The Five Mindfulness Trainings
The Five Mindfulness Trainings represent the Buddhist vision for a global spirituality and ethic. They are a concrete expression of the Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the path of right understanding and true love, leading to healing, transformation, and happiness for ourselves and for the world. To practice the Five Mindfulness Trainings is to cultivate the insight of interbeing, or Right View, which can remove all discrimination, intolerance, anger, fear, and despair. If we live according to the Five Mindfulness Trainings, we are already on the path of a bodhisattva. Knowing we are on that path, we are not lost in confusion about our life in the present or in fears about the future.
The Five Mindfulness Trainings
The Five Mindfulness Trainings represent the Buddhist vision for a global spirituality and ethic. They are a concrete expression of the Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the path of right understanding and true love, leading to healing, transformation, and happiness for ourselves and for the world. To practice the Five Mindfulness Trainings is to cultivate the insight of interbeing, or Right View, which can remove all discrimination, intolerance, anger, fear, and despair. If we live according to the Five Mindfulness Trainings, we are already on the path of a bodhisattva. Knowing we are on that path, we are not lost in confusion about our life in the present or in fears about the future.
The Five Mindfulness Trainings
The Five Mindfulness Trainings represent the Buddhist vision for a global spirituality and ethic. They are a concrete expression of the Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the path of right understanding and true love, leading to healing, transformation, and happiness for ourselves and for the world. To practice the Five Mindfulness Trainings is to cultivate the insight of interbeing, or Right View, which can remove all discrimination, intolerance, anger, fear, and despair. If we live according to the Five Mindfulness Trainings, we are already on the path of a bodhisattva. Knowing we are on that path, we are not lost in confusion about our life in the present or in fears about the future.
The Five Mindfulness Trainings
The Five Mindfulness Trainings represent the Buddhist vision for a global spirituality and ethic. They are a concrete expression of the Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the path of right understanding and true love, leading to healing, transformation, and happiness for ourselves and for the world. To practice the Five Mindfulness Trainings is to cultivate the insight of interbeing, or Right View, which can remove all discrimination, intolerance, anger, fear, and despair. If we live according to the Five Mindfulness Trainings, we are already on the path of a bodhisattva. Knowing we are on that path, we are not lost in confusion about our life in the present or in fears about the future.
The Five Mindfulness Trainings
The Five Mindfulness Trainings represent the Buddhist vision for a global spirituality and ethic. They are a concrete expression of the Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the path of right understanding and true love, leading to healing, transformation, and happiness for ourselves and for the world. To practice the Five Mindfulness Trainings is to cultivate the insight of interbeing, or Right View, which can remove all discrimination, intolerance, anger, fear, and despair. If we live according to the Five Mindfulness Trainings, we are already on the path of a bodhisattva. Knowing we are on that path, we are not lost in confusion about our life in the present or in fears about the future.
The Five Mindfulness Trainings represent the Buddhist vision for a global spirituality and ethic. They are a concrete expression of the Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the path of right understanding and true love, leading to healing, transformation, and happiness for ourselves and for the world. To practice the Five Mindfulness Trainings is to cultivate the insight of interbeing, or Right View, which can remove all discrimination, intolerance, anger, fear, and despair. If we live according to the Five Mindfulness Trainings, we are already on the path of a bodhisattva. Knowing we are on that path, we are not lost in confusion about our life in the present or in fears about the future.
"The Five Mindfulness Trainings are one of the most concrete
ways to practice mindfulness. They are nonsectarian, and their
nature is universal. They are true practices of compassion and
understanding. All spiritual traditions have their equivalent to
the Five Mindfulness Trainings.
​
The first training is to protect life, to decrease violence in
ones self, in the family and in society. The second training
is to practice social justice, generosity, not stealing and not
exploiting other living beings. The third is the practice of
responsible sexual behavior in order to protect individuals,
couples, families and children. The fourth is the practice of
Deep listening and Loving Speech to restore communication
and reconcile. The fifth is the practice of Mindful Consumption,
to help us not bring toxins and poisons into our body or mind.
