Explore every episode of the podcast Deer Park Dharmacast

In this Dharma talk, Sister Đặng Nghiêm shares heartfelt insights on suffering, healing, and learning to be our own soulmate. Speaking at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, on July 20, 2025, she reflects on childhood memories, the Four Noble Truths, and the art of "riding the waves of life" with mindfulness and compassion.

Sister Chua Xua was a social worker and left a long-term relationship to become ordained as a nun at Bát Nhã, a Plum Village monastery that closed due to harassment from the Vietnamese government.

"I also have a dream. I have a wish that I can support the young Western people to take the monastic life. The life that when you open your eyes, you see the moon and the star over your window. You feel very free. You light the candle with the hot cup of tea, the warm one, and you enjoy tea in the early morning. You look through the windows, you enjoy the moon and the star, and you enjoy your free life."

1:53 Visiting the Monastery, Social Work
6:27 Relationship Before Ordination
9:33 Wake Up Sangha
11:21 Working for a Company, Decision to Become a Nun
18:35 Bat Nha Monastery
28:02 Father's Illness and Death
31:42 Living at Different Practice Centers
33:21 Bringing Buddhism to the West
37:16 Difficulties in Monastic Life

You can support this podcast by leaving a comment or review in your podcast application and by sharing it with friends. Financial support can be offered through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

In this episode of Meet the Monastics from Deer Park Monastery, Brother Minh An introduces Sister Chua Xua, a nun from Vietnam who shares her transformative journey into monastic life. Born in 1981 and ordained in 2010 at the age of 29, Sister Chua Xua brings energy and a deep heart of service to her spiritual practice. Her path began with a background in sociology and social work, where she faced burnout from emotional exhaustion while supporting marginalized communities. A retreat at Bat Nha Monastery in Vietnam introduced her to mindfulness practices and a vibrant community of young practitioners, inspiring her to reimagine her life. Despite initially not considering monastic life, the deep joy and transformation she witnessed at the monastery eventually led her to ordain.

Sister Chua Xua reflects on her personal challenges, including leaving a long-term romantic relationship and navigating the emotional aftermath with the support of the mindfulness practice and the Wake Up Sangha. She describes the tumultuous closure of Bat Nha Monastery due to political pressures, a pivotal moment that solidified her commitment to the monastic path. Through her practice, Sister Chua Xua has embraced a life of simplicity, freedom, and service, drawing strength from the Plum Village community's teachings. She now aspires to share the beauty of monastic life with young people, emphasizing the peace, clarity, and joy it offers.

Her story highlights the transformative power of mindfulness, community, and self-discovery. Sister Chua Xua's experiences underline how monastic practice fosters inner freedom and equips practitioners to live harmoniously with others. Her journey from social work to spiritual dedication offers profound insights into resilience and the pursuit of a meaningful, connected life.

Brother Phap Hoi is a Vietnamese refugee and the most senior Brother at Deer Park Monastery.

"Because the Sangha embrace all of the people, even you are high level or low level of good background or not. You all have the chance in the Sangha if you go in the right direction of practice."

3:16 Meeting Thay
8:20 Arriving at Plum Village
11:30 Visa Trouble, First Stint at Deer Park
17:12 Bat Nha Monastery
26:25 Plum Village Thailand
32:00 Gratitude for Thay and the Path

You can support this podcast by leaving a comment or review in your podcast application and by sharing it with friends. Financial support can be offered through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

In this episode of Meet the Monastics, Brother Minh An speaks with Brother Phap Hoi, the eldest brother at Deer Park Monastery, about his extraordinary journey into monastic life. Born in 1970 into a humble family in Hanoi, Brother Phap Hoi's path led him across multiple countries, including Czechoslovakia, Germany, and eventually France, where he was ordained at Plum Village in 1996. His life was marked by significant challenges, including fleeing as a refugee, navigating borders without proper paperwork, and enduring hardships during his search for a spiritual home. Inspired by Thay's teachings, particularly The Miracle of Mindfulness, Brother Phap Hoi found his deep calling to monastic life after attending a Day of Mindfulness in Germany.

