Plum Village UK

Being Peace Centre Retreats
2026-03-09 - 2027-01-31 | Being Peace Practice Centre, Church Lane, Abenhall, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, GL17 0DX, United Kingdom
Please find the Being Peace Retreat Calendar here: https://beingpeace.uk/retreats

Neurodiversity Sangha
2026-07-06 19:00 - 20:30 (Europe/London) | Online
The Smiling Sitters online group is specialising in PTSD, ADHD and Neurodiversity-related conditions. We wish to offer space for people who feel less able to fit into other groups and want a group that accommodates and addresses their needs.
For more information, any questions and joining details, please email Sylvia: sylvia.clare@btinternet.com
Held on Zoom as it allows people to attend with their camera off and to feel safe until they are ready to show their faces.

If you’d like to find out about Sylvia and making mindfulness accessible for people with Neurodivergent challenges, please watch this video

Photo by KOJI FUTAMI on Unsplash

Rainbow Sangha
2026-07-07 19:00 - 20:30
Who we are
As people identifying under this umbrella, we may face challenges and discrimination within ourselves and from the outside. Our wish is to support each other and to acknowledge our own uniqueness and connectedness.
We co-create a mindful space where we can equally share our pain and our joy, where we don’t need to assess risks of showing who we truly are or edit the queerness of our experience for the perceived benefit of others. We enjoy being joyfully together.
What we do
Within Rainbow Sangha, we have created a space that’s welcoming and open to anyone interested in the practice of mindfulness. Some of us have been practising for years and others are just starting out on their path of practice. We are mindful to explain and explore how we practice so that we all can benefit.
Meeting on Zoom has allowed our sangha to be open to all, regardless of location, and we welcome participants from around the globe. Most of us join with our video enabled but some join only with audio, whatever works best for each person.
As well as our weekly Rainbow Sangha, we have a gender diverse sangha which meets monthly, and a study group which meets twice a month.
What we say
It is a very friendly, warm, and supportive community. What amazes me especially is how diverse it is: every part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum seems to be represented, and there is also a wide range of ages and life experiences. This makes the process of dharma sharing incredibly rich.
— Mark S, gay, cis-gendered male, age 65
it is no exaggeration to say Plum Village and this Sangha have transformed my life for the better. It is a great source of comfort, stability and happiness for me. It is very welcoming, kind and supportive, like a big warm hug.
— Jules, cis-gendered lesbian, age 48
Rainbow Sangha is a place where I feel safe and allows me to be me! We practice deep listening and Dharma sharing, meditation and Thay’s teachings and I feel valued, accepted and loved! I love my new virtual family!!
— Julie (she/her)
The welcome, warmth and wisdom of friends from across the spectrum has nourished me to grow in myself and the support and sharing is an inspiration. A simply joyous space.
— K8 MacKenzie – she/her
The sangha is a truly welcoming, warm, honest and nurturing space and it’s so beautiful to see friendly diverse faces each week and to share time together.
— Natalie
I really like the fact that the sangha is completely rainbow spectrum Inclusive especially as for TNB people for whom diverse sexuality is also relevant.
Gary

Joining Us
Please email us at rainbowsanghauk@gmail.com for more information on Rainbow Sangha and how you can join us.

Diamond Moon Sangha
2026-07-08 18:00 - 19:30
Diamond Moon Sangha – Vajra Chandra Sangha ()
A Sangha for Disabled (Dis) and Neurodiverse (ND) practitioners following the teachings of Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, Sisters, Brothers and Siblings of Plum Village.

In our Sangha, we embrace a mindful approach to navigating the challenges of disability and neurodiversity, inspired by the teachings of Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, the Buddha, and the practices of Plum Village.

We understand that pain, whether physical or emotional, is a natural part of life. Through mindfulness, we learn to observe our differences with a gentle and non-judgemental awareness, transforming our relationship with them.

Mindful Approach to Disability & Neurodiversity

We recognise the interconnectedness of mind and body, and the interbeing nature of our experiences through a “disabled body or neurodiverse lens”.

