Serenando la mente temerosa: Encontrando amor y resistencia en un mundo turbulento

Join the Lower Hamlet Sisters of Plum Village for an inspiring extended 5-day retreat experience online. Suitable for those with study or work commitments.

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Si no tienes las cualidades de estabilidad, paz y libertad en tu interior, entonces, hagas lo que hagas, no podrás ayudar al mundo.” – Maestro zen Thich Nhat Hanh

Únete a nosotras en una inspiradora e inmersiva experiencia de retiro de 5 días en línea.

¿Es posible atravesar estos tiempos con calma y sin miedo? ¿Cómo podemos cultivar claridad y serenidad para abordar los temores y las tensiones presentes en nuestro interior, en nuestras relaciones, en nuestras comunidades y en el mundo?

Únete a esta experiencia de retiro en el que cultivaremos las semillas de la atención plena, la concentración y la comprensión profunda. Aprende a abrazar los momentos difíciles sin miedo, con estabilidad, esperanza y compasión.

El Formato del Retiro

Este retiro comenzará con un programa ligero el jueves 22 de enero de 2026. El horario completo se desarrollará del viernes 23 al lunes 26 de enero, con cuatro sesiones diarias transmitidas en vivo desde el Monasterio Plum Village, en Francia.

  • El horario del retiro estará disponible para las zonas horarias de América y de Europa/África.
  • No se requiere experiencia ni conocimientos previos para participar. La inscripción se cerrará el 15 de enero de 2026.
  • Todas las enseñanzas y actividades se impartirán en inglés, con traducción disponible en francés y español. Los grupos de compartir (Dharma Sharing) estarán disponibles en francés, español e inglés.

Contenido del Retiro

Una experiencia de retiro de Plum Village en la comodidad de tu hogar

Una combinación de prácticas de consciencia plena, ligeras e intensivas, para que puedas vivir la experiencia de un retiro de Plum Village sin desatender tus compromisos de trabajo o estudio. Ofrecemos sesiones en vivo y grabadas para mayor flexibilidad.

Conéctate en vivo con una comunidad internacional

Generaremos una energía colectiva de consciencia plena que apoye tu práctica personal, estés donde estés.

Interacciones íntimas en grupos con monásticos de Plum Village y practicantes experimentados

Únete a un grupo de entre 15 y 20 personas, guiado por un facilitador experimentado. Estos grupos de Dharma Sharing son una propuesta única de Plum Village y uno de los momentos más destacados del retiro. Es una excelente manera de disfrutar de la interacción en vivo, escuchar, aprender y conectar profundamente con personas de distintos países y contextos. Además, el Dharma Sharing ofrece la oportunidad de hacer preguntas y recibir orientación o recomendaciones para profundizar en tu práctica de la consciencia plena.

Conoce a las Maestras Monásticas del Dharma

Sister Chân Đức

Sister Chân Đức  has been a disciple of Thầy since 1986. She became the first Western European woman to be ordained as a nun by Thay in 1988 in India. She received the Lamp Transmission to become a Dharma Teacher in 1990 and served as Director of Practice at Plum Village. She is the former abbess of the Green Mountain Dharma Centre in the USA. Sister Chan Duc has been on the board of directors for the Unified Buddhist Church since 1998.

She is a much-loved senior Dharma Teacher and traveled widely to lead meditation retreats, including in her ancestral land of England. She inspires many with her unique teaching style throughout the world. She was the Dean of Practice at the European Institute of Applied Buddhism in Germany and currently resides in Plum Village France.

Sister Giác Nghiêm

Sister Giác Nghiêm is the abbess of the Maison de l’Inspir and one of its great pillars. Formerly a physiotherapist in Saint-Étienne (42), she was ordained as a novice in 1999 by Thầy. A mother of two adult children, she joined Plum Village to “heal the suffering” of her divorce after 31 years of marriage. “I had no intention of becoming a monastic. But I have always felt a very strong religious calling,” she confides. Buddhism won over this Christian, who nonetheless speaks with love of “her” Jesus, to whom she has “remained very close.” Thầy chose her to be in charge of the Maison de l’Inspir.

