Plum Village Monastics

Plum Village Monastery in France was the first monastic practice centre founded by Thich Nhat Hanh in the West. It is where Thich Nhat Hanh developed his iconic light and gentle style of mindfulness practice that is now familiar around the world.

Monastics in the Plum Village tradition take a monastic bodhisattva vow. This is a deep, lifelong promise to dedicate one's life to easing suffering and bringing joy to all beings. A "bodhisattva" is someone who vows to reach awakening not just for themselves, but to help others. Monastics take these vows during formal ceremonies.

The Plum Village Community’s dynamic and engaged monastic order is the largest Buddhist monastic community in the West. In each Plum Village practice centre, the monks and nuns create a peaceful, joyful, and healing environment where visitors can take refuge and immerse themselves in mindfulness practice. Our monastics continue the tradition from the time of the Buddha, devoting their lives to deep studying, training, and teaching to help the world generate peace and transform suffering. Their commitment to a life of simplicity, harmony, and spiritual training helps ensure that the Plum Village practice will be carried far into the future.