participants on a low income that cannot afford the standard rate. \nSupported Rate | £30\nFor those with no income\, one or two supported places are available. \nPlum Village UK is a not for profit charity based in the UK\, dedicated to sharing the practice of mindfulness and mindful living in the Plum Village tradition. \nThe pricing range enables us to cover marketing and admin costs and ensure the continuation of the courses well into the future. \nRefund Policy\nIf 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. \n  \nFrequently Asked Questions\nWhat should I bring with me?\nYou may find it helpful to bring the following with you to class: \n\nA pen and notebook for journaling.\nA meditation cushion\, stool\, mat or blanket – or whatever helps you to be comfortable\, particularly during the meditation sessions. Chairs will be provided.\nA packed lunch. We will be invited to eat together during the break for lunch. Local cafes and shops are also a short walk away.\nA selection of hot drinks will be available\, but if you have a favourite drink\, please bring this.\n\nWhat should I wear?\nPlease dress casually and comfortably. You may find it helpful to wear several layers\, so that you can remove/add a layer to maintain a comfortable body temperature during the day and particularly while meditating. \nWhat do I need to do to prepare?\nYou do not need to do anything to prepare for the course. This course is designed to be suitable for beginners and all the information you need will be provided. During the course we will propose some home practices and routine activities to help you integrate mindfulness and meditation into your daily life\, including Apps and links to guided meditations online. \nWhat further information will I receive?\nYou will receive a confirmation email once you have registered. \nContact Us\nIf there is anything else you would like to know before the course starts please do not hesitate to contact us: kirstieberridge@plumvillage.uk \n  \nWith best wishes\nKirstie and Ian \n\nPARTICIPANT AGREEMENT \nPlease read the terms and conditions listed below carefully. It is important that you understand and agree to these fully. \nI acknowledge that I am physically and psychologically fit enough to participate in this programme. I know of no reason\, nor have I been informed by my doctor or health care professional\, of any reason why my participation in this programme would do me or others harm of any nature. \nI understand that the course may raise emotional issues. Whilst mindfulness can be helpful with ordinary anxiety and low mood\, this course is not suitable for people with extreme anxiety\, severe depression\, psychosis or personality disorder. \nThe course is not intended to provide a therapeutic environment. It is not a substitute for ongoing medical support. \nI agree to take full responsibility for my own health and well-being. \nI understand that participants and instructors must keep everything that happens within the course completely confidential. \nAs a participant\, I agree not to record or make any reproduction of the whole or any part of the programme\, materials or electronic files and I understand that the content is protected by copyright laws. \n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/the-art-of-zen-leicester-weekend-course/ LOCATION:Groby Community Centre\, 39 Forest Rise\, Leicester\, LE6 0BB\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260426T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260426T170000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260209T213835Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T102240Z UID:10017431-1777215600-1777222800@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Mai Blossom UK - Vietnamese Sangha DESCRIPTION:Mai Blossom UK is a Vietnamese Sangha based in London practicing in the Plum Village tradition. We offer a gentle space for Vietnamese friends who wish to explore the practice in Vietnamese and enjoy Thay’s Vietnamese teachings. Whether you are taking your first steps on the path or wishing to deepen your practice in Vietnamese\, you are lovingly welcomed into our Mai Blossom UK Sangha. \nWe gather once a month\, alternating between Saturdays and Sundays so that as many friends as possible can join. In each session\, we enjoy mindful sitting\, mindful walking\, and the simple joy of breathing together. There are moments for singing\, sharing from the heart\, and listening to Dharma talks from Thay – Zen Master Thích Nhat Hanh\, nourishing calmness and peace in ourselves and in our Vietnamese community. \nUpcoming dates \n\nSunday 26 April between 3:00 – 5:00 pm at Kagyu Samye Dzong London\nSaturday 30 May between 3:30 – 5:30 pm at Westminster Quaker Meeting House\n\nWhen conditions allow\, we also help organise retreats at Being Peace Practice Centre and Days of Mindfulness with Vietnamese-speaking monastics. To receive updates about our practice sessions and upcoming events\, please join our mailing list by contacting maiblossomuk@gmail.com \nWe also love to share the joy of our practice on Facebook and