Brother Phap Hoi shares how his practice flourished despite difficulties, from supporting the establishment of Deer Park Monastery in the U.S. to helping build Plum Village centers in Thailand and Vietnam, including the historic Bát Nhã Monastery. His reflections emphasize the resilience and strength of the monastic Sangha, particularly during times of persecution and hardship. Brother Phap Hoi expresses profound gratitude for Thay's inclusive and compassionate vision, which provided him with the opportunity to grow and serve, no matter his background or limitations. For Brother Phap Hoi, the Sangha is a true family, offering a path of transformation and love, which he continues to follow wholeheartedly.

Meet the Monastics

Sister Phu Nghiem is one of three nuns in her immediate blood family and is passionate about bringing mindfulness to children.

"So I focus a lot more on my steps. On how I choose the food when I come to a meal. I learn to enjoy the meal and enjoy my siblings. And that has supported me a whole lot now that I'm here at Deer Park. I'm learning how to do that. And I notice my relationship with my sibling is more honest. But I think the most important thing is that my relationship with myself is a lot more honest. So that made me very happy."

2:07  - Introduction to Spiritual Life
7:49 - Professional Life and Decision to Become a Nun
14:15 - Starting Magnolia Grove
18:46 - Stress and Working Mindfully
26:13 - Mother's Ordination
31:01 - Practicing with the name "Gift from Heaven"
34:47 - Advice for Those Considering Monastic Life

You can support this podcast by leaving a comment or review in your podcast application and by sharing it with friends. Financial support can be offered through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

Brother Minh An introduces an episode of Meet the Monastics featuring Sister Phu Nghiem, who shares her journey to monastic life and reflections on mindfulness practice. Born in central Vietnam in 1981, Sister Phu Nghiem emigrated to the U.S. at age 10, eventually pursuing interior design before feeling called to the monastic path. Influenced by her family's Buddhist roots and her sister's earlier ordination, she found deeper meaning through the Plum Village tradition. Her initial experiences at the Green Mountain Dharma Center awakened a sense of alignment with the practice, leading her to ordain in 2008.

Sister Phu Nghiem reflects on her challenges and growth within the monastic community, including starting Magnolia Grove Monastery and balancing responsibilities with self-care. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in cultivating a rhythm of life that fosters well-being and honest relationships. As she now supports her aging mother, also a nun, she views this as a unique chapter of learning and joy, blending her spiritual and familial roles.

She concludes by describing monastic life as a "luxury lifestyle," offering a rich, disciplined, and beautiful way of living for those committed to the practice. Encouraging listeners to consider the monastic path, Sister Phu Nghiem shares how the teachings and precepts have deepened her relationships and transformed her life.

Brother Phap Luu, the eldest non-Vietnamese American monk in the Plum Village tradition, graduated from Dartmouth College and started meditating after going through a depression. 

"What is more satisfying in life than helping people to transform their suffering? I mean, who cares about money and all this other stuff? The biggest happiness I get is if I can help myself, first of all, but others to transform suffering in a real way. My goodness, if we can do that with only a few people in our life, that's already worth a lifetime, right?"

Discourse on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness

2:16 Experiments in Community and Meditation
10:37 Returning to the US, Depression
16:04 Discovering the Four Establishments of Mindfulness
21:00 Returning to Dartmouth, Visiting Maple Forest Monastery
26:09 Decision to Become a Monk
31:00 Life as a Monk, Love for Thay, Ethics
40:10 Projects
51:39 Ideals of Monastic Life, Collective Awakening
1:09:17 The Monastic's Role, Advice for Potential Monastics

You can support this podcast by leaving a comment or review in your podcast application and by sharing it with friends. Financial support can be offered through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

This podcast episode, Meet the Monastics, hosted by Brother Minh An from Deer Park Monastery, introduces Brother Phap Luu (Brother Stream), the most senior non-Vietnamese American monastic in the Plum Village tradition. Brother Phap Luu shares his transformative journey, including his struggles with identity, community, and purpose before encountering the Dharma. 

