This 400-acre sanctuary rests peacefully in the chaparral mountains of southern California, surrounded and protected by oaks and the natural landscape.
Deer Park Monastery was established in July 2000 by the Plum Village four-fold Sangha. Now, it is a safe and serene refuge for many practitioners to come and learn the art of mindful living and to practice with a community, a Sangha. At Deer Park, the residential community of over thirty monastics and lay practitioners, live and practice together year round under the guidance of our teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh (Thây), in the tradition of engaged Buddhism, practicing mindfulness through out our everyday life. There are two hamlets: Solidity Hamlet (for monks and laymen) and Clarity Hamlet (for nuns and laywomen). The two hamlets come together several times a week to practice.
At Deer Park, we are nourished not just by the formal sitting meditation sessions, but also by the practice of meditation in our daily activities outside the meditation hall. We are guided by the teachings of Thây on mindfulness and peace-making. We learn to live together as a community and to take refuge in the wisdom of the Sangha.
Visit the Deer Park Monastery website
Upcoming Retreats
BIPOC mindfulness retreat
Deer Park Monastery – North America
A 5-day retreat for nourishment and healing, rest and restoration, and to cultivate clarity and joy.
Family retreat 2024 | Deer Park Monastery
Deer Park Monastery – North America
Please join the 2024 Family Retreat at Deer Park Monastery in June.
Teen Camp 2024
Deer Park Monastery – North America
The Monastic Sisters and Brothers of Deer Park Monastery are thrilled to be hosting Teen Camp, a unique opportunity for 13-18 year-olds to practice mindfulness in nature, surrounded by other young people who want…
Earth, Our True Nature Retreat
Deer Park Monastery – North America
You and your family are warmly invited to join us for the Earth, Our True Nature Retreat, August 18-23, 2024 at the YMCA of the Rockies, Colorado.
Location
Deer Park Monastery
2499 Melru Lane 92026 Escondido California
United States