Plum VIllage France
Plum VIllage France
Plum VIllage France
Plum VIllage France

Plum Village France

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Location

1336 Route de Lalande 47120 Loubès-Bernac France

Facilities

Languages

English, French

Philosophers

Biography of Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh

Introduction

Nestled amidst the idyllic countryside of southern France, Plum Village serves as a sanctuary of mindfulness and spiritual renewal. Established by the renowned Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, Plum Village invites seekers from around the globe to immerse themselves in the practice of mindfulness meditation and teachings of engaged Buddhism. This serene retreat offers a tranquil setting for individuals to explore deep inner peace through guided meditation sessions, Dharma talks, and communal living experiences. What began in 1982 as a small, rustic farmstead, has today grown into Europe’s largest Buddhist monastery, with over 200 resident monks and nuns, living and practising in four different hamlets spread out across the French countryside. Plum Village is equipped with meditation halls, organic gardens, sustainable living practices, and comfortable accommodations nestled within the picturesque French countryside, providing a nurturing environment for spiritual growth and contemplation.

A Typical Day

 

Morning

  • Wake Up (5:00AM)
  • Sitting Meditation, followed by Sutra Reading / Touching the Earth / Slow Walking Meditation (6:00AM): Join the community in silent sitting meditation, cultivating inner peace and presence.
  • Physical exercise (7:00AM): personal exercise (eg. Yoga, Chi Gong, Tai Chi, Jogging) or, depending on the weather, group sports (football, volleyball, frisbee etc).
  • Breakfast (7:45AM): Enjoy a nourishing vegan breakfast together in silence, practicing mindful eating and gratitude.
  • Dharma Talk / Class / Presentation / Mindful service (9AM): Gather for a Dharma Talk offered by one of their Dharma teachers, or by Thay (Thich Nhat Hanh) through a recorded-DVDDharma teacher, or participate in a mindful service activity, contributing to the community’s well-being. Retreatants are encouraged to participate in communal activities such as preparing meals, cleaning, and other mindful work practices as part of the daily routine.
  • Walking meditation in nature (11:30AM): Stroll mindfully through Plum Village’s beautiful orchards and woods, connecting deeply with nature.

Afternoon

  • Lunch (12:30PM): Share a communal vegan lunch mindfully, savoring each bite and nurturing togetherness.
  • Rest or Optional Guide Relaxation (1:30PM): Take time for personal rest or join a guided relaxation session to rejuvenate body and mind.
  • Dharma sharing or mindful service (3:00PM): Participate in small-group Dharma sharing sessions or in communal service activities.

Evening:

  • Light Dinner (6:00PM): Enjoy a light and wholesome vegan dinner, fostering community spirit and gratitude.
  • Personal study time/ Sitting meditation or other collective practice (8:00PM)
  • Noble Silence begins (9:30AM): Enter into a period of noble silence, allowing for personal reflection and tranquility.
  • Lights out (10:00PM)

 

 

Facilities

Plum Village, France is actually composed of three separate monasteries, called “hamlets”. It offers a variety of facilities to support the practice of mindfulness and spiritual retreats:

  • Accommodation: Accommodation is communal, fostering a sense of community among retreatants. Most rooms feature single beds, and there are dormitories with bunk beds available. Couples may opt for double beds in rented guesthouses (“gites”).
  • Wheelchair Access: There are a few rooms with wheelchair access in Plum Village, as well as dedicated parking spaces.
  • Bedding: Throughout most of the year, mattresses, pillows, sheets, duvets, and covers are provided.
  • Camping: Plum Village offers rustic camping areas during the warmer months.  Campers need to bring their own tent, foam pad/mat, sleeping bag, and pillow. Onsite bathrooms and toilets are available for campers.
  • Camper Vans: There are limited spots for camper vans in designated parking areas.
  • Dining: Meals at Plum Village are vegetarian and are served in a communal dining setting.
  • Meeting Spaces: Plum Village has various meeting spaces and meditation halls spread across its hamlets. These spaces are used for meditation sessions, Dharma talks, and other communal activities.
  • Library and Study Areas: There are areas designated for personal study and reflection, including a library with spiritual and mindfulness-related books.
  • Gardens and Nature Areas: Plum Village is situated in a picturesque rural setting, surrounded by orchards and woods. This natural environment provides peaceful spaces for walking meditation and contemplation.

Costs

The cost of retreats at Plum Village France varies based on the type of lodging chosen, ranging from €375 per person per week for tent or campervan accommodations to €710 for a bed in a double-bedroom with a private bathroom. Contributions are per person and per week, with reductions available for teenagers (13-17) receiving a 30% discount, and children (6-12) receiving a 50% discount; there is no charge for children under 6. These contributions support the maintenance, development, and operational costs of the monastery campus, as well as the international training program for young monastics and practitioners, ensuring the continuation and spread of mindfulness practice both locally and globally. Plum Village operates on a non-profit basis and gratefully accepts additional donations to further support their monasteries and service projects worldwide.

Rules

  • Mindfulness: Practitioners are expected to cultivate mindfulness in every action, from walking to eating, speaking, and working. This involves being fully present in the moment and aware of one’s thoughts, words, and actions.
  • Noble Silence: During designated periods, usually from the end of the evening activity until after breakfast the following day, practitioners observe noble silence. This practice supports inner reflection and quietude.
  • Respect for Others: Respectful behavior towards fellow practitioners, monastics, and staff is essential. This includes maintaining quiet in shared spaces, speaking kindly, and being considerate of others’ needs.
  • Dress Code: Modest and comfortable clothing is encouraged. This typically includes clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, and knees during communal activities and while in meditation halls.
  • Technology Use: To minimize distractions and foster mindfulness, the use of electronic devices such as phones and laptops is limited. Participants are encouraged to disconnect from technology and engage fully in the present moment.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Practitioners are encouraged to support ecological sustainability by conserving resources, minimizing waste, and respecting the natural surroundings of Plum Village.
  • Community Participation: All retreatants are invited to participate in communal activities, such as meal preparation, cleaning, and other forms of mindful work. These activities are opportunities for practicing mindfulness in everyday tasks and fostering a sense of community.

 

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