Early Life and Search for Meaning: Growing up in Connecticut, Brother Phap Luu studied English literature at Dartmouth College. He explored anarchist movements in Europe and lived in organic farming communities, experiencing both inspiration and disillusionment. These experiences deepened his inquiry into suffering, community, and personal transformation.

Meeting Spiritual Teachers: His encounter with a Western teacher and later Thích Nhất Hạnh (Thầy) provided clarity and inspiration. The advice, "Don't be a Buddhist; be the Buddha," profoundly influenced his approach to the path.

Discovering Mindfulness Practice: Practicing the Four Establishments of Mindfulness during a difficult period helped him overcome depression and cultivate joy. This marked the beginning of his commitment to mindfulness and monastic life.

Becoming a Monastic: Ordained in 2003 at Plum Village, France, Brother Phap Luu describes monastic life as a profound practice of non-self and community living. He values the precepts and ethics as foundational to transformation and expresses gratitude for Thầy's teachings and legacy.

Community and Projects: Known for his boundless energy, Brother Phap Luu has contributed to initiatives like Wake Up for young practitioners, the Happy Farm, and hiking and science retreats. He reflects on balancing projects with mindfulness, cultivating non-attachment, and fostering harmony in the Sangha.

Role of Monastics: Brother Phap Luu emphasizes the importance of monastics in balancing collective energy in society. He highlights the need for mindfulness, non-ideological approaches, and cultivating community harmony to address modern challenges like polarization and ecological crises.

Download episode without music.

Sister Le Nghiem came to the practice after the death of her brother, and typically does solo retreat at the monastery for a few weeks a year.

"So the practice gives me the greatest happiness. And this practice gives me being with others. Being with friends on retreat. Being with my siblings. Spending time each other. So when I practice it gives me happiness. And when my practice is deep, my happiness gets deeper. So it's all to do with the practice, nothing else."

2:17 Death of Brother and Discovering Thay's Teachings
9:25 Meeting the Monastic Sangha, Deciding to Become a Nun
17:00 Spending Time with Family Before Ordination
23:08 Nourishment from Solitude
32:34 Advice for Potential Nuns
35:49 Greatest Happiness in Monastic Life

You can support this podcast by leaving a comment or review in your podcast application and by sharing it with friends. Financial support can be offered through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

This is an interview from Meet the Monastics, hosted by Brother Minh An at Deer Park Monastery. The episode features Sister Le Nghiem, also known as Sister Respect, a monastic in the Plum Village tradition ordained in 2005 at the age of 35.

Key Highlights:

Journey to Monastic Life:
She discovered mindfulness and Thích Nhất Hạnh's teachings during a difficult time after her brother's passing. Reading The Miracle of Mindfulness and joining a local Sangha in Brisbane were transformative, helping her heal and connect deeply with the Plum Village practice. Her aspiration to become a nun solidified after meeting Plum Village monastics during retreats in Australia.

Family Challenges and Support:
Coming from a non-Buddhist family, Sister Le Nghiem faced initial resistance to her decision to ordain. She postponed ordination in Vietnam in 2005 to spend quality time with her family, preparing them for her new path. Over time, her family grew to accept and support her choice.

Solo Retreats and Community Life:
Sister Le Nghiem finds nourishment in both solitary practice and community living. Her solo retreats allow her to connect deeply with herself, cultivating mindfulness and understanding. At the same time, she thrives in the Sangha environment, sharing the practice and building strong relationships with her monastic siblings.