Sr. Giác Nghiêm, also Sister Elisabeth, is a French nun with great bodhicitta and a lot of energy. She is a source of refuge for many practitioners who come to the Maison de l’Inspir to practice and to renew themselves. She often travels for retreats throughout France. Every year, she gives teachings at Plum Village, during the French-language retreat in the spring and during the Summer Retreat.

Sister Hội Nghiêm

Sister Chân Hội Nghiêm was ordained in 1999 in the “Cherry” family and received the Lamp Transmission as a Dharma Teacher in 2006. Sr. Hội Nghiêm has served as abbess of Lower Hamlet from 2014-2021. 

When Sr. Hội Nghiêm was a child, she admired a monk who stayed at a pagoda in her village. She admired the way he taught her and the people of the village, and she gave rise to the aspiration to become a nun who can help people with their lives wherever they go. 

In addition to writing beautiful calligraphies, Sr. Hội Nghiêm can be found writing poetry and translating them from her native Vietnamese to English. For Sr. Hội Nghiêm, poetry is a medium to share what is at the depth of her inner world. After transforming her sadness and suffering, a new poem appears naturally. Now she offers the fruit of her practice in the form of poetry in her Dharma talks.

Sister Đào Nghiêm

Sister Chân Đào Nghiêm was ordained in 2003 and received the Lamp Transmission as a Dharma Teacher in 2011.

She was born in France in a Catholic family and worked for 10 years in an operating theatre as a surgeon’s assistant. Following her aspiration to live a meaningful life dedicated to spiritual growth and service to humanity, she chose to leave the comfort of her life in Paris and begin her spiritual journey.

Sister Chân Đào Nghiêm offers Dharma talks in English and French. She has been very involved in building the Francophone sanghas and supporting French teachers bringing the practice of mindfulness into education. She is interested in interfaith dialogue, the field of health, Buddhist psychology and neuroscience.

Sister Phùng Nghiêm

Sister Phùng Nghiêm was born and raised in Vietnam. At the age of 9, she visited the temple with her grandmother to practice. When she grew up, she realized that she wanted to become a nun and that she had the aspiration to transform herself and to help people around her.

Prior to becoming a nun, she was a student. At the age of 20, she travelled to Plum Village, France and ordained as a novice with Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh in 2003. She became a Dharma teacher in 2011.

She is currently living in Lower Hamlet and continues to share the practice of mindfulness at the monastery as well as around the world.

She enjoys meditation, writing, nature and gardening.

Sister Bội Nghiêm

Sister Chân Bội Nghiêm, whose name means «True Pearl,» was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the USA at the age of 11. She was ordained in Plum Village, France, in 2005 at the age of 21 and became a Dharma teacher in 2013.

Sister Bội Nghiêm carries a deep love for people, and this is evident in her work. She has been a strong advocate for marginalized communities, particularly BIPOC/BAME/global majority and LGBTQIA+ practitioners, creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, and supported. She recognizes the systemic barriers that prevent many from feeling at home in spiritual communities and works actively to change that. Her compassionate listening and willingness to challenge her own perceptions have made her a bridge-builder, helping to foster greater understanding and inclusivity.

She also has a special connection with teenagers, relating to their struggles with identity, relationships, and mental health. She sees their suffering clearly and is committed to offering them tools to navigate life with more awareness and resilience. Her ability to meet young people where they are—with authenticity, humor, and presence—has made her a beloved mentor in the community.

Sister Bội Nghiêm loves spending quality time with her siblings and friends, taking daily naps, connecting with nature, and holding her own hands.

Sister Hiến Nghiêm

Sister True Dedication (the translation of her Vietnamese monastic name, “Chân Hiến Nghiêm”) is from the U.K. She was ordained in 2008 and became a Dharma Teacher in 2016.

Before entering the monastery, Sister True Dedication worked as a journalist for BBC News in London. In the early years of her monastic training, she assisted Thich Nhat Hanh and Sister Chan Khong in their engaged Buddhist actions for human rights, religious freedom, applied ethics, and ecology. She helped to found the international Wake Up Movement, a community of young meditators who are finding new ways to combine mindfulness and engaged Buddhism.

