Our community practices in the tradition of the Vietnamese Zen monk, author and poet, Thich Nhat Hanh (otherwise known as Thay by his students). He places great emphasis on learning from direct experience, as we practice mindful breathing, walking and sitting, as well as mindfulness in our day-to-day chores and activities. This practice is often described as "the art of mindful living."

Born in Vietnam, Thay became a monk at the age of sixteen. Early on, he was faced with the dillemma between contemplative practice and tending to his war-torn community. He did both, and became a large influence on the Engaged Buddhism movement. He is a long-time peace activist, promoting non-violence and looking deeply from world affairs to our immediate relationships.

In his large body of literature, Thay often cites natural phenomena as a means to become aware of our interconnectedness, impermanence and the many factors that shape our lives in every moment.

In November of 2014, Thich Nhat Hanh suffered a severe stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. He would return to Từ Hiếu Temple in Vietnam in 2018 , where he would eventually pass away peacefully on January 22, 2022. Thich Nhat Hanh’s living legacy of engaged Buddhism is continued by his community of over 700 monastic disciples at 11 monasteries, as well as by hundreds of lay Dharma Teachers, thousands of members of his Order of Interbeing, and hundreds of thousands of followers worldwide. Through online teachings, retreats, teaching tours and engaged actions, the International Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism is carrying his extraordinary contribution forward.

For more information about Thich Nhat Hanh and Plum Village, you can click here for Plumvillage.org.