Inspiration for Young Women:
Sister Le Nghiem advises aspiring nuns to focus wholeheartedly on the basic practices of mindfulness, which she believes are the foundation of a fulfilling monastic life. She emphasizes putting one's heart into the practice to find clarity and joy.

The Role of Practice:
Throughout her journey, Sister Le Nghiem highlights the central role of practice in cultivating happiness. Whether alone or with others, her deep commitment to mindfulness brings her the greatest fulfillment.

This heartfelt interview offers insight into Sister Le Nghiem's spiritual path, her balance of solitude and community, and her unwavering dedication to the practice, which continues to inspire her daily life.

Sister Sr. Trung Chinh left Vietnam as a refugee and has been a nun for over fifty years.

"The aspiration of a monk or a nun is that we have to arrive to the most peaceful place, the happiest place in ourselves. And there's only the daily practice. The daily practice only helps us to arrive to that place, that aspiration. It's the daily practice of each person. If each one of us do our best and lessen our hate, our love, our attachment, our anger, we let go of them day by day, then we can see we can love everybody."

2:44 Discovering Spirituality and Ordination
7:35 Dreaming of the Buddha and Meeting Great Teachers
12:39 Appreciation for Plum Village
16:55 Overcoming Difficulties, Waking Early, Balancing Practice 
22:57 Chanting, Pleasing the Land Ancestors
33:23 Aspiration

You can support this podcast by leaving a comment or review in your podcast application and by sharing it with friends. Financial support can be offered through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

This is an episode of the podcast Meet the Monastics by Brother Minh An from Deer Park Monastery, highlighting the story of Sister Trung Chinh, also known as Sister Abbess. Sister Abbess has been a monastic for over 50 years, ordained at 15 in Vietnam, and later joined Plum Village at the invitation of Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay). She eventually became one of the first monastics at Deer Park Monastery.

Her journey reveals her deep connection to the Buddhist path, beginning in childhood amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War. After escaping Vietnam and living in various countries, she remained devoted to monastic life, finding solace and depth in Plum Village teachings. She shares her aspiration to embody Thay's teachings, practicing daily to cultivate peace, happiness, and love. She emphasizes the importance of community, gratitude for land ancestors, and integrating personal diligence with communal life.

Throughout the interview, Sister Abbess reflects on the simplicity and depth of practice, the wisdom of Thay, and her hope that younger generations will continue the path of mindfulness and liberation. The episode ends with a reminder of the interconnectedness of personal and collective practice, gratitude to teachers and ancestors, and the importance of preserving Thay's legacy.

Brother Minh Nhan, one of the only monastics in the Plum Village tradition of Mexican descent, is a monk of many interests: music, mushrooms, math, and more. 

"To join a community that maybe looks different, maybe don't see others like myself in it, let's say. Yeah, I mean, that's one way to look at it, but look at it as also, you're the one entering that. And you needn't be the last one either."

1:54 Introduction to Spirituality
14:38 Dropping Out of College
20:33 Arriving at Deer Park
22:11 Depression
31:09 Practice, Study, Play, and Rest
36:32 Being a Mexican Buddhist Monk
40:14 Advice for Those Considering Monastic Life

Source The Kalama Sutra

You can support this podcast by leaving a comment or review in your podcast application and by sharing it with friends. Financial support can be offered through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

The "Meet the Monastics" podcast from Deer Park Monastery, hosted by Brother Minh An, features weekly conversations with monastics about their journeys and inspirations. In this episode, he interviews Brother Minh Nhan, also known as Brother Kindness, who shares his unique story as one of the few monastics of Mexican descent in the Plum Village tradition.

Brother Minh Nhan's journey began with an interest in spirituality during high school, sparked by reading Siddhartha and the Kalama Sutta, which encouraged him to explore and trust his own experiences. He also found unexpected spiritual mentors through a yoga class he joined, thinking it was a pottery course. His college path led him to advanced studies in mathematics, but he eventually left academia, seeking a life of greater purpose and spiritual practice. This pivotal decision was influenced by his deepening mindfulness practice, which had provided stability during challenging times.