Instagram—come follow us and stay connected. \nA lotus for you\,\nMai Blossom UK Caretaking team. URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/mai-blossom-uk-vietnamese-sangha-2/2026-04-26/ LOCATION:8 Hop Gardens\, London WC2N 4EH ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/con-da-ve-con-da-toi-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260426T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260426T194500 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260327T101733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T101936Z UID:10017428-1777226400-1777232700@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:White Awareness Practice Programme DESCRIPTION:4-Week White Awareness Practice Programme\nWe have all been deeply hurt by the way our past and present society has categorised\, separated\, and limited us based on the illusion of  ‘race’. \nAs we support one another to experience our own relationship to this and deepen our understanding through compassionate listening and loving speech\, we begin to embrace and transform the ancestral suffering within us and around us\, and take steps on the path to inclusive sanghas where all people can find a home. \nThe 4-week study group will include\n– content and study to reflect on our white identities\, history and bias\n– practices to help reflect on our racial identity and the world around us\n– A compassionate space to share\n– Some short talks or readings will also be shared with you to engage with between sessions \nWhen?\nSundays 26 April\, and 3\, 10 and 17 May\n6:00 – 7:45 PM UK Time \nPlease note: We’d love to welcome back people who have previously undertaken this course; however\, due to limited space\, we will prioritise first-timers. If you have partaken before and wish to join again\, you can fill out the form\, and we will let you know closer to the time if there is space. \nFor more information and to register\, please click here URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/white-awareness-practice-programme/ CATEGORIES:Course,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/white-awareness-calligraphy-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260428T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260428T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260126T170925Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T171541Z UID:10016922-1777402800-1777410000@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:The Art of Zen - Online 6 week course DESCRIPTION:The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy \nSchedule\n6 Week Online Course:\nTuesdays 7 – 9 PM\n28 April\, 5\, 12\, 19 & 26 May\, 2 June 2026 \nExperience how mindfulness can transform your life in this 6-week group course based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. \nZen wisdom provides a way to peace within ourselves and serenity in the face of suffering. Week by week\, learn how you can bring meditative awareness to everything that you do. \nEach weekly 2-hour session will be interactive\, with a mixture of guided meditations\, group discussions\, and practical exercises. \nAll our courses are led by practitioners with many years experience. Although rooted in Buddhist meditation techniques\, Zen is not a belief system and the course is suitable for those of all faiths or none –  everyone is welcome. \nInformation & Booking\nFor full information and how to book please see the course webpage. \n  \n\n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/the-art-of-zen-online-6-week-course-2/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Course ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/05-aoz-clear-bg-on-ripples-16-9.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260501T194500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260501T213000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260410T200417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T190444Z UID:10017505-1777664700-1777671000@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:London Vesak Celebration - Watering the Buddha Within DESCRIPTION:Join our Vesak celebration honouring the Buddha’s birth\, awakening\, and the path of peace within us all. \nTake part in bathing the baby Buddha\, symbolising the cleansing of unwholesome seeds\, beginning anew and revealing our true nature of compassion. \nAll are welcome including children. Please reserve a free ticket. \n\nTouch the awakened nature within ourselves as we honour the Buddha’s life\, his awakening\, and the path he opened for all beings \nVesak is the Buddhist celebration of the Buddha’s life and Enlightenment. It is a precious moment for us to gently recognise our habit energies\, to nourish understanding and compassion\, and to reflect on the legacy we offer the world through our thoughts\, our speech\, and our actions. \nWe lovingly request that you reserve a free ticket so that we can understand how many friends are attending and offer a celebration that is safe\, warm\, and truly meaningful for everyone in our community. \nThe Ceremony\nDuring the ceremony\, we