Some Deer Park practitioners prefer the silent portions of retreats--such as sitting and walking meditations--to work on themselves and their mindfulness. Sangha interactions, however, are a vital part of the mindfulness practice in the Plum Village tradition. A friend of Deer Park shares how community activities were challenging for her, but she knew she was where she needed to be.
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DonateMy first visit to Deer Park was for “The Buddha, The Scientist” retreat with over 100 monastics from around the United States. I am so grateful to have been surrounded by that level of mindfulness, along with being a part of Br. Phap Dung’s Dharma sharing family and to have Sr. True Adaptable Action guide us through work practice each day.
To be honest, the retreat was extremely challenging for me. Shortly before I came, I had some very painful experiences, and felt I could have used a more “silent” retreat, but knew I needed to engage in the practice of mindfulness within the community. During Dharma sharing, Thay Phap Dung also reminded us to practice within the community. Although it was a challenging experience, it was where I needed to be. Each time I think back, I am reminded of the gift of being surrounded by so much care and love. Deer Park was truly a refuge for me.
Although I am relatively new to the Deer Park community, I have felt Thay’s presence in his teachings, practice and continuation and am grateful for the path Thay has paved.
Thank you, again, dear Respected Community, dear respected Thay, and dear Monastics for continuing Thay’s teachings and for supporting the global Sangha through a lived practice.
With much Love and Respect.
Warmest regards,
Liberating Source of Kindness
In harmony with Thay’s practice of writing love letters to share gratitude, love, and peace with those around him, we asked practitioners to submit love letters to Deer Park describing what it means to them.
If you would like to submit your own Love Letter to Deer Park, please email us at loveletters@deerparkmonastery.org. We love receiving your writings, poetry, and photos. Please include your name and Dharma name if you have one.
From time to time we offer multi-week courses related to mindfulness, the teachings and life of Thich Nhat Hanh, and a variety of similar subjects. Please see our schedule of upcoming courses.
Take the Deer Park Monastery and Plum Village community with you wherever you go. The Plum Village app is designed to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and joy through guided meditations, deep relaxations, practice poems, bells of mindfulness, and other practices — all through a mobile device.
