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What is the name of Thich Nhat Hanh's community?
Thich Nhat Hanh's community is called Plum Village. It is located in the Dordogne region of southern France and was founded by Thich Nhat Hanh in 1982. The name "Plum Village" was chosen by Thich Nhat Hanh himself, inspired by the beautiful plum trees that grow in the area.
Plum Village is a mindfulness practice center and monastic community, where Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings of mindfulness, compassion, and peace are put into practice. It is open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities, and welcomes both monastic and lay practitioners.
The community is made up of several hamlets, including Upper Hamlet, Lower Hamlet, New Hamlet, and Lower Hamlet II. Each hamlet has its own unique atmosphere and offers different types of retreats and programs. Upper Hamlet is the main monastic community, where the monks and nuns reside and practice. Lower Hamlet is the main lay community, where lay practitioners can come to practice mindfulness and participate in retreats. New Hamlet is a smaller community for long-term residents, and Lower Hamlet II is a retreat center for larger groups.
Plum Village is known for its peaceful and serene environment, surrounded by nature and farmland. The community follows a daily schedule of mindfulness practices, including sitting meditation, walking meditation, and mindful eating. They also have Dharma talks, discussions, and other activities to help people deepen their understanding and practice of mindfulness.
In addition to the main community in France, there are also Plum Village practice centers in other countries, including the United States, Germany, and Thailand. These centers offer retreats, workshops, and other programs based on Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings.
Plum Village is not just a physical community, but also a global spiritual community. Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings have touched the lives of millions of people around the world, and many consider themselves part of the Plum Village community even if they have never visited the physical location.
In summary, Plum Village is the name of Thich Nhat Hanh's community, a mindfulness practice center and monastic community in southern France. It is a place for people of all backgrounds to come and learn the art of mindful living, guided by Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings of peace and compassion.