"The Five Mindfulness Trainings are one of the most concrete
ways to practice mindfulness. They are nonsectarian, and their
nature is universal. They are true practices of compassion and
understanding. All spiritual traditions have their equivalent to
the Five Mindfulness Trainings.
​
The first training is to protect life, to decrease violence in
ones self, in the family and in society. The second training
is to practice social justice, generosity, not stealing and not
exploiting other living beings. The third is the practice of
responsible sexual behavior in order to protect individuals,
couples, families and children. The fourth is the practice of
Deep listening and Loving Speech to restore communication
and reconcile. The fifth is the practice of Mindful Consumption,
to help us not bring toxins and poisons into our body or mind.
Questions & Answers *
* The information below provides pertinent information for our 2026 retreats...
What is a Project Funding Contribution (PFC)?
Separate from registration fees that specifically cover costs of food, transportation and lodging during the retreat, each participant of our Loving Work and Homeland Retreats is asked to raise a minimum of $400 in donations, funds which are used to support the relief work undertaken by the Foundation. The funds cover the costs of the service projects scheduled during the Loving Work retreat, as well as the donations made to other projects, pagodas, and schools we will visit during both retreats.
Why am I asked to raise my PFC (donations) from friends and family?
Sangha building is one of the underlying goals of the Loving Work Foundation. We do this by working at the community level with organizations in Viet Nam, and by creating opportunities for cross-cultural community building through retreats involving meaningful travel and service projects. We extend this intention of community building by asking participants to raise the PFC from their local Sanghas, families and communities. We call this process of involving others, "friend- raising". This is a way of infusing the process with community spirit and intention. And, like the Buddha and his monastic Sangha who offered their lay community the opportunity to practice generosity during Alms Rounds, we do the same when we offer our family and friends the opportunity to support loving work with a financial donation. We remind them that no amount is too small; the spirit in which a gift is given is all that really matters. (Read Callista's "Adventures in Friend-Raising" on the Shared Experiences page of this website. See instructions at the bottom of this page for options on how to friend-raise your donation.)
Can I attend the retreat if I'm not a vegetarian?
Yes; however, we do ask that you keep to a plant-based diet while on retreat. Participants are also asked to refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking. The food on retreat is fresh and wholesome. When necessary we can accommodate a gluten-free diet. (Read Camille's Overcoming Dietary Challenges on the Shared Experiences page of this website.)
What about the use of cash or credit cards during the retreats?
Only local currency can be used in Viet Nam. To exchange currency before leaving your home country is never wise. We suggest that you bring your ATM card and use it to obtain some local cash. If you do not have an ATM Debit card, you might want to ask your bank to issue one for you (and let them know you will use it in SE Asia). ATM machines are easily accessible, including at the Hanoi Airport. They dispense Viet Nam Dong (VND). For personal shopping and extra hotel nights and meals, Visa and Master Card are accepted everywhere except in the smallest kiosk or tourist shop. (American Express is accepted only at some places.) Important! Alert your credit card company that you will be using it in Viet Nam so they know it has not been stolen.
What immunizations do you recommend ?
Regarding immunizations, we recommend that you check with the Center for Disease Control, if you are a US citizen, and/or follow your personal health care provider's recommendations regarding immunizations for travelers from your country to Viet Nam. We are unable to offer medical advice and guidance. We expect each retreat participant to take precautions, based on your personal health status and your physician's guidance and recommendations. The country of Viet Nam imposes no particular requirements on visitors to the country.
Are there issues with mosquitos?
Mosquitos are not a problem in town. Dengue Fever is around, though rare. Bring repellant with Deet and wear long-sleeves, long-pants, and socks when in rural areas.
What kind of clothing do you recommend?
Light-weight shirts (long and short sleeve). Long pants or Long shorts; skirts of mid-calf length. Light sweater; light wind-breaker, and/or waterproof jacket or poncho. Good walking sandals; one pair closed-toe walking shoes. We provide work gloves (for Loving Work Retreat friends.)
Should I bring my OI jacket?
Retreatants who are members of the OI (Order of Inter-being in the Plum Village Tradition) are asked to bring their brown OI jackets.
Should I bring my meditation cushion?
No. We will provide meditation cushions for you (and yoga mats, as well). There is no need to bring your own. That can be quite a challenge for packing light!
