As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year that was the worst of times and the best of times—a time of profound loss and tender beginnings, a time of solitary struggles and cherished bonds, and a time of darkness and awakening. It was a year that taught us both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. In this moment of transition, we are invited to pause and come home to ourselves, to embrace both the light and shadow of our experiences with mindful awareness. As we prepare to welcome 2025, may we gather these precious lessons—both gentle and challenging—as stepping stones toward a new beginning, carrying forward with hearts filled with wisdom, compassion, courage, and hope. Events Recap 1. Zen for Thousands 2024 (Nov 16 – 17) In November 16 – 17, Plum Village Hong Kong participated in the second session of the Zen for Thousands 2024, taking place in Jao Tsung-I Academy. Sr. Tu Nghiem and Sr. Đồng Hỏi made a special trip down from the mountain to lead deep relaxation, that participants could lie down on the floor to have deep rest, and walking meditation. Many fellow practitioners came to volunteer and help out in The Plum Village gift shop. New friends came to browse, shop, and chat. The shop manager specially arranged new items for everyone to choose from, encouraging mindful consumption. In the lower area of the Academy, we held a Zen music busking with our band Walk On The Earth. Through music, we introduced Thich Nhat Hanh’s work The Story of the River, which is included in Call Me by My True Names. Many fellows and friends stayed to listen to the story. For more, refer to the Facebook post. 2. Christmas Celebration (Sunday Day of Mindfulness – Dec 22) Every year in Plum Village Lotus Pond Temple we celebrate Christmas, to remember the Saint coming to the world. On Sunday (Dec 22), […]

After the Mid-Autumn Festival in September, the autumn breeze has gradually begun to cool us down, bringing comfort to both body and mind. This is the perfect time to venture outdoors and explore nature through walking meditation and hiking. Additionally, as many of us are doing, it is an ideal moment to plan travels and gatherings to reconnect with family and friends over the next two months, especially with the festive season in December approaching. Furthermore, let us gently remind ourselves to carve out some time to reflect on our experiences in 2024. This is an opportunity to pause, consider our journey so far, and plan for a more mindful year in 2025. Past Event Recap Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration Reflecting the themes of harmony and unity inherent in the Mid-Autumn Festival, we gathered for a heartfelt reunion with our friends and monastics at the serene Lotus Pond Temple on the evening of September 17. Bathed in lambent moonlight, we shared a joyful moment of walking meditation with lanterns and indulged in mooncakes to celebrate the festival together. “Youthfulness and Happiness”, the Day of Mindfulness for Wake Uppers “Youthfulness and Happiness” was a mindfulness day event exclusively for the Wake Uppers—the young friends of Wake Up Hong Kong, aged 18 to 40. On the serene Saturday of September 28, participants gathered to engage in walking meditation, sitting meditation, and singing meditation, while also gaining insights from a Dharma Talk. Set in the ancient and spiritual practice venue in Luk Wu on Lantau Island, they connected with nature outdoors and convened indoors to cultivate inner peace and happiness in the hope of fostering a healthier, more compassionate society. 2024 Mind-body Wellbeing Retreat In our last retreat in 2024, we gathered for five days at the Lotus Pond Temple from October 23 to October 27 to foster deeper self-understanding and connection as a way of navigating loneliness. Together, we engaged in Dharma talks […]

This summer has been eventful. We are grateful to have retreats and ceremonies to allow us to stay mindful and gain insights on inner peace and the upcoming challenges together. When we are about to welcome September, let us pause and ponder to get ourselves prepared for another new academic year as well as the remaining months of 2024. Past Event Recap Educators Retreat 2024 With the theme “The Way Out is In”, Educators Retreat 2024 was conducted from July 31 to August 4 for participants in the field of teaching and training. The Retreat brought us together to revisit the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and guide us to look deeply into our body, feelings, emotions and thoughts for untangling the challenges ahead. Through indoor and outdoor meditations, Dharma talks, group-sharing, exercises, and activities, the Retreat led us to regain peace and happiness within ourselves while embracing the tranquil ambience and the beautiful nature around Lotus Pond Temple. Rose Festival (Sunday Day of Mindfulness) The Rose Ceremony began in Plum Village by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. This is the tradition of wearing roses to remember the kindness and love of our parents and expressing our gratitude to them. Every year, as part of the Plum Village tradition, we celebrate the Rose Ceremony together with the Ullambana Festival, which is an occasion to commemorate Venerable Maudgalyayana for his expression of filial love – rescuing his Mother from the Hell realm, and to honor our ancestors. This year, we organized the Rose Ceremony on August 18 to reflect on and appreciate the good seeds nurtured by our parents. Families and individuals got together to practice meditation and enjoyed a picnic lunch. Please click below to enjoy videos that are parts of the singing mediation in the Ceremony. Pavarana Ceremony (Rain Retreat Closing Ceremony) To mark the conclusion of the 3-month Rain Retreat, we had Pavarana Ceremony on August […]

New sharing from sangha (Chinese only) 教育工作者禪修營-後記 （再次遇上老師）    

The hot summer in Hong Kong is showing us its full strength, with the Observatory issuing Very Hot Weather Warning in consecutive days. Meanwhile, numerous floods had occurred on the mainland, reminding us of global climate change due to human activities and prompting us to take good care of Mother Earth. While practicing mindfulness, let us also be more conscious of the effect of our activities and consumption on the environment and empathize with those who still need to work under the sun these days. Past Event Recap 2024 Summer Retreat AIAB Summer Retreat was held from July 17th to 24th. We had over sixty participants coming over to Lotus Pond Temple. We have a chance to get close to the nature while quieting down ourselves, look deeply within us, and cultivate mindfulness, stability, and insight. — Be there for each other, Listen to each other Upcoming Events Educator Retreat 2024 Educator Retreat will be held from July 31st to August 4th. The theme this time is The Way Out Is In. This retreat is open to those who are involved in teaching and training, including teachers, school counsellors, trainers and staff of formal or informal educational and trainings organizations. Theme: The Way Out is In Venue: Lotus Pond Temple, Ngong Ping Date & Time: Jul 31 (Wed) 16:00 – Aug 04 (Sun) 14:00 Details & Registration Here Sunday Day of Mindfulness Sunday Day of Mindfulness is led by AIAB monastics to integrate mindfulness into daily life. Every Sunday, through a series of mindfulness practice activities, we can enjoy the happiness of being present in the moment. In addition, practicing together as a sangha is an enjoyable experience and strengthens our practice. More details and the schedule are here. Participants please register on the website. Schedule: Every Sunday 9:30 – 16:00 (except on Aug 4th due to the retreat event) Venue: Lantau Island, Lotus Pond Temple. See here for transportation options. […]