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.
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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.
Peace in oneself, peace in the world...
Join us on retreats that include mindful travel in a culture different from our own,
as we learn to see ourselves in the eyes of those we meet along the way.
Friday, 20 March - Friday, 03 April
Begins & Ends in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Participate in community-building by engaging in humanitarian aid projects that support the health
and wellbeing of Vietnamese children and families in Quang Tri, Thien-Hue, and Quang Nam Provinces.
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Cost of Retreat: 15 days/14 nights
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Twin Share – $ TBA USD (per person)
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Single Accommodation – $ TBA
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INCLUDED IN LOVING WORK RETREAT FEE:
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All Accommodations
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All Meals (Plant-Based)
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All Domestic flights
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All Ground Transportation
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All Airport Transport Services
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All Entrance Fees
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All Tips (restaurants, hotels, bus drivers)
NOT INCLUDED IN LOVING WORK RETREAT FEES:
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International Travel Costs
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Cost of Travel/Medical Insurance (Required)
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Viet Nam Visa
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Additional Nights in Hotel (pre or post retreat)
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Personal Shopping; Laundry; Mini-Bar
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Tip for Retreat Coordinator
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Dana for Practice Leader
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REQUIRED MINIMUM DONATION OF USD 400, PREFERABLY TO BE RAISED FROM AMONG ONE’S FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND VARIOUS COMMUNITIES.
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This 2026 one-week retreat is open to anyone wishing to take refuge from the busi-ness of the daily life of our modern world. Supported by the collective energy of community (the Lay Sangha), we have the opportunity to
deepen our practice of Resting and Reflecting, with an emphasis on the mind/body connection
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For those just arriving in Viet Nam: Retreat Begins with one night in Saigon; Ends with one night in Saigon.
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Each day begins with early-morning Sitting Meditation, listening to the harmonious song of cicadas, followed by the sounds of birds and other beings heralding a brand-new day, followed by Mindful Walking and Qigong.
Daily formal practices include Mindful Eating, Total Relaxation, Singing, and time for Personal Practice
Most days include Dharma Sharing, Dharma Talks, and Times of Noble Silence
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COST: Shared Accommodations - USD $TBA USD --- Single Accommodations - USD $ TBA
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Dates: Thursday, 02 April – Saturday, 11 April, 2026
Included in 'No Where to Go, Nothing to Do', tentatively planned to include seven nights in PV Thailand and two nights in Saigon, or two nights in Saigon and seven nights at another location in Viet Nam.
All Domestic flights, or International to Thailand (if PV Thailand becomes the location)
All Ground Transportation
All expenses, including delicious plant-based meals.
This Retreat is offered to those who join the Loving Work Retreat and/or the Homeland Retreat, AND to English-speaking friends living in Viet Nam, or traveling in SE Asia, or living in regional countries
'No Where to Go, Nothing to Do":
All Accommodations
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All Meals (Plant-Based)
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All Tips
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All Ground Transportation
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Flights associated with the retreat
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Registration fee
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EXCLUDED IN RETREAT FEE:
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Additional Nights in retreat Hotel (pre or post retreat)
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Cost of Viet Nam Tourist Visa ( Required)
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Cost of Travel/Medical Insurance (Required)
Go as a River, Discovering the Homeland of
Our Teacher, the Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Enjoy an intimate & cozy experience with a maximum of 20 registered friends. Practice in active monasteries, visit historic sites important in the life of our teacher, engage with local friends, and enjoy a variety of communities and landscapes from the South, to the Central, to the North.
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Dates: Friday, 10 April – Saturday, 25 April
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Cost of Retreat: 16 Days / 15 Nights
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Twin Share – $ TBA USD (per person)
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Single Accommodation – $ TBA USD
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INCLUDED IN HOMELAND RETREAT FEE:
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All Accommodations
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All Meals (Plant-Based)
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All Domestic flights
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All Ground Transportation
-
All Airport Transport Services
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All Entrance Fees
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EXCLUDED IN HOMELAND RETREAT FEES:
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International Travel Costs
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Cost of Travel/Medical Insurance (Required)
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Viet Nam Visa
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Additional Nights in Hotel (pre or post retreat)
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Personal Shopping; Laundry; Mini-Bar
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Tip for Coordinator
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Dana for Practice Leader
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The USD 400 (minimum) Required Donation, to be disbursed during your retreat.
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REQUIRED MINIMUM DONATION OF USD 400, PREFERABLY TO BE RAISED FROM AMONG FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND VARIOUS COMMUNITIES.
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LOVING WORK RETREAT 2026
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'Tentative' Itinerary - some details are likely to change, based on conditions
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Friday, 20 March, Begins at 4:00pm with Tea & Orientation in our retreat hotel. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Friday, 03 April, Ends After Breakfast in our retreat hotel, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
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Practice Leaders: Dharmacharya Trish Thompson, with Lynne Kaufman, Order of Interbeing & other Order Members
Retreat Coordinator: Linh Khanh Phan, Order of Interbeing
Retreat Registrar: Trang Vu, Full Opening of the Heart
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Sat, 21 Mar: Visiting places of interest in Saigon
Sun, 22 Mar: Visit places of interest in Saigon; Fly to Da Nang; Check in at hotel in Hoi An (40 minutes from Da Nang Airport)
Mon, 23 Mar: Meet children & families in Schoolchildren Aid Project; afternoon and evening in Hoi An
Tues, 24 Mar: Lazy morning; Check out; Drive to Hue; Check in at Riverside Eco Resort
Wed, 25 Mar: Morning Practice; Afternoon Dharma Sharing, Riverside Eco-Resort;
Thurs, 26 Mar: Half Day of Mindfulness, Dieu Tram Nunnery / Temple Tu Hieu
Fri, 27 Mar & Sat, 28 Mar: Loving Work in rural Thien-Hue Province, under the guidance of Hearts for Hue
Sun, 29 Mar: Leave for Quang Tri Province; visit Vinh Moc Tunnels & DeMining Visitors' Center
Mon, Tues, Wed, 30, 31 Mar, 01 Apr: Loving Work under the guidance of Project RENEW and Peace Trees Vietnam
Wed, 01 Apr: Afternoon return to Hue; Check in at Riverside Eco Resort
Thurs, 02 Apr: Visit Tam Binh Center for Special Needs Children; Flight to Saigon, Check-in hotel; Farewell Dinner.