Choosing monastic life allowed him to align his values with his desire to benefit others, realizing that spiritual practice could offer lasting peace and service to those around him. His reflections highlight the importance of play and simplicity in daily life, helping balance the rigorous study and introspection of monastic training. Brother Minh Nhan is committed to the practice and hopes one day to share Buddhism with the Mexican community, while continuing to grow in the Plum Village tradition. The episode encourages others to explore monastic life, emphasizing that a diverse community can be enriched by newcomers.

Sister Boi Nghiem studied nursing before being ordained, and works regularly as a nun with the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and teen communities.

"I think I have a very healthy relationship with myself. Very healthy mental dialogue with myself. There were times I comforted myself. There were times I'm very firm with myself, tell myself to stop thinking that way. And they help. This is why I kept on sharing the importance of self-love. Because by the end of the day, it is the self-love that helped me, that saved me, that keeps me going. Because if I continue to criticize myself or have excessive negative thoughts, I cannot do much. It's very tiring. So I think that is the reason why that helped me not to fall into burnout.""

3:07 Heartbreak, Visiting Green Mountain, Deer Park, and Plum Village
6:37 Novicehood at Plum Village 
11:40 Magnolia Grove Monastery
25:00 Interest in Social Injustice
28:34 Teens
34:42 LGBTQIA+
40:55 BIPOC
53:26 Burnout
1:07:07 Basic Practice
1:17:25 Advice for Potential Monastics

You can support this podcast by leaving a comment or review in your podcast application and by sharing it with friends. Financial support can be offered through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

This episode of "Meet the Monastics," hosted by Brother Minh An from Deer Park Monastery, shares insights into the lives and practices of monastics in the Plum Village tradition. 

In this episode, he interviews Sister Boi Nghiem (Sister True Pearl), who joined monastic life in 2005 at age 21. Sister Boi Nghiem emphasizes the significance of self-love and healthy inner dialogue as key practices to maintain well-being and prevent burnout. She shares her journey from a childhood in central Vietnam to immigrating to the U.S. and eventually finding spiritual direction after a difficult breakup. Initially drawn to Plum Village for personal healing, she gradually committed to monastic life.

Sister Boi Nghiem has devoted herself to supporting diverse groups, including the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and teen communities. Her advocacy grew from personal experiences and a deep awareness of societal suffering, leading her to foster inclusivity in the Sangha. Her practice of mindfulness, compassion, and gratitude is nurtured by regular breathing exercises, walking meditation, and the support of her monastic community.

The episode also highlights the foundational role of the Plum Village Sangha and the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh in fostering a mindful, compassionate, and engaged monastic community. 

Listen without the music track.

It's Meet the Monastics!

Brother Phap Dung is a Vietnamese refugee who worked as an architect in Los Angeles before finding the practice, healing his relationship with his father, and changing the course of his life.

"Now you get to choose, and it's deliberate. That is a monk. I choose to be in this intimate way with the community, with this path. I choose not to be in a romantic relationship. I choose to have real relationships with people I come across with. It's always a constant choice."

2:35 Meeting Thay and the Sangha
9:51 Joining the Buddhist "Enterprise"
14:40 Signs
19:28 Transformation
31:36 Advice for Potential Monastics
36:11 Love for Monastic Life
44:00 Engaged Buddhism

You can support this podcast by leaving a comment or review in your podcast application and by sharing it with friends. Financial support can be offered through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

In this episode of Meet the Monastics, Brother Minh An interviews Brother Phap Dung, also known as Brother Fabian or Brother Embrace. They explore Brother Phap Dung's journey from an architect in Los Angeles to becoming a monastic in the Plum Village tradition. Reflecting on his early experiences, Brother Phap Dung recalls his initial curiosity about Buddhism, sparked by a retreat led by Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay). His journey to monastic life was marked by a deepening commitment to mindfulness practice, inspired by the peaceful yet vibrant presence of young monks and nuns.