Can I bring gifts to give to children?
We will use some of the donation funds to purchase gifts for the children. IF you wish to bring some small gifts, we will present them to the schools we visit, to be used in the classrooms. We discourage bringing gifts for individual children, since we run the risk of disappointing some, if we encounter more children than we can gift.
Is travelers health insurance required for attendance?
YES. We do require that all retreat participants arrange health insurance/travel insurance for themselves for the duration of the retreats. This can be done for a very reasonable cost when purchasing your international ticket. One friend became ill during the retreat, had to be hospitalized, and he and his partner then chose to return home. They were very happy to have bought insurance which covered all their expenses, including the cost of the week of retreat for which they had paid, but were forced to miss. Covid insurance is not required.
Can you recommend things to do with extra time in my schedule?
For the Joyfully Together in Viet Nam Retreats 2026 –The Loving Work and the NWTG/NTD retreats officially BEGIN and end in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The Homeland Retreat BEGINS in HCMC and ENDs in HaNoi.
You are strongly advised to make sleep and rest a top priority for the first day (two, if possible). Resist the temptation to discover the city. You will need your energy in order to be fully present during the time of your retreat.
Those wishing to sight-see in HaNoi prior to the retreat should arrive several days early. Tell us on your 'Travel Form' (which we will send you), if you need extra hotel nights before or after your retreat..We will book those nights for you at our retreat hotel (We will know the names of our hotels in January.) You pay with cash Viet Nam Dong, or credit card at check out.
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Recommended Places of Interest:
HCMC - Notre Dame Cathedral; War Remnants Museum; The Opera House; Ben Thanh Market
HANOI - Bat Trang Pottery Village & Museum; Women's Museum, The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the Ethnology Museum; Hanoi Old Quarter; Temple of Literature (Enjoy lunch across street at KOTO, run by trained, former street kids); Water Puppet Performance; Gallery Art Viet Nam; Ca Tru Traditional Music Performance
Can you help with additional hotel accommodations if needed?
We can happily arrange extra nights for you at our retreat hotels in HCMC and in Hanoi, making use of our discounted room rates at those hotels.Indicate dates on the 'Travel Form' we will send you.
What is a Day of Mindfulness?
A Day of Mindfulness is a practice of the Plum Village Tradition when practitioners come together to enjoy various mindfulness activities, including: Sitting Meditation, Dharma Talk, Mindful Walking, Mindful Eating, Deep Relaxation and Dharma sharing.
What is the Plum Village Tradition?
Plum Village is the name of a tradition of Buddhism that embraces practices of Mindfulness Meditation (Zen) and Engaged Buddhism, as taught by the Vietnamese Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh (affectionately called "Thay", meaning "Honored Teacher" in Vietnamese). Thay has founded monastic communities and practice centers on six continents. In addition, there are dozens of lay communities all over the globe that practice in the Plum village tradition. For more information, visit: www.plumvillage.org
Registration Fees, including Deposit, Refund Policy
Due to the lessons learned from the pandemic, we are delaying the date for submission of your final fees for our 2026 retreats, until we absolutely need them to secure our retreat accommodations and domestic transportation. If you must cancel (or we must cancel due to external circumstances), you will receive a FULL REFUND - With the EXCEPTION of any funds already incurred on your behalf which are not refundable to us. We depend on our friends to make their deposits "in good faith", with the full intention of joining us. We do understand, that the best plans can be disrupted.
What expenses are covered in the registration fees?
Loving Work Retreat – ALL expenses during the time of your retreat (15 days/14 nights): All hotel accommodations; All excursions (some might be 'planned', others present moment); All airport transfers, upon arrival & departure of your international flight into HCMC or Hanoi, as well as domestic flights ; All meals; All entrance tickets; All domestic airline tickets; All ground transportation; All tips (exception: recommended tip of $50 - $100 per for our Retreat Coordinator); Dana for the practice leader).