will sit together in the spirit of siblinghood. With our gentle breathing and open hearts\, we will offer incense to the Buddha. Its gentle fragrance is the perfume of our mindfulness\, our togetherness\, and our interbeing. We will meditate together to be in touch with the present moment\, and chant to deepen our understanding and awareness. \nWe will have a chance to walk together in procession. With each step\, we can offer our presence and dedicate our steps to the Buddha\, to Th?y\, and to those who are dear to us. \nWe will then water the baby Buddha as we are held by the Chant of Compassion – Namo Avalokiteshvaraya. \n“The baby Buddha is the seed of awakening in every one of us.” \nEveryone is warmly welcome\, especially children who bring their own freshness and joy to the practice. \nYou may bring fresh flower petals to add to the Buddha’s bath if you wish. \nWe hope to share this nourishing Vesak celebration with you. \nThe Organising Team – a beautiful collaboration of Plum Village Sanghas \nColours of Compassion Sangha \nFamily Sangha \nHeart of London Sangha \nMai Blossom Vietnamese Sangha \nWake Up London Sangha URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/london-vesak-celebration-watering-the-buddha-within/ LOCATION:Friends Meeting House\, 8 Hop Gardens\, London WC2N 4EH CATEGORIES:Ceremony ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Watering-Buddha.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T120000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260409T153225Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T113943Z UID:10015246-1777802400-1777809600@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Mindful Morning - Is peace really possible? DESCRIPTION:This month facilitated by Michael Schwammberger\n  \nLooking at recent events (the war in the Middle East) including the situation in Ukraine\, Gaza\, Lebanon\, Sudan\, and other forgotten conflicts\, we may get the feeling that perhaps genunine longterm peace is an illusion. \nYet at the same time our Plum Village tradition has direct roots in the Vietnam war and from that event Thay has offered us a way to practice peace and to create the foundations for peace to manifest. \nThe talk will invites us all to reflect on peace as a theme and to collectively see what we can do to nurture peace. \nResources\nBUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR PEACE \nMINISTRY FOR PEACE \n  \n\n\nMichael Schwammberger (Chan Phap Son – True Dharma Mountain) \nMichael was born in the UK but grew up in the beautiful island of Ibiza\, Spain. \nIn 1996 he arrived in Plum Village inspired by Thay’s book Peace is Every Step after having practiced insight meditation for 4 years at Gaia House meditation centre\, in the UK. \nHe stayed on in Plum Village\, being deeply moved by Thich Nhat Hanh and the sense of community\, and ended up ordaining as a novice monk in February 1997\, receiving his full ordination and the 14 mindfulness trainings in 1998. \nIn January 2003 he received the lamp transmission. He lived in Plum Village\, France and the monasteries in the United States (Deer Park and Maple Forest\, now Blue Cliff) and travelled extensively with Thay in his teaching tours. \nMichael took a sabbatical in 2011 and returned to lay life in 2012 and teaches as a lay teacher offering retreats in Europe and Israel. \n\nOn the first Sunday of every month\, we offer a Morning of Mindfulness led by UK Lay Dharma Teachers\, Members of the Order of Interbeing\, Monastic Dharma Teachers and special guests. \nThe morning will typically include a guided meditation\, followed by a talk or panel. After a short break\, there will be an opportunity for Dharma sharing in groups. \n  \nMain image by Maria Baltazzi on Unsplash URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/monthly-mindful-morning-5/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Mindful Morning ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sunguk-kim-JhqBxsORuXA-unsplash-e1776425965725.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T140000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260112T173610Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T180051Z UID:10016072-1778162400-1778162400@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Walking in the World - Retreat in Scotland DESCRIPTION:A springtime retreat led by Cliff Brown (Brother Phap Vu) in the beautiful surroundings of Wiston Lodge\, Lanarkshire \nWell known to the Scottish sangha as Brother Phap Vu\, Cliff Brown was a monastic Dharma Teacher in the Plum Village tradition for 18 years. He recently returned to lay life and currently resides in Michigan\, USA. \nDuring this retreat we will enjoy Dharma talks from Cliff and we will sit\, eat and walk together as a sangha – strengthening our mindfulness practice in order to embrace the challenges of our lives with clarity\, peace and joy. \nWe hope you can join us! \n  \n \nEmbracing and Looking Deeply at Suffering | Br Phap Vu \n  \nRetreat Info\nSchedule\nThu 7 May\n2:00 PM onwards – Arrival\n6:00 PM – Dinner \nBefore 6 PM you are invited to settle