Brother Phap Dung shares memorable moments with Thay, who once invited him to join the "Buddhist enterprise," a phrase that would later resonate deeply with him. He speaks of the transformative insights he experienced through meditation, such as the ability to observe his thoughts without reacting. Over time, he shed attachments to his former identity, transitioning from societal expectations to a life of mindfulness and community service.

The interview also delves into Brother Phap Dung's commitment to engaged Buddhism, particularly in addressing the climate crisis. He reflects on his presence at international conferences like COP26 as an opportunity to bring peace, deep listening, and loving speech into critical dialogues on environmental issues. Inspired by Thay's compassionate approach, Brother Phap Dung emphasizes the importance of connecting with others' humanity, even in challenging global discussions. Through his ongoing dedication to both personal and collective transformation, he aspires to live a life that inspires others to touch peace and mindfulness in their own lives.

Brother Minh Luong was raised in Laguna Beach, California, and went to NYU, where he read a book that changed his life.

"I realized recently that there really is no separation between the practice and everything we do in our daily life. Either we're creating conditions for a practice space, like an internal practice space, or we're taking conditions away. And so if I can live in a calm and peaceful and serene way and do things that contribute to mindfulness and peace in my daily life, then I'll have a lot of success in my spiritual practice."

Sister Kinh Nghiem, one of the funniest and most stylish nuns in the world, was ordained when she was only 14.

"Get rid of all of your ideas of what monastic practice is. You know, you come here, I mean, the practice is wonderful. And it's for you to come and see for yourself. But if you start getting ideas of what you expect monastic life to be like, you'll have a hard time. Because there's two sides to the coin, if you want to say it, you know? Sometimes the sisters have some expectation, and then you and yourself have some expectation. "Oh, I thought this was a Buddhist community. I think we're supposed to practice loving kindness and compassion and help, and everybody's so mean." You know, I mean, honestly, if you let go of the ideas and just focus on your bodhichitta, focus on what you want. And those other things of how people say things to you, which is sort of like, be a minor, it's not important."

You can support this podcast by leaving a comment or review in your podcast application and by sharing it with friends. Financial support can be offered through the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation. 

AI Summary

This podcast episode from Deer Park Monastery's Meet the Monastics features Brother Minh An interviewing Sister Kinh Nghiem, a long-time monastic who was ordained at the age of 14. The episode highlights Sister Kinh Nghiem's journey to monastic life, sharing stories from her childhood, growing up with a deeply Buddhist mother and a non-practicing Catholic father. Sister Kinh Nghiem's mother was a devoted follower of Thich Nhat Hanh, influencing Sister Kinh Nghiem's early exposure to Buddhism, despite her initial disinterest.

At 14, Sister Kinh Nghiem attended a retreat led by Thich Nhat Hanh, and though she had no deep understanding of Buddhism or meditation at the time, his teachings resonated with her, especially on impermanence, suffering, and happiness. She experienced a personal awakening, realizing that she wanted to share these teachings with her peers and help others navigate life's challenges.

Sister Kinh Nghiem reflects on her decision to become a monastic, noting how it wasn't initially about finding peace within herself but about helping her friends. She also shares how her parents reacted to her decision, with her mother ultimately allowing her to make the choice herself. Within weeks of attending the retreat, Sister Kinh Nghiem traveled to Plum Village in France, where she was ordained.

Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the importance of letting go of preconceived ideas about monastic life. She explains that the path of a monastic is not about conforming to rigid expectations, but about staying true to one's intentions and practice, regardless of external challenges or judgments. For her, it was essential to maintain her individuality while also harmonizing with the monastic community. 

The episode closes with advice to those considering monastic life: approach it with an open mind, free from expectations, and be ready to face the personal responsibility it entails.