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Togetherness Retreat - ALL expenses during the time of the retreat (Nine Nights): Two nights hotel accommodations in Viet Nam + seven nights in Dorm accommodations in Plum Village Thailand, or hotel rooms in Viet Nam; International flight from Viet Nam to Bangkok and return; All ground transportation; All meals and drinks. (If PV Thai cannot host us, all expenses are included for our stay in the Riverside Eco- Resort in Hue.)
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Homeland Retreat – ALL expenses during the time of the retreat (16 days/15 nights): Hotel accommodations in HCMC, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Hanoi, Yen Tu Mountain; Travel within Viet Nam (all domestic flights and ground transportation ); All airport transfers, including for your arrival and departure on your international flight; All excursions (planned and unplanned); All meals; Therapeutic massage; All tips (exception: recommended tip of $50 - $100 for our Retreat Coordinator); Dana for the practice leader).
What additional expenses should I plan for?
Consider the following additional expenses in your planning:
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Loving Work Retreat – The cost of your Tourist Visa which is easily and inexpensively obtained on-line. We will support you to obtain your Visa. Please do not apply for it, until Trang notifies you - about four weeks before your trip begins.
***YOUR PASSPORT MUST BE VALID FOR MINIMUM 6 MONTHS AFTER YOUR ENTRY DATE INTO VIET NAM.***
Dana for Practice Leader (the amount is totally at your discretion); Tip for Retreat Coordinator admin (Suggestion: USD 50); Extra hotel nights, if you elect to arrive early or extend your stay. Cost of single rooms in City hotels is 'approximately' USD 85/night; Optional excursions pre or post retreat; Discretionary spending; Hotel mini-bar; Personal laundry.
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Togetherness Retreat (IF confirmed at PV Thai) - No Visa required for Thailand; Discretionary spending in Plum Village Book & Gift Shop (Cash USD or Thai Baht only); Dana for the Practice Center (not required, but always appreciated.).
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Homeland Retreat – *** Read above info for Loving Work Retreat.***
What is dana?
Dana is a Sanskrit and Pali word that connotes, in Indian traditions, the virtue of generosity, charity, or giving alms. In Buddhist traditions, Dana is an offering made from the heart, in gratitude for receiving teachings or spiritual guidance. The practice leader for our tours is not paid a salary and does not charge a fee for the services they provide. Participants are encouraged to consider making an offering to the practice leader.
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
Loving Work Retreat – During the LWR 2026, our 'home' will be a resort beside the Perfume River, near the ancient city of Hue. The Hue Riverside Eco- Resort sits on 11 acres of landscaped gardens and an orchard of organic fruit trees (pomelo, avocado, mango, starfruit, bananas, papaya, jackfruit, and more). In Hoi An, we will stay in a hotel near the Ancient Town. Our hotel in Dong Ha City is a lovely city hotel. Our accommodations in HCMC will be in a typical city hotel, not so dissimilar to city hotels anywhere, except staff will be exceptually kind and attentive. All our hotels are good quality, either 3* or 4*. Some have a swimming pool; most have a full-service restaurant, All have the amenities one expects of a tourist hotel.
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Togetherness Retreat - Accommodations in Plum Village are basic, but very pleasant and comfortable (the women's dormitory is new and very modern). They are dormitory-style, with plentiful bath facilities on each hall.
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Homeland Retreat 2026 – ALL of our retreat hotels are lovely and comfortable and of good quality.
Will I be able to access the internet?
Viet Nam has amazing internet access virtually everywhere - hotels, cafes and restaurants.
Will laundry service be available?
Yes, all our hotels offer fast service, though the cost can add up over the course of two plus weeks.
Will there be global telephone / cell phone service?
Talk with your service provider to learn your options, however, we suggest you can save on costs by signing up for WhatsApp (free app) and calling home when in Wifi. If you have an iPhone, use FaceTime.
What do I need to know about meal times?
Lunch and dinner are opportunities to practice Mindful Eating. We begin by observing Noble Silence during the first 20 minutes. We ask that you maintain a plant-based diet during the retreat, and refrain from alcohol consumption and smoking.
What kind of transportation will be involved in our travels?
