“The Art of Mindful Living”
A three-month Layman’s Resident Program
In Rain Retreat 2026
“The Art of Mindful Living” is a special program organised for lay practitioners (18-40 years old) to practice mindfulness in the Plum Village tradition of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. This program provides you with an opportunity to practice together with the monastic sangha for the whole three months during the rain retreat, from July 26 to October 22, 2026.
Participants will have a chance to delve deeper into mindfulness practices applicable to daily life, study the fundamental sutras of the Plum Village tradition, and serve the sangha through working meditation. Qualified Dharma Teachers will supervise all activities. The program is organised by the brothers from the Clear Sky Hamlet of Thai Plum Village, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Sample of the daily activities
| Time | Activities | |
|---|---|---|
| 04:00 | : | Wake up |
| 04:45 | : | Sitting meditation and chanting |
| 06:00 | : | Walking meditation |
| 07:00 | : | Breakfast |
| 08:30-10:30 | : | Classes |
| 11:30 | : | Lunch |
| 13:00 | : | Rest |
| 15:00-16:30 | : | Working meditation |
| 17:30 | : | Dinner |
| 19:30 | : | Sitting meditation and chanting |
| 21:00 | : | Noble silence |
Every Thursday, there will be a Day of Mindfulness for the monastic, and
every Sunday, there will be a Day of Mindfulness for the fourfold community.
Financial Support
You are invited to support this program with 1000 USD (approximately 32.500 THB) for your accommodation, food, and general expenses for these 3 months. (Excluded medical expenses, visa, and travelling costs).
Basic Requirements
- Male 18 – 40 years old
- Be able to communicate in English
- Be able to join the whole program for three months
- No incurable disease or serious medical condition: Your mental stability and physical health should be sound enough not to hinder your training.
- Commitment to study, practice, and serve: our training is to flow as a sangha.
- You commit to learning to practice and follow the mentor’s and the community’s guidance, including attending all activities.
- To support your training, you will be asked to reduce the use of items such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops.
- To be able to eat vegetarian, the community is unable to fulfil any special diet requests.
- Willing to share a room with other participants.
Important Dates
| Date | Events | |
|---|---|---|
| 29 June | : | Registration closed |
| 01 – 03 July | : | Online interview via ZOOM |
| 05 July | : | Announcement of the result |
| 26 July | : | Arriving at the monastery |
| 28 July | : | Counting Stick Ceremony |
| 29 July | : | Rain Retreat Ceremony |
| 22 October | : | Program Ends |
Registration Form:
For more details, contact us via email or WhatsApp (text message only)
Organised by:
Brothers of Clear Sky Hamlet,
Thai Plum Village