Today, she contributes her time and energy to guiding young monastics, editing Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings, as well as helping the community with external communications and media liaison. At home in the monastery Sister True Dedication enjoys relaxing with her monastic siblings, drinking coffee, community-building, savoring silence in nature, and (when it’s appropriate) acting in comedy skits.

Sister Sĩ Nghiêm

Sister Sĩ Nghiêm (士嚴)was ordained in Plum Village France in 2008, and became a Dharma teacher in the year of 2016. Sĩ means Scholar, so friends sometimes call her Sister Scholar. She was born and grew up in Hong Kong. She has dedicated her time and energy in translating Thay’s books into Chinese since she was ordained. She enjoys sangha building and is always interested in exploring ways to express the Dharma so friends from all over the world can relate to, understand and put it into their daily lives. 

Sister Sáng Nghiêm

Sister Sáng Nghiêm (True Adornment with Creativity) was born in the Netherlands and ordained in 2009 in New Hamlet, Plum Village. She has lived many years in Maison de l’Inspir, our small monastery near Paris. She is presently living in Lower Hamlet. 

What she enjoys the most is walking in nature and discovering new paths. She also likes drinking tea in the early morning and listening to what is present in herself and others. Offering Dharma talks, however, is not her favorite activity :)

Sister Trăng Tam Muội

Sister Tam Muội (Sister Samadhi) is from the UK and was ordained in 2012, becoming a Dharma teacher in 2022.

She first encountered mindfulness of the body practicing at the barre from childhood through adolescence, training to be a classical dancer. A change of direction led her to study design at St Martin’s and then the Royal College of Art. 

She came to live and work as a fashion and textiles designer in Paris and brought up two boys with her then partner. 

Having met the practice, whilst living in Paris and later on in the Alps, she became engaged in the French lay sangha and was ordained into the OI in 2004. A growing sense of unease and ethical dissonance led to her leaving the fashion industry and retraining as a Mindfulness teacher.  

Sr. Samadhi is a passionate gardener and since ordaining in Lower Hamlet, her love of colour and form have been directed into the flower garden where she can very often be found, whatever the season, ensuring that something is blooming all year round. 

Any down time she loves to spend in wild nature, especially if there’s an opportunity for wild swimming. She is actively supporting the recent creation of the Being Peace Practice Centre in the UK and is deeply committed to the work of healing ancestral harm, participating in trainings and retreats exploring White awareness.

The Five Days – Exclusive talks

Thursday, January 22:
«It’s OK Not to Be OK»
Sister Boi Nghiem will open the retreat with an invitation—and challenge—to stop and be present for whatever is going on, inside and around us. Together, and with courage, we can find the strength to embrace both the beauties and challenges of this moment, in our personal and collective lives.

Friday, January 23:
«The Courage to Feel»
In this Dharma talk, Sister Hoi Nghiem will guide us to turn toward our emotions and difficulties with mindfulness. We will learn how to stay present and feel deeply what is happening within us with compassion, so that transformation can take place at the root. We will explore how the energy of mindfulness can help us embrace our suffering and find peace amidst vulnerability.

Saturday, January 24, «Transforming Fear Into Love»
Sister True Dedication will present some of Thich Nhat Hanh’s key practices on handling fear. We will learn to ground in the body and breath while contemplating impermanence and working with fear directly. We will learn about the role of compassion in giving us strength and stability in difficult moments, and about the power of prayer in times of fear, anxiety, and overwhelm.

Sunday, January 25:
«Questions and Responses»
A chance to ask a question from the heart about the joys and uncertainties in your current situation—in your relationships, work, society, and the world. A panel of Dharma teachers will offer their experience and insight.

Monday, January 26:
«The Gift of Non-Fear»
The deepest teachings of Buddhism invite us to face our fears directly, so we can arrive at insights that liberate us. Sister Chan Duc will teach about the Three Doors of Liberation, and the power of present-centered action to shape this moment and our future. When we see we have a path, we have nothing to fear.

