Brother Pháp Hội

Brother Chân Pháp Hội is the eldest monastic brother at Deer Park Monastery, known for his extraordinary journey into monastic life. Born in 1970 into a humble family in Hanoi, his path led him across multiple countries—Czechoslovakia, Germany, and eventually France—where he was ordained at Plum Village in 1996. His life has been marked by resilience in the face of great challenges, including fleeing as a refugee, navigating borders without proper paperwork, and enduring hardships in his search for a spiritual home.

Deeply inspired by Thay’s teachings, especially The Miracle of Mindfulness, Brother Phap Hoi discovered his calling to monastic life after attending a Day of Mindfulness in Germany. Since then, his practice has flourished despite many difficulties. He has played a vital role in establishing Deer Park Monastery in the U.S. and supporting the development of Plum Village centers in Thailand and Vietnam, including the historic Bát Nhã Monastery.

Brother Phap Hoi’s journey reflects the resilience and strength of the monastic Sangha, particularly during times of persecution and hardship. With deep gratitude for Thay’s inclusive and compassionate vision, he continues to walk the path of transformation and service. For him, the Sangha is a true family, offering a path of love and awakening that he follows wholeheartedly.

A Dharma teacher in the Plum Village tradition, originally from Vietnam, born in 1970. He entered monastic training in 1997 at the age of 27 and received the novice precepts on February 7, 1997, at Pháp Vân Temple – Plum Village, with the Dharma name Tâm Thiện Trí and the Dharma title Chân Pháp Hội. He belongs to the Cây Tùng (Pine Tree) ordination family.

He received full ordination in 1998 in the Tăng Hội Great Ordination Ceremony.

He is the 51st disciple of Thầy in the Plum Village lineage, the 43rd generation in the Lâm Tế (Linji) Zen tradition, and the 9th generation of the Liễu Quán Dharma branch