European Institute of Applied Buddhism

The European Institute of Applied Buddhism (EIAB) is the first institute of applied Buddhism founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay). In September 2008, Thich Nhat Hanh sent a group of 20 monks and nuns from Plum Village to the town of Waldbröl, about an hour from the city of Cologne, to set up this non-profit organization in Germany.

Since his time as a young monastic, Thay’s deep wish was to bring Buddhism into the
modern world. He did not want Buddhism to remain an exotic philosophical ideal, out
of reach for most people. Rather, he wanted people from all walks of life to be able to learn and practice Buddhism and apply the teachings to their own lives. He believed that this would transform the suffering of individuals, families, and the wider community. This dream of Thay’s is shared by monks, nuns and lay friends of the International Plum Village Sangha.

The EIAB is situated on the edge of the small town of Waldbröl, Germany amid rolling fields and magnificent pine forests. The EIAB has a large residential monastic community of over 40 monks and nuns. Practitioners at EIAB live with the monastic community and enjoy the collective energy of mindfulness and concentration. To be surrounded by a harmonious community is the best support for those who wish to apply mindfulness in their daily lives.

At EIAB, Buddhism is not taught as a religion. Instead, Buddhist teachings are offered in a practical and non-religious way. Practitioners of any or no religious background can benefit from learning these teachings and putting them into practice. As such, the EIAB draws on the wealth of the Buddha’s teaching to offer a complete program of training in concrete methods that relieve suffering and promote happiness and peace in ourselves and in the world. The training integrates the study of Buddhist texts with concrete applications to daily and modern life. All courses and programs are offered by monastic or lay Dharma Teachers who have been selected based on their stability in  the practice and ability to lead a happy and peaceful life.

The EIAB offers more than 100 courses annually on a range of topics, including: Buddhist psychology; transforming anger and depression; navigating psychological crises; and helping to heal and nourish healthy communication between parents and children, family members, relatives and friends. We also offer courses designed for different members of our community including: police officers, politicians, psychotherapists, educators, and businesspeople. Study programs at EIAB include annual retreats over Easter, summer, and the New Year, as well as weekend mindfulness courses.