in and explore the beautiful surroundings of the lodge and its gardens. \nSun 10 May\n1:00 PM – Lunch and departure \nLocation\nWiston Lodge is equidistant between Edinburgh and Glasgow\, approximately 1 hour’s drive from each. \nThe postcode may not bring you directly to the Lodge. Once in Wiston Village\, find the Primary School. The Lodge is located at the top of the hill\, right next to the school. \nLift Sharing\nWe encourage retreatants to lift share when possible. If you would like to request or offer a lift\, you can specify this when booking. \nTrains and Buses\nThe nearest train station is Lanark\, from where it is possible to travel on to Wiston by bus or taxi. There are also bus services from Edinburgh that stop near the village. More details can be found on the Wiston Lodge website here. \n\nPhoto Wiston Lodge \n  \nAccommodation\nWiston Lodge is an outdoor learning and education centre nestled amongst the rolling hills of Southern Scotland. \nStaying in the House\nThe house is a beautiful old Victorian building dating from 1850. Accommodation is in shared\, dormitory-style rooms\, including some bunk beds. Please let us know if you are not able to stay in a top bunk or if you have any other mobility issues or concerns and we will do our best to accommodate everybody comfortably. \nCamping\nCamping will also be available in in a large\, tree-lined field\, with toilet facilities nearby and easy access to showers in the main house. The field overlooks the pond and offers great views of the surrounding landscape including Tinto Hill \nWhat to bring\n— Please bring a mat and a meditation cushion or stool.\n— Appropriate clothing for a retreat and Scottish weather in May.\n— Your own towel.\n— Personal items such as toiletries and pen and notepad.\n— You will be encouraged to turn off your phone during the retreat. \nFood\nVegan food will be served. If you have any other dietary requirements or allergies you can let us know when booking. \nCost\n£290 to stay in the house\n£200 camping \nWe have kept pricing for this retreat to a minimum. \nPricing is at cost for the accommodation\, facilities and catering at Wiston Lodge plus a small contribution (around £20 pp) towards the travel and accommodation costs for Cliff Brown. \nThis is made possible by a very generous donation from a sangha member. There will be the opportunity during the retreat to offer dana (donations). \nWe expect this to be a popular retreat and – as it is a fairly small venue – places are limited so please book early to avoid any disappointment. \nBursaries\nWe are hoping to be able to offer bursaries to those for whom the cost of the retreat is difficult to manage. If you are able to generously donate to this fund\, you can make a donation when booking. \nIf you would like to be considered for receiving a bursary\, please email the team on wistonretreat2026@plumvillage.uk\, informing us why you the cost is difficult for you at this time. Any information given will be treated with total confidentiality. \nCancellation Policy\nWiston Lodge requires us to book for a minimum number of participants. We are therefore only able to offer refunds if we are able to fill your place with another retreatant. Thank you for your understanding. \nHealth\nIf you have any requirements you would like to make us aware of that will help to make the retreat possible and enjoyable for you please mention these on the booking form. These might include mobility issues and any other health/support needs. All information shared will be treated confidentially and with respect. \nContact Us\nIf you have any questions or if you need to contact us for any other reason please email \nwistonretreat2026@plumvillage.uk \nTop image by Flor Saurina on Unsplash URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/walking-in-the-world-retreat-in-scotland/ LOCATION:Wiston Lodge\, Millrigg Road\, Wiston\, Biggar\, South Lanarkshire\, ML12 6HT\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Retreat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/flor-saurina-Rk434ULROpM-unsplash-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T050000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T050000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260428T200413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T151753Z UID:10017517-1778302800-1778389200@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Global Vigil for Peace DESCRIPTION:Organised by Tshedisa Sangha\, Botswana and UK Dharma Teacher Rehena Harilall \n\nIn growing polarisation\, war\, and suffering\, we come together across cultures\, and traditions to cultivate peace\, compassion and unity. \nTogether\, we generate a field of presence\, healing\, and shared humanity for ourselves and for the world. \n“Even one hour of shared peace can touch our world” \nSchedule\n\n  \nCandle photo by Prateek Gautam on Unsplash URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/global-vigil-for-peace/ CATEGORIES:Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/prateek-gautam-wX1GSlEHzuc-unsplash-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T170000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20251208T150144Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T161738Z UID:10015906-1778328000-1778346000@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Sangha Walking Holiday DESCRIPTION:Main photo by Sam Vernon on Unsplash \nWalking outdoors in beautiful surroundings is a natural mindfulness activity. We will walk together\, as a small group\, on coastal paths\, through wooded valleys\, and out on the open moorland of Exmoor National Park. \nParticipants need to be able to comfortably walk up to twelve miles in a day in any weather\, including on rough and undulating terrain\, and to bring their own camping kit. We’ll be camping\, and walking between campsites. \nA support team will take care of your food\, and transport your camping kit\, allowing you to enjoy the guided walks with only your day pack. \nYour food is included and will be vegan – a simple campsite breakfast\, a packed lunch and a cooked supper. \nThe holiday has six nights camping\, five days walking\, and will cost £320. \nHow to book\nPlease email sanghawalking@plumvillage.uk to book a place\, for details of how to pay\, and with any queries. \n\nPhoto by Jane Coatesworth URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/sangha-walking-holiday/ CATEGORIES:Retreat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sam-vernon-kw2Bd5b3b-M-unsplash-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T193000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20250411T205359Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T152120Z UID:10015127-1778436000-1778441400@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:White Awareness Sangha DESCRIPTION:This is an opportunity for Plum Village UK sangha members who are interested in practicing together and reflecting on what being racialised as white means. \nThe White Awareness sangha meetings offer an open\, compassionate space of deep listening and loving speech where we can explore how we can recognise and transform racism\, both overt and unconscious\, in ourselves and the communities we move in. \nWe will include time for sitting meditation\, a reflective reading or talk\, and a time for sharing. \nPractising together to look deeply at what a white identity means to us can help us embrace and transform the ancestral suffering within us and around us – as well as helping us grow inclusive sanghas where all people can find a home. These sessions are focused on the specific roles\, responsibilities and experiences of being racialised as white. \nResources\nOur white awareness sangha meets following the Call to Love in Action shared by ARISE Plum Village Sangha. \nAfrican American Dharma teacher Ruth King writes about the benefit of racial affinity groups here. \n  URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/white-awareness-sangha/2026-05-10/ LOCATION:Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/white-awareness-calligraphy-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260515T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260517T183000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260320T142550Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T145421Z UID:10017243-1778869800-1779042600@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Cultivating Sangha Being Sangha DESCRIPTION:Schedule\nFri 15 May: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM\nSat 16 May: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM with frequent breaks\nSun 17 May: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM with frequent breaks \n\nBy bringing joy and happiness to one person\, we bring joy and happiness to every one of us. That is why I think that community-building\, sangha-building\, is the most important\, most noble work that we can do. \n— Thich Nhat Nanh \n  \nRooted in the Plum Village Tradition\, we will explore facilitation as a continuation of our own practice\, learning together how to create inclusive\, safe\, and sustainable online Sangha spaces \nTogether\, we will reflect on how we hold and serve Sanghas online with care\, inclusivity\, and ethical awareness\, while also attending to our own sustainability and well-being. \nThrough shared practice\, dialogue\, and peer reflection\, participants are invited to deepen confidence\, clarity\, and connection in their facilitation\, and to discover how online Sangha can continue to be a place of refuge and true togetherness. \n  \nRetreat Leaders\n\nRehena Harilall / True Deep Source (she/we) \nRehena Harilall is an Order of Interbeing member and Dharma Teacher in the Plum Village Tradition. Rooted in African and Asian heritages\, her practice has been shaped by growing up in apartheid South Africa and by a long-standing inquiry into healing\, belonging\, and collective care. \nShe has practised in the Plum Village tradition since 1998\, and practices and facilitates with Sanghas in the UK\, the USA\, and Botswana. Rehena brings a mindfulness-based\, trauma-aware approach to Sangha life and facilitation\, informed by her training