Special Events

  • Ceremony to send the energy of Compassion
  • Transmission of the Five Mindfulness Trainings
  • Affinity consultations & workshops
  • Guided Deep Relaxation
  • Mindful Exercises
  • Eating in Mindful Company
  • Lyrical Meditation with music and poetry: Fundraising for Lower Hamlet, History and Vision of Lower Hamlet

Retreat Program

For our friends in the Americas time zones, please note that the Dharma Sharing sessions will be at 5:00 PM Central Standard Time (Chicago)

All times displayed in

20:30

Music Opening u0026 The Journey Begins Live Event

08:00

Guided Sitting Meditation u0026 Sutra Reading/Reading of Teachings t Live Event

10:30

Dharma sharing in small groups Live Event

16:30

Singing u0026 Dharma Talk: The Courage to Feel Live Event

20:30

Sitting Meditation u0026 Reading of Teachings Live Event

08:00

Guided Sitting Meditation u0026 Reading the Teachings Live Event

10:30

Dharma Sharing in small groups Live Event

16:30

Dharma Talk: Transforming Fear Into Love Live Event

20:30

Sitting Meditation u0026 Sending the Energy of Peace Live Event

08:00

Silent Sitting Meditation u0026 Sutra Reading / Reading of Teachings Live Event

10:30

Affinity Groups Consultation / Workshops Live Event

12:30

Walking Meditation (live introduction) Live Event

16:30

Questions u0026 Responses Live Event

20:30

Sitting Meditation u0026 5 Mindfulness Trainings Transmission Ceremony Live Event

08:00

Guided Sitting Meditation u0026 Sutra Reading Live Event

10:30

Dharma Sharing in small groups Live Event

12:30

Writing Love Letter Live Event

16:30

Chanting u0026 Dharma Talk: The Gift of Non-Fear Live Event

20:30

Lyrical Meditation with music and poetry + Fundraising for Lower Hamlet: History and Vision of Lower Hamlet Live Event

All streamed content will be uploaded after the session and will be available to everyone who has registered for one year.

Resource Package

Special video guide

To help you prepare your retreat space so that you have the best conditions to join the online sessions

Calligraphies and Gathas / short poems

Artwork from the monastics and friends and practice verses to print and post around your home.

Ready-to-Print copies of key texts


100% off
a Thich Nhat Hanh e-book

Sit in peace

Register

Financial contributions for this retreat will go towards the construction of the new nuns’ quarters and monastic training facilities. Find out more here.

You can choose a contribution most suited to your means ranging from €60 to €600.

We do not want the financial aspect to keep you from participating. If you want to attend this online retreat and your budget does not allow for it at this moment, please email us at onlineretreats@plumvillage.org to apply for a further reduction.

In the registration process, you can choose whether or not to register for Dharma Sharing.

Registration will close on January 15, 2026.

The Sisters of Lower Hamlet

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Most Common Questions, Registration and payment, Retreat content and time requirement, Can I join the retreat …, Login and profile, Live events and sharing groups, Languages, After the retreat

Most Common Questions

Will the live events be recorded?

Yes, live events will be recorded. If the live event is not at a convenient time for you, you can watch the recording, which will be posted on the platform within approximately 24 hours following the live event. Please note: the sharing groups will not be recorded.

What can I expect after I apply for a scholarship?

After you apply for a scholarship, you will receive an email confirming the reception of your application. Our team will review your application. If approved, you will receive a further email which contains a unique scholarship coupon. You can use this coupon when you finish registration. Read the step-by-step guide of claiming the coupon here.

How do I use my scholarship coupon?

You can log in the registration page and enter your coupon code (under ‘Order Overview’ in the ‘Coupon field’) and click ‘Apply Coupon’. You will see the updated price afterwards. Click ‘Continue’ to finish your retreat registration. You can find the step-by-step instructions here.

What is the refund policy?

