Annual Lamp Transmission Ceremonies
Here in Plum Village France, the Dharma Teacher Council has decided that every year in the month of March we will organize a weeklong retreat for transmitting the 14 Mindfulness Trainings Transmission and Dharma Lamps. A lamp transmission is a formal ceremony where the teaching, or Dharma, is passed from a Zen master to their disciple. In this ceremony, the recipient of the lamp becomes a Dharma teacher in the Plum Village Tradition and joins an unbroken lineage of teachers and disciples.
Recognizing our role as the Root Monastery in the Plum Village tradition, and how precious it is for aspirant Dharma Teachers from around the world to receive the lamp here in Thay’s home in the West, we are happy to dedicate a whole week every year to these moving ceremonies.
Program of the Week
During the week of Ceremonies, the schedule will be different from usual retreat weeks in Plum Village, as priority is given to space and time for the ceremonies, during which all hamlets gather together to create a strong collective energy of mindfulness and concentration. The focus is on more meditation, sitting, chanting, prostrations and exchanges of poetry and Dharma (in the lamp transmission ceremonies), as well as time for celebration with the candidates as they deepen their path.
Since these are special and large events involving several hundred people, we ask for everyone’s helping hands to contribute to making the ceremonies possible, for example, helping with mindful service in pot-washing, vegetable chopping, bathroom cleaning, driving, and setting up the meditation halls.
Becoming a Dharma Teacher
Dharma Teachers (Dharmachāryas) are members of the community who have been selected as teachers because they have extensive spiritual practice and the prerequisites for a happy life. When the sangha sees that someone is willing and ready to teach the Dharma – not just because of his words, but because of her actions; her practice in daily life – that person is then officially authorised to teach through a ceremony where the Dharma Lamp is transmitted.
Generally, a monk or a nun must have been ordained for at least eight years to be considered as a candidate for receiving the Dharma Lamp. To be considered as a lay Dharma Teacher, again, it takes many years of practice, engagement in the Order of Interbeing, and nomination by their local and national sangha. Once nominated, there is a pathway of training to become a Dharma Teacher, usually at least two years.
The Lamp Transmission Ceremony is just one part of becoming a Dharma Teacher. Thich Nhat Hanh used to say that after receiving the lamp, it takes another ten years to truly become a teacher. Dharma Teachers continue to practice within the Plum Village tradition, attend retreats at Plum Village Centres, organise their own retreats and help to build the sangha to deepen their knowledge and skills. The role of the Dharma Teachers is ultimately to bring joy and confidence to the community and to all who come to practice with the community.
Read more about the “Order of Interbeing”.
Registration
More information coming soon.
Click here to view our updated payment and cancellation policy
Registration & Payment
Payment Structure
For retreats from January 3, 2026 onwards, your contribution will be split into two payments:
- Main payment to Bienvenue Aux Pruniers S.A.S. (BAP) for practical retreat aspects (food, accommodation, facilities, administration, taxes)
- Monastery contribution to Congrégation Bouddhique Zen Village des Pruniers (CBZ) to support the monastic community
Your bank statement will show two charges, and you will receive two invoices.
Note: For retreats taking place in 2025 until January 3, 2026, retreat contributions are received by Communaute Bouddhique Zen du Village des Pruniers, the religious nonprofit 1901 association operating our activities from 1988-2025.
Payment Methods
Our online booking system accepts:
- Credit card payments (worldwide)
- European direct debit (SEPA) for European bank accounts
All payments are processed via the secure Stripe payment gateway. We do not store payment details. Due to strict French regulations, we cannot accept cash, cheques, or manual bank transfers for retreat payments.
Cancellation Policy
To ensure fair access for all, we have revised our cancellation policy to encourage participants to book a retreat place only when certain they can attend.
Cancellation by Participants
If you need to cancel:
- 28+ days before arrival: Full refund minus €100 admin & cancellation fee
- 14-27 days before arrival: 50% refund after deducting the €100 non-refundable admin fee
- 13 days or less before arrival: No refunds possible
We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover retreat cancellation fees in case of unforeseen circumstances, including personal illness or family emergencies.
For those generously coming to Plum Village to help as a volunteer, the cancellation fee is €25 (to cover admin costs).
Cancellation by Plum Village
Plum Village reserves the right to cancel a retreat under any circumstances. If this occurs, you will receive a full refund of all payments made to us, including the admin fee.
Plum Village accepts no further liability beyond the retreat registration fee refund. We cannot be liable for funds spent on advance travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and visas. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance that covers this.
More information about coming to practice with us