Interbeing, a term from Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings, refers to the interconnectedness of all things the understanding, that nothing exists in isolation, and every experience is shaped by countless conditions.

Viewing the world and our experiences through our unique perspectives as disabled and neurodiverse individuals, acknowledging how our bodies and minds interact with the environment and society.

This holistic view helps us to understand and respond to difficulties and pain, as well as to the joys. Enhancing the positives and supporting and working through the challenges of sharing the body and mind, broadening how we relate to our place in the cosmos.

A Safe and Accessible Environment for All

Our Sangha is a space where everyone can practise together, regardless of their diagnosis. We are committed to creating an accessible and supportive environment, where each member feels seen, heard, and valued.

To ensure inclusivity, we offer online meetings with captioning, sensory-friendly spaces, and flexible participation options to accommodate diverse needs, fostering a community of compassion.

The Sangha name ‘Diamond Moon’ refers to the zen guidance of “the finger pointing at the moon” which is a metaphor that illustrates the distinction between teachings (the finger) and the ultimate reality or truth (the moon) they point to. The diamond’s facets illustrating the various aspects of ND and Dis lived experience.”

Zoom Instructions

Please email for the Zoom link: connect@diamondmoonsangha.com

White Awareness Sangha
2026-07-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
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.
The 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.
We will include time for sitting meditation, a reflective reading or talk, and a time for sharing.
Practising 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.
Resources
Our white awareness sangha meets following the Call to Love in Action shared by ARISE Plum Village Sangha.
African American Dharma teacher Ruth King writes about the benefit of racial affinity groups here.

Engaged Practice for Peace
2026-07-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Let 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
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Many 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?
You 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.
We 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.
Please join us for a guided meditation, a reading, music and Dharma Sharing.
Hosted by members of the Plum Village UK sangha.

The Art of Zen - Online 6 week course
2026-07-16 19:00 - 21:00
The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy
Schedule
6 Week Online Course:
Thursdays 7 – 9 PM
16, 23 & 30 July
6, 13 & 20 Aug 2026
Experience how mindfulness can transform your life in this 6-week group course based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Zen 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.
Each weekly 2-hour session will be interactive, with a mixture of guided meditations, group discussions, and practical exercises.
All 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.
Information & Booking
For full information and how to book please see the course webpage.

Earth Care Sangha
2026-07-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Earth Care Sangha – A Sangha For Our Times
We have to wake up together — Thich Nhat Hanh
Many of us are aware that we live in times of great peril for life on Earth but also of great promise for change. It is easy to be overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness, despair and sorrow for what is being done to the Earth. But by practising together we can make a positive difference, and strengthen our resilience and joy. In response to our individual and collective need to do something, Earth Care Sangha is offered.
In small Dharma sharing groups we can explore our feelings and speak openly in the company of others who share our concerns, safe in the knowledge that we do this without judgement or conflict. We hope that by sharing freely in this way, we can help each other find concrete ways to transform and heal, cultivate joy, and strengthen our understanding of interbeing with Mother Earth.
Grounded in the Plum Village tradition, and with close links to the Earth Care Steering Group, Earth Care Sangha is truly a sangha for these times. We invite you to join us, enjoy the practices, and help shape its future. Let’s wake up together!
Please email earthcare@plumvillage.uk with any feedback, questions, suggestions or offers of help.

Earth Care Resources

Downloadable resources for holding your own Earth caring sangha meeting
Additional Earth Care Resources

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

Guided Meditation: The Four Elements | Sister Chan Duc

Creative Mindfulness Retreat in Cornwall
2026-07-24 08:00 - 2026-07-26 17:00 | Chyan Cultural Centre, Penryn, TR10 9BT, United Kingdom
Creative Mindfulness – Watering Seeds of Creativity and Joy
In each one of us is an artist. The artist is very important. The artist can bring freshness, joy, and meaning to life

We all have seeds of creativity inside, and during this weekend we will water them. Together, we’ll explore ‘play’ as one of the four pillars of Plum Village Zen practice.
Through creative explorations indoors and outdoors we’ll nourish qualities of openness, aimlessness, aliveness and connection.
In these times of big changes we want to be resilient. Being in touch with our heartfelt inspiration energises, uplifts and supports us.

