The wonder of It All – Science, Zen and the Art of Healing
As scientists, we have to challenge ourselves. We know that we need a mind that is clear – a mind that is not overloaded with grief, worries, anxiety and despair – a mind that is free from prejudices, notions, even knowledge, so that we can make progress on the path of learning and discovery.
— Thich Nhat Hanh
From June 20 to June 27, 2025, Plum Village hosted a transformative retreat in Upper Hamlet and Lower Hamlet with the theme of science and the art of healing. For this retreat, a special welcome was extended to scientists, clinicians, therapists, social scientists, contemplatives and scholars in the humanities. The invitation was to experience a deeply interwoven ecology of practices—ancient in origin yet consonant with the latest scientific insights. Together, we strengthened our capacity to dwell in the present moment, refined our intuition, and cultivated profound openness of mind through sitting meditation, walking meditation, dharma sharing and other mindfulness practices..
Through inspiring talks by senior monastics and distinguished guest speakers, we integrated the wisdom of Buddhism and science to illuminate the most urgent questions of our time. Together, we explored resilience—both personal and collective—and delved into the nature of mind and reality.
At the heart of both the scientific and meditative journey lies a shared aspiration: the desire to understand and to discover. Yet, to truly encounter the truth, we must release our fixed views, prejudices, and cherished assumptions—only then can we see the world with fresh eyes.
We invite you to enjoy some of these beautiful, precious moments in this photo album and be in touch with the wonder of it all.
Photos courtesy of Rob Walsh and Yann Tie. More photos can be enjoyed at:
https://www.robwalshmedia.com/2025-pv-science-retreat
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