r/plumvillage

a few days ago we were outside and she wanted to take her shoes off. I told her we can walk in the grass.

the next day, she said she wanted to take her shoes off and walk in the grass, I told her it was called mindful walking and just walked slowly with her saying “step. step”

today after dinner she said “dada can we go outside and walk in the grass? it’s called mindful walking dada can you say that?”

my wife and I couldn’t believe it. hopefully a special gift one day for her

I'm wondering if Deer Park teen camp would be appropriate for my 15-year-old who has never done a meditation retreat before and who doesn't already have a practice. Her school incorporates mindfulness in a meaningful way, and I meditate, so it's not an unfamiliar concept. She has ADHD and anxiety, and I would love for her to have an immersive experience that equips her with some skills and gives her a sense of community and peer support. But I wouldn't want her to feel like she's in over her head. (She has gone to many overnight camps, and has camped in tents before.)

Hello! Are there any OI members here? I am very interested in the OI and have downloaded the aspirancy packet. I have a long way to go before I'm prepared. However, I do have some questions!

For instance, the nearest monastery to me is five hours away. I started a local sangha two years ago, but obviously I'm no dharma teacher and there's no one in this sangha who is either. So I'm not sure how to go about finding a mentor.

Also, who do I write a letter to since Thay's continuation?

And probably the most obvious question, is the OI even accepting new members?

Thanks!

Edit: I am in Central Illinois, in the US.

Dear Community, I hope you're all feeling well. Might anyone know of study or discussion groups in the Plum Village tradition? I continue to deepen my practice through self-study of the Dharma as well as by attending several sangha meetings during the week. I've had the chance to go to a retreat at Plum Village as well, and I have attended virtual workshops. But as my practice deepens, I can see that it would be supportive to discuss the practice and the Dharma with others, beyond Dharma sharing. Does anyone know if these exist? (Or should I try to study directly with a Dharma teacher?) Many thanks and a deep bow. :)

I've started to make some plans for retirement. I come from a very poor East European country. What is the cheapest country where I can live close to or within Plum Village associated center or temple?

Thank you for your replies in advance 🙏

How to navigate this life in the midst of such painful injustice around the world? When so many refuse to even acknowledge the grim reality we're all a part of (much less sacrifice anything from their lives to help address)? What to do when 'spiritual resistance' doesn't feel like it's enough?

What to do when focusing on our 'ourselves' and reducing that level of suffering doesn't feel like enough? I understand that by taking care of my own suffering I take care of the world's suffering because I am a part of this world (First be peace, then do peace). But all this feels inadequate...selfish...and insufficient.

When I have sufficiently taken care of my suffering, what then? How do I go about helping address the deafening suffering all around me? The obliviousness of those countless people who choose to look away - what of them? What does 'engaged buddhism' even mean at that point?

Please help!! What's best practice to over come this. I meditate around 20 minutes per days but I just can't take lid

Thank y’all in advance for any very short (like 10-40 pages ideally) Thay writing recs!

My public defender office’s monthly book club has been reading and discussing very short articles and stories. With how busy we are, many don’t even find time to read the very short assigned readings.

I’d love to introduce Thay to my office. Thay and the Plum Village tradition have really transformed my life and practice.

What’s a very short and powerful reading? I can photocopy chapters of books or print online articles.

Our office touches a lot of suffering through our work. My first instinct was maybe something from No Mud No Lotus. Any other ideas?

Thank you! 🙏