The intention of this retreat is to offer a transformative and healing online learning journey, helping people to cultivate insight, compassion, and resilience. This retreat has been created with much hard and loving work. To help us sustain the retreat and the community that is offering it, the refund policy is as follows:

  • Within four  weeks before the retreat start date – 100% of the full fee may be refunded. An admin fee of €30.00 will be charged.*
  • Within two  weeks before the retreat start date – 50% of the full fee may be refunded. An admin fee of €30.00 will be charged.*
  •  Five days before the retreat start date – Refunds or transfers are no longer eligible.

*The admin fee is waived for scholarship recipients.


Registration and payment

How do I register?

After selecting your rate, you will create an account by entering your name and email address (or log in if you already have an account). You will then receive an email from us with a magic login link. You will be logged in on the registration page by clicking the button/link in the email. From there you can proceed to payment. If you are applying for a scholarship, you will be directed to the application form.

The registration closes on January 15, 2026

How does the pricing scale work for the retreat?

We offer an inclusive pricing system with a ‘sliding scale’ of prices as we are aware that people have different financial capacities: 

  • We have a sponsor rate of €600 for those who may have the capacity to contribute more, which helps us to offer more scholarships.Those able to contribute a supporter rate are generously donating towards the construction of our new Nun’s Quarters and enabling us to offer scholarships to those who need them.
  • Our standard rate is €400, which helps us to cover the costs involved in putting this retreat together. You also help us meet essential construction costs.
  • If you are a student or on a lower income and unable to afford the standard rate, you are welcome to choose the discount rate of €250. Only choose this option if you have limited financial means, so that we can ensure these places go to those who truly need them.
  • To ensure a diverse, inclusive and accessible retreat, we offer scholarships on request with a rate of €60 or less for particular hardships.

What payment options do we offer?

You can make payments via Credit Card or Debit Card, and payments can be made in either Euros (€) or US Dollars($).

For those who are paying in Euros you can also make your payment via Ideal, Giropay, Bancontact, Sofort, Eps’ and P24.We are not able to accept bank transfers, and can only accept PayPal transfers in the case where no other form of payment is possible. For any questions about payment please contact us via lh-office@plumvillage.org.

How can I pay if I do not have a credit or debit card, or a PayPal account?

Unfortunately, we only can offer these forms of payment. If you are not able to pay via these means, we suggest asking a friend or family member to help you.

Do you offer partial payment / installment?

No, we do not. We appreciate your understanding.


Retreat content and time requirement

Will I be able to follow the retreat if I’m new to mindfulness, Plum Village and Thich Nhat Hanh?

This online retreat is designed to be accessible to those new to mindfulness practice and the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. It is also a refreshing and deepening experience for those who have been practicing mindfulness for some time. The retreat is a precious chance to connect directly with our spiritual community, and to meet like-minded people concerned with the pressing issues of our times.

Is this online retreat appropriate for all ages?

This online retreat is designed as an adult learning experience. If you are a parent or guardian, you may want to watch any of the videos on the online retreat platform first and check if you feel they may be suitable for your child to watch. Please note that in the sharing groups, themes may spontaneously arise that may not be appropriate for teenagers or children, and so it is not possible to register participants under 18. We are currently exploring how we can offer a different, more tailored experience for children and teens online. Please join our newsletter for future announcements.

Do I need to set time aside before the retreat starts?

You will need to spend 1-2 hours before the online retreat begins, to familiarize yourself with the retreat platform and learn more about the retreat teachers. We also suggest that you set up a peaceful corner of your home where you can follow the retreat activities online.

Why do we not offer lifetime access to the retreat content?

The retreat and its dedicated platform were newly developed in 2023. To deliver a seamless experience, we integrate a variety of external services and software into the retreat platform. The world of technology changes fast, and we can’t be sure how these external services might evolve. This makes it difficult for us to guarantee lifetime access at this point. However, we can guarantee that the retreat content and its platform will be available for 12 months after the retreat has ended.

Can I share the retreat content with others?

Please support us by not sharing retreat talks or content in public or at sangha screenings. We wish to keep the retreat experience and imagery for those joining us within the retreat and retain the wonder and unique quality of the retreat experience. This enables us to present each talk in a complete and appropriate context, which is part of what makes the teachings so powerful.