Fri, 03 Apr: Retreat Ends after Breakfast; Transport to Airport...or extra nights...or continue with us on our 'Rest & Reflection' Retreat
HOMELAND OF OUR TEACHER RETREAT 2025 (Viet Nam)
This section is a work in progress, subject to changing conditions
Friday, 10 April, Begins in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – 4:00 PM
Friday, 25 Apr, Ends in Hanoi – After Breakfast​​
Practice Leaders, Dharmacharya Trish Thompson, with Lynne Kaufman, Order of Interbeing;
Retreat Coordinator: Linh Khanh Phan, Order of Interbeing
Retreat Registrar: Trang Vu, Full Opening of the Heart​
Fri, 10 Apr, 4:00 pm: Welcome Tea & Orientation; Welcome Dinner
Sat, 11 Apr: Visit An Quang Pagoda & Phap Van Temple, significant in the life of our teacher in the 1960's and 70's
Sun, 12 Apr: Day of Mindfulness at Tram Tich Nunnery.
Mon, 13 Apr: Explore the city (District One); Pay respects at the memorial to Thich Quang Duc
Tue, 14 Apr: Flight to Hue; Visit Temple Tu Hieu; Pay respects at the Ancestral Altar; Evening Practice
Wed, 15 Apr: Early Morning Sitting; Qigong by the Perfume River; Personal Practice; Dharma Talk & Dharma Sharing
Thur, 16 Apr: Visit Tam Binh Center for Special Needs Children; Drive to Da Nang; Flight to Nha Trang
Fri, 17 Apr: Lazy Day at the Beach
Sat, 18 Apr: Lazy Morning; Afternoon visit with the Abbot at Tu Duc Monastery
Sun, 19 Apr: Day of Mindfulness at Tram An Nunnery
Mon.20 Apr: Flight to Hanoi
Tue, :21 Apr: Explore the city
Wed, 22 Apr: Drive to Yen Tu; Evening Practice
Thur, 23Apr: Early morning Sitting Meditation beside the Creek; Hike some or all of sacred Yen Tu Mountain (or enjoy a relaxing morning )
Fri, 24 Apr: Early return to Hanoi; Afternoon Restful & Relaxing Massage at Yakushi Center: Farewell Dinner
Sat, 25 Apr: Retreat Ends in Hanoi
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We welcome everyone from any spiritual tradition, or no tradition at all.
We only ask that all who join us agree to practice in our Plum Village tradition during our retreats.
Essential Elements of a Mindfulness Retreat in the Tradition of Plum Village:
IF YOU PLAN TO JOIN US ON RETREAT, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. . .
Asked of all Retreatants:
â—¦ Observe our practice traditions
â—¦ Raise a minimum of $400 from friends, family, & various communities, to be donated during our retreats
to our partner organizations in Viet Nam. Note: We ask this of each "retreatant', not for each retreat.
FOR COUPLES, we ask for a minimum of $400. We in no way want this requirement to prevent friends from joining us!
â—¦ Attend all practices and activities
â—¦ Respect the schedule ~ please arrive at least 5 minutes before the beginning of each activity.
All Mindfulness retreats, no matter their location, are designed to support each friend to rest and relax the mind and body, letting go of the tensions of ordinary daily life. By slowing and stopping, we have a chance to be in touch with our joy and happiness, as well as with the suffering that is also there, deep in our consciousness. Our retreats are organized in such a way that whatever is there has a chance to come up, and be recognized and acknowledged. With the support of the practice
leaders and the other friends, all of our emotions are honored.
The schedule includes opportunities for formal consultations with one of the practice leaders.
Our retreats very quickly become a family affair, and in a spiritual family, the members look out for one another. Each member
is assigned as a “Big Sister” or “Big Brother” for another member. The older sibling has the responsibility to know what is happening with the one to whom they have been assigned. For example, if Little Sister is not feeling well and misses breakfast, Big Sister knows this and communicates this to the practice leaders and retreat coordinator. This is a very useful system that ensures that everyone is remembered, and the support they need is provided.
We encourage Twin Share occupancy, though single rooms are available. The practice of being a roommate can be deep and fruitful. The simple need to remember to close the door softly requires one to be Mindful.
Mindful Eating, the first 20 minutes in silence, is a primary practice on our retreats. We enjoy a plant-based diet of the freshest veggies and fruits in the presence of our friends. Eating healthy supports both our physical and mental wellbeing, as well as our commitment to practice reverence for life.
We strive to maintain a regular schedule for sleep, meals and afternoon rest. Whatever the activity, throughout each day, in every thing we do, we practice doing it in Mindfulness, being in the present moment, aware of our breath, aware of the thoughts in the mind and feelings in the body while also aware of what is going on around us. Every moment is an opportunity to be mindful.
We begin each morning with Formal Sitting Meditation and end most days in the same way. Ample time is built into the schedule for quiet time, journaling, and solitary reflection. And, most days include ‘Dharma Sharing,’ as we practice the skill of listening deeply to one another, using the language of the heart to express whatever needs to be heard.
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