in psychology\, somatic abolition and trauma work\, and her professional work in organisational and business contexts. \nShe sits on the EDI Advisory Group of the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches\, contributing to making mindfulness more inclusive\, recognising non-MBSR-based pathways\, and supporting the development of trauma-aware practice in mindfulness settings. She has written about practice in Lion’s Roar and The Mindfulness Bell\, and brings her practice outward through multi-faith relationship-building and the creation of collective spaces of care for engaged action. \n  \n\nSita Brand / True Lotus Wisdom \nSita is a story archaeologist\, storyteller and UK Dharma Teacher. \nShe has spent 40 years as a professional storyteller\, bringing using story to educate and empower communities through her organisation Settle Stories. She also serves as a Buddhist prison chaplain\, where she has witnessed the need and desire for stories. \nSita has over 30 years of mindfulness meditation practice and is trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). \nHer background as a storyteller of dual heritage (Indian father\, English mother) informs how she approaches questions of belonging\, identity\, and the ancestral wisdom we carry or reject. \nShe is also a visual artist influenced by Indian folk art traditions\, weaving together themes of cultural meeting\, traditional wisdom\, and everyday sacred moments. \n  \nPractical Information\nTraining\nThis retreat is structured around the Buddhist principles known as the Six Togethernesses (Six Harmonies)\, which offer a living framework for how a Sangha practises and serves together. \nThe sessions explore togetherness in body\, speech\, mind\, ethical conduct\, shared understanding\, and mutual support\, offering a clear and wholesome way to cultivate\, nourish\, and care for Sangha. \nThrough guided practice\, Dharma insights and sharing\, dialogue\, and real-life scenario examples\, participants will explore how to embody togetherness in online facilitation\, with particular attention to staying present and grounded when difficult or sensitive situations arise\, and meeting them with mindfulness\, compassion\, and wholesome skill in ways that care for both individuals and the Sangha. \nPricing\nWe are offering tiered pricing to allow accessibility. Please pay as much as you are able to to support this retreat. \n£140 – Generosity rate\n£100 – Standard rate\n£60 – Supported rate \nIf the lowest rate is still unaffordable for you\, please contact us. We would like no one to be turned away due to lack of funds. \nDana and Money\nThe booking rates are inclusive of dana for organisational ease. A proportion of income will go towards Plum Village UK’s costs plus a payment to Rehena and Sita\, and a donation to the Order of Interbeing UK Bursary fund. \nRefunds\nWe can offer a full refund minus the Ticket Tailor fee for cancellations made up to two weeks before the retreat. After that no refund is available other than in exceptional circumstances – please contact the organisers if you feel this applies to you. \nFurther Details\nFurther details of the weekend will be emailed to all participants closer to the time. \nShould you have any questions before then\, please feel free to contact us. \nContact Us\nEmail admin@plumvillage.uk URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/cultivating-sangha-being-sangha-facilitators-retreat/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Online Event,Retreat ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/nature-1-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260516T093000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260516T160000 DTSTAMP:20260525T213402 CREATED:20260120T162940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T164513Z UID:10016919-1778923800-1778947200@plumvillage.uk SUMMARY:Dorking Day of Mindfulness with Murray Corke DESCRIPTION:Cultivating Inner Peace\nA Day of Mindfulness with Guildford Sangha led by UK Dharma Teacher Murray Corke \n  \nPlease bring your own vegan food to share. \nThere will be all our usual Plum Village practices plus a Dharma talk by Murray. \nParking is available next door at Sainsbury for £8 per day \nIf traveling by train\, the nearest station is Dorking\, from where you can walk or get a taxi. \nCost and Booking\nTo reserve a place\, please pay £16 using the Collectiv payment link \nIf you are unwaged or on a very low income and would be able to join us otherwise\, we ask for a donation of £8 instead using the Collectiv link. \nCollectiv Payment Link \nContact\nsarah@plumvillage.uk \n  \nPhoto by Daesun Kim on Unsplash URL:https://plumvillage.uk/event/dorking-day-of-mindfulness-with-murray-corke/ LOCATION:Dorking Quaker Meeting House\, Butter Hill\, South St\, Dorking\, RH4 2LE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Day Of Mindfulness ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://plumvillage.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/daesun-kim-V1ffVsPWCDc-unsplash-16-9.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR