When a Custom Respects Local Values

Dear Beloved Sangha around the World,

With a lotus and a smile, we warmly greet you from Plum Village Thailand.

Our monastery is nestled in Pak Chong, the western gateway to the beautiful Khao Yai National Park in northeastern Thailand. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and open skies, we continue to cultivate peace together while witnessing the steady growth of our new Space Beyond Space Meditation Hall.

At the end of July, our monastic community begins the annual Three-Month Rain Retreat. During this time, we remain in the monastery, dedicating ourselves to deeper practice, study, and community life. This retreat has been cherished since the time of the Buddha and continues to be an essential part of monastic life in the Plum Village tradition.

While Plum Village centres in Europe and North America begin their Rain Retreat in October, Plum Village Thailand follows the traditional Theravada calendar observed throughout Thailand, beginning at the end of July. Practicing in harmony with the local tradition allows our community to root itself deeply in the culture and to continue growing as one Sangha with our neighbours.

As we enter this season of practice, we are also happy to share that the construction of the Space Beyond Space Meditation Hall continues to move forward. The foundation has now been completed, and, thanks to the kindness and generosity of friends around the world, we have reached 52% of our fundraising goal.

We know this is a time of economic uncertainty, and we also recognize that many Plum Village practice centres are working diligently to care for their communities and develop facilities that can serve future generations. We are deeply grateful for every act of generosity, whether through financial support, your practice, or simply holding this project in your heart.

For friends around the world—especially those in the United States—who would like to support the Meditation Hall Project, donations can now be offered through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:

https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/?form=PVTHall

The Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation is part of the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law.

Your generosity helps create a home where countless practitioners—now and in the generations to come—can touch peace, cultivate understanding, and learn the art of mindful living.

Thank you for walking this path together with us.

In love and trust, with a lotus for you,

The Construction Committee Plum Village Thailand