The Art of Mindful Living for Layman 2026

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“The Art of Mindful Living”

A three-month Layman’s Resident Program

In Rain Retreat 2026

Date: 26 July - 22 October 2026

Language: English

Location: Thai Plum Village

“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 24, 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.