This retreat invites you to (re)discover your innate creative flow through meditation, nature immersion, and playful exploration in community. You’ll have time to experiment with colours, sounds, words, and materials from the natural world. Time to explore, to play, and to be surprised by what emerges. You are invited to become curious, receptive, playful, adventurous and tender.
Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh encouraged us to embrace the energies of creativity and play as part of our practice. Mindfulness and creative exploration have a lot in common; they reach beyond words, touch the heart, expand the mind. Creativity supports our mindfulness, and mindfulness nurtures our creativity.
In our time together, our embodied presence, silence and connection with the natural world help us touch the very heart and source of our creative energy. We’ll listen deeply to the sounds of nature around, the creative stirrings within and the pieces we create together and individually. Meditation, gentle movement, a Dharma talk, songs, humming, toning, deep listening, creative play, reflection and sharing circles will all be part of this retreat.
The ticket for the retreat does not include a fee for the teacher. Following Buddhist tradition and practice, there is an opportunity to offer Dana (a donation) to Susanne at the end of the weekend. Dana is the practice of generosity and giving from the heart within our means, which has sustained teachers and the teachings throughout the millenia. A suggested amount is £10 – £40 per day, please bring cash along (making a bank transfer will also be possible).

You will experience

Guided mindfulness meditations in the Zen Buddhist tradition of Plum Village and Thich Nhat Hanh
Gentle movement practices to support embodied presence
A Dharma teaching on creativity as a Dharma door
Creative explorations with colours, sounds, words, and materials from the natural world indoors and outdoors
Sharing circles

Previous participants said

Deep listening and improvising in nature helped me to connect with life on a very deep level. It was a profound and beautiful experience.
I loved the exploration, it gave me great confidence. The teaching was friendly, warm and very inspirational.
…deeply nurturing… That listening walk was total medicine. The days passed so quickly and deliciously, each new task having a sense of adventure. I am inspired, THANK YOU.

Photo credit: Landart © Dietmar Voorwold, https://www.landart-creations.com

The Art of Zen - Online 6 week course
2026-07-29 19:00 - 21:00
The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy
Schedule
6 Week Online Course:
Every Wednesday 7 – 9 PM
29 July
5, 12, 19 & 26 Aug
2 Sept
Experience how mindfulness can transform your life in this 6-week group course based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Zen 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.
Each weekly 2-hour session will be interactive, with a mixture of guided meditations, group discussions, and practical exercises.
All 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.
Information & Booking
For full information and how to book please see the course webpage.

The Art of Zen - Stockport weekend course
2026-07-31 19:00 - 2026-08-02 21:00 | The Mellor Centre, Church Road, Mellor, Stockport, SK6 5LX, United Kingdom
The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy
Schedule
Friday 31 Jul: 7.00 PM – 9.00 PM
Saturday 1 Aug: 9.30 AM – 5.30 PM
Sunday 2 Aug: 9.30 AM – 3.00 PM
Experience how mindfulness can transform your life in this weekend course, based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Zen 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.
The weekend will be interactive, with a mixture of guided meditations, group discussions, and practical exercises.
All 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.
Information & Booking
For full information and how to book please see the course webpage.

Mindful Morning
2026-08-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
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.
The 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.

Main image by Maria Baltazzi on Unsplash

The Art of Zen - Derby weekend course
2026-09-19 10:00 - 2026-09-20 16:00 | Belper Old School House, Chapel Street, DE56 1AR
The Art of Zen was formerly Be Calm Be Happy
Schedule
Saturday 19 Sep: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 20 Sep: 10 AM – 4 PM
Experience how mindfulness can transform your life in this weekend course, based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Zen 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.
The weekend will be interactive, with a mixture of guided meditations, group discussions, and practical exercises.
All 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.
Information & Booking
For full information and how to book please see the course webpage.
