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)
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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.
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Pavarana Ceremony (Rain Retreat Closing Ceremony)
To mark the conclusion of the 3-month Rain Retreat, we had Pavarana Ceremony on August 25 for the AIAB monastics and friends as the closing ceremony to share our happiness. We then have ten resting days starting from August 26 until September 5. Plum Village Hong Kong is closed during the period (August 26 – September 5) and will resume to receive guests afterwards.
Upcoming Events
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 are invited to register on the website.
- Schedule: every Sunday, 9:30 – 16:00 (except September 1, falling within the 10 resting days after the Paravana Ceremony)
- Venue: Lotus Pond Temple, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island. (Please see here for transportation options.)
Friday Night Practices
Friday Night Practice is a “lite” mindful practice in town. We will have singing meditation, sitting meditation, walking meditation, passage reading, and dharma sharing. Through the evening practice we will generate a collective energy that bring healing and transformation in ourselves and the world within the community after a busy week.
Practice sessions in September and October are as follows:
- September 6, 19:30 – 21:15 (Zoom/online – English)
- September 20, 19:00 – 21:00 (Central – Chinese)
- October 4, 19:30 – 21:15 (Zoom/online – English)
- October 18, 19:00 – 21:00 (Central – Chinese)
In September and October, we will be reading on “Reconciliation: Healing the Inner Child” based on the Dharma talks by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and the insights from participants in retreats for healing the inner child. This book focuses on the theme of mindful awareness of our emotions, healing of our relationships, as well as meditation and exercises to acknowledge and transform the hurt that many of us experienced as children.
Those who are interested, please register in our Friday Night Practice event page.
Monday Night Practices
We are excited to invite you for the upcoming MNP (Monday Night Practice) events at the Flower Market. The practice event is conducted in Cantonese and open to participants of all levels and offers a wonderful opportunity for you to engage in meditation and explore teachings from Plum Village.
- Date & Time: September 23, 19:00 – 21:00
- Venue: Room B 1/F, Cambo House, 184 Prince Edward Road West, Prince EdwardRegistration is required. The registration will be open one week prior in Wake Up HK Facebook page.