However, we do encourage you to share your own direct personal experience of the retreat with others, including your sangha— any insights, connections or transformations that have touched you— in order to nourish your Dharma friends.


Can I join the retreat …

…if we are a couple?

We suggest that you register as individuals and participate as an individual in the group sharing sessions.

…if I live with other people, such as housemates?

Yes, you do not need to be in a hut on a mountain to enjoy this online retreat. As long as you have a quiet corner or room where you can be undisturbed, and perhaps some space to stretch, you will be able to enjoy the online retreat. You may need headphones, and if you are joining sharing sessions, somewhere in the house where you can speak in privacy. You can explain to those you live with your intention in joining the online retreat and ask for their support. The idea is not to cut yourself off from them, but to generate the energy of mindfulness, peace and presence during the sessions and bring to them to your interactions off the screen. You will be able to apply many of the teachings, such as deep listening and mindful eating, right away!

…from any time zone?

Yes. This online retreat will be a mixture of pre-recorded video content and live events. The pre-recorded content will allow you to follow in your own time during the week. 

The live Dharma talks will take place at 15:30 Central European Time (CET). Some sitting meditation sessions, as well as the Five Mindfulness Trainings Transmission Ceremony and Lyrical Meditation will be at 19:30 CET. All live events (with the exception of the sharing groups) will be recorded if you’re not able to join live.


Login and profile

How do I log in?

Please first log into the webpage. You will receive a magic link in your email, which takes you to the retreat platform. Follow the instructions in the email.

Why do I need to log in with a magic link instead of passwords?

We have implemented the magic link to make sure you are the only user of your account. Once you are logged in, however, you might be able to come back to the retreat page without needing to log in each time. This depends on the browser you use and how the browser manages your cookies.


Live events and sharing groups

How long are the live events?

The live events will generally be for 1 hour, with the exception of the Dharma talks and sharing sessions  which lasts for 1.5 hours.

What do I need to do in order to join the live events/sharing sessions?

Please make sure that you have downloaded and fully updated the video conferencing software Zoom before the retreat begins, since all the live events and sharing groups will take place via Zoom. When you open the Zoom link, please make sure that you allow Zoom to enable your microphone. During the events, please keep your microphone muted when you are not speaking. For sharing sessions, we kindly request that you keep your camera on.

What are the sharing groups about?

The sharing groups are groups of about 15-20 participants each facilitated by an experienced practitioner. These sessions give us a chance to listen deeply, speak from the heart, and benefit from each other’s insights and experience of the retreat. We can share our experiences, our joys, difficulties as well as questions relating to the teachings in the retreat and the mindfulness practices we are following together.

How is the sharing group formed?

A few weeks before the retreat opens, you will be invited to join a group from a list in the retreat platform. In order to build a safe and supportive environment in these groups, we ask participants to commit to staying in the group for all 3 sharing sessions

Can I change my sharing group?

Yes, you can change your sharing group after the first meeting with your group if you feel uncomfortable or if the time/date doesn’t suit you. After the second sharing session, however, it is not possible to change your sharing group. This is to support the creation of a strong collective experience within the group.

Can more than one person join in one screen for the group sharing sessions?

We ask for one person per screen for the group sharing sessions, so that your face can be seen more clearly. This can help to create a sense of safety and greater sense of connection.

Will there be guidance or facilitation for the sharing groups?

Yes. Each group will be led by an experienced facilitator in the Plum Village tradition


Languages

What language will the retreat be given in?

This online retreat will be offered in English with translation into French and Spanish. The sharing groups will also be available in French and Spanish.

Is there any translation for the live sessions?

The live sessions will be offered in English with translation into French and Spanish.


After the retreat

How long do I have access to the content after it ends?

You will have access to the retreat materials and platform for one year after the closing event.

It is not about “doing” something, it’s about “being” something-being peace, being hope, being solid-every action will come out of that, because peace, stability, and freedom always seed a way to express  themselves in action

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

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What is Mindfulness

Thich Nhat Hanh January 15, 2020

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