In our two weeks together, we will practice ‘mindful walking’, ‘mindful-motorbike-riding‘ (optional and as a passenger, of course!), ‘mindful taxi-riding’, ‘mindful bus-riding,’ and 'mindfulness in-flight'. The practice of mindful breathing and periods of Silence during travel, combined with the organizers’ careful scheduling of our activities and periods of rest, guarantee a relaxing experience. All domestic flights will be on Vietnam Airlines, an excellent airline with an excellent safety record spanning decades. If you have mobility concerns, please indicate this on your Registration Form.
What if I'm not as young as I used to be, or if I have concerns regarding my level of energy?
Even though our retreats involve a considerable amount of physical activity, both in our service projects and in our travel and sight-seeing activities, no worries. Please indicate specific concerns on your Registration Form . We'll ensure you have a wonderful retreat experience. We are not our bodies! "My body is not me."
I've paid my deposit. How do I complete my registration payment?
Loving Work Retreat –Submit final payment of the balance of your registration fee by 20 January, 2026.
Make payment via PayPal by clicking on the "Pay Registration Fees" button on the "Registration Process" page of this website (US residents only). Other payment option: a bank wire transfer, direct deposit for US residents into our US bank, or personal check mailed to Lesley in South Carolina. For non-US friends, wire transfer into our Viet Nam account. Payment Option information will accompany your Registration form.
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Togetherness Retreat - Final payment of the balance of your registration fee is due by 20 January, 2026.
(See above comments regarding how to submit your fee)
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Homeland Retreat – Final Payment of the balance of your registration fee is due latest 20 January, 2026.
(See above comments regarding how to submit your fee)
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Are scholarships available to help cover registration costs?
Due to the generoslty of our friends, we are offering ONE SCHOLARSHIP to a person between the ages of 17 - 35 to accompany us on the Homeland of Our Teacher Retreat.
(Not included: the cost of international airfare, the cost of the Viet Nam visa, Dana for the practice leaders, a tip for the Retreats Coordinator, and any other items listed in the Fees and Expenses Document as "Excluded.") And, of course, we ask that scholarship recipients, like all of our participants, raise a minimum of $400 USD in donations from family, friends, and community. These funds, which are given in the spirit of the practice of Generosity, support the work of improving the lives of children and families in Viet Nam.
TO APPLY: email lwfscholarships@gmail.com with the following information:
1. A short statement explaining the personal financial circumstances that support your application.
2. A short statement about what this opportunity means to you. WHY do you want to make a retreat in Viet Nam?
3. Do you currently practice Mindfulness? If yes, do you practice with a group (Sangha)?
APPLICATION DUE LATEST : 20 September 2025 for retreat 2026.
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The committee will make every effort to respond to you within 3 weeks. We advise that you make no travel arrangements until you have had a response from us.
How is this organization funded?
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, we have two means of financial support. The first comes through donations from around the world, made by compassionate supporters of our work. The second is our relationships with Tourism suppliers in Viet Nam which allow us to provide a quality retreat experience, comprised of plant-based, fresh & delicious food, safe and modern ground transportation, group domestic airline tickets, and comfortable, exceptionally clean and modern accommodations. Skillful negotiation allows us to fund the retreat expenses of our Practice leader and Retreat Coordinator (Excluding International Travel to Viet Nam which all of us pay from our personal funds). While keeping our Registration Fees as low as possible, we endeavor to keep administrative costs as low as possible. On average, only 10% - 15% of funds received are used for administrative purposes. While our practice leaders do not charge for their work, we do pay a reasonable fee to our Retreats Coordinator and to our Registrar. Any funds not spent on work projects or administrative costs are allocated to a Discretionary Relief Fund, from which we can offer additional financial assistance in circumstances of need brought to our attention by our partnering community agencies. Our aspiration is to make the greatest possible impact with the generous donations we receive.
Are donations tax deductible?
The Loving Work Foundation is a 501c(3) registered in the United States. US donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
What is the best way to make a donation?
You may click on the DONATE button located by scrolling down the Home Page of this website & use a credit or debit card. Some corporate friends go through Benevity causes Portal. Other options are Direct deposit into our US bank, Bank Wire Transfer, and personal check sent to our South Carolina address. Non-US friends can wire funds to our Viet Nam (Email us at lovingworkdonations.com for bank details.)