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)
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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)
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Every year in Plum Village Lotus Pond Temple we celebrate Christmas, to remember the Saint coming to the world. On Sunday (Dec 22), we had a mindful practice in the morning. We first had a walking meditation, and then Q&A sessions answered by monastic members. We addressed questions including 1) In the context of the three complexes: superiority complex, inferiority complex, and equality complex, explain what’s special about the equality complex? 2) How to practice “letting go” from the past experience, e.g wound from the past relationships 3) How to develop courage through meditation. We then had total relaxation session and Christmas celebration in the afternoon, enjoying tea and exchanging gifts.
For more, refer to the Facebook post.
Upcoming Events
1. Wake Up Retreat 2025 (Jan 8 – 12)
The theme of this retreat is Being Peace Amid Suffering. We are aware that in our modern society nowadays people have to confront with a number of issues and difficulties in their daily lives. However, they do not know how to handle their emotions or painful feelings. People have a tendency to run away or cover up their suffering with consumptions or harmful entertainments. In this retreat, we will have a chance to observe ourselves, learn and contemplate the way to deal with our suffering in order to re-establish happiness and peace for ourselves and for our society.
Date: Jan 8 (Wed) – Jan 12 (Sun), 2025
Accommodation and cost: $2,500 / head
For those who are interested, please register here: https://www.pvfhk.org/event/2024/wakeupretreat-2025
2. Sunday Day of Mindfulness
Sunday Day of Mindfulness is led by the monastics of the Asian Institute of Applied Buddhism (AIAB) to integrate mindfulness into daily life. Every Sunday, we can enjoy the happiness of being present in the moment through a series of mindfulness activities. 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
- Venue: Lotus Pond Temple, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island. (Check here for transportation options.)
3. Friday Night Practice
Friday Night Practices are “lite” mindful practices in town and online. They include singing meditation, sitting meditation, walking meditation, passage reading, and dharma sharing. Through each practice after a busy week, we hope to generate collective energy that brings healing and transformation within ourselves and the community.
Practice sessions in January and February are as follows:
- Jan 3rd, 19:30 – 21:15 (Zoom/online – English)
- Jan 17th, 19:00 – 21:00 (Central – Chinese)
- Feb 7th, 19:30 – 21:15 (Zoom/online – English)
- Feb 21st, 19:00 – 21:00 (Central – Chinese)
Those who are interested, please make registration on this event page.
4. Monday Night Practice
We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Monday Night Practices at the Flower Market. These practices engage you in meditation and offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the teachings of the Plum Village. Participants of all levels are welcome to join.
The practices are conducted in Cantonese, and the upcoming sessions will be:
- Jan 27th, 19:00 – 21:00
- Feb 24th, 19:00 – 21:00
Venue: Prince Edward, Kowloon
Registration is required, and it opens one week before each session on the Wake Up HK Facebook page.