From Deer Park Monastery, it's Meet the Monastics, a new podcast featuring interviews with fully ordained monks and nuns, hosted by Brother Minh An and produced by Kenley Neufeld. As monastics, the most common question asked of us is, you guessed it, why did you become a monastic? This podcast is for anyone who's ever wanted to ask that question. Each week, we'll bring you conversations with fully ordained monks and nuns about their journey to monastic life and what inspires them now. We hope they inspire you to live a happier, kinder, and more meaningful life. And who knows, maybe some of you will even consider monastic life yourself. Listen wherever you get your podcasts (search for Meet the Monastics) or on the Deer Park Monastery YouTube channel.

A Dharma talk with Br. Man Tue from the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall at Deer Park Monastery during our Day of Mindfulness, Sunday, July 23, 2023. Our theme is how to stop, rest, and heal. 

Sister Áo Nghiêm offered this beautiful and personal Dharma talk for our Day of Mindfulness on Sunday, July 16, 2023. 

From our series of questions and responses on March 26, 2023 in the Ocean of Peace Meditation, we heard this question. When moments of personal suffering take over and have a combustable quality, what advice do you have for a person experiencing this? Or someone who is helping that person? 

Our response is offered by Sister Phu Nghiem. 

From our series of questions and responses on March 26, 2023 in the Ocean of Peace Meditation, we heard this question. Thich Nhat Hanh says that anxiety means not being able to dwell in the present moment. But there are times when it is very difficult. In this kind of situation, what other suggestions do you have for coming back to the present moment?

Our response is offered by Brother Phap Luu. 

From our series of questions and responses on March 26, 2023 in the Ocean of Peace Meditation, we heard this question. How can I let go of attachment to worldly love?

Our response is offered by Sister Huong Nghiem. 

From our series of questions and responses on March 26, 2023 in the Ocean of Peace Meditation, we heard this question. Regarding the goals of the practice. What are the goals of the practice? Do I need to change my needs in life to be happier? Then there is the other end of the spectrum. How to practice? What exactly to relate to ones own needs for the purpose of alleviating suffering?

Our response is offered by Sister Phu Nghiem. 

On March 26, 2023 we held a session of Questions and Answers during our weekly Day of Mindfulness. Rather than release the entire session as one recording, we are offering question and response one at a time. This is the first question. 

How can we work with, in our practice, racial bias and cultural insensitivity?

The response was offered by Brother Phap Dung. 

From our Day of Mindfulness on Sunday, March 12, 2023 we hear a Dharma talk by Brother Ngo Khong, also known as Brother Freedom. 

This is the English translation of the Dharma talk originally offered in Vietnamese by Thích Phước Tịnh. Translation provided by Sr. Dang Nghiem.

A Dharma talk offered during our Day of Mindfulness on Sunday, February 26 from the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall. The talk was offered in Vietnamese and this is the English translation provided by Br. Earth.

The Dharma talk is in English from Sister Kinh Nghiem during our Day of Mindfulness on February 19, 2023 from the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall. 

Here we have a Dharma talk offered by Thay Pháp Xứ from the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall at Deer Park Monastery on Sunday, February 12, 2023. The teaching is on a Day of Mindfulness with the theme The Power of True Love. Thay offers us one of his poems as the foundation for the teaching. This is a translation from the Vietnamese by Sister Mai Trang.

Dear friends, This is the English translation of a Dharma talk offered by Sr. Uyển Nghiêm at the close of the lunar new year. The talk occurred in the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall with several hundred people present for the new year celebrations. During the talk, she uses poetry to explore the dharma plus a song is shared with those present. Please enjoy.

The translation is offered by Br. Minh Dia. 

The Dharma talk offered here by Thay Phap Luu took place on Sunday, January 2, 2023 on the last day of our annual Holiday Retreat. The theme for our holiday retreat this year is "The Path is Our Home" and over 300 people gather here at Deer Park Monastery from December 29th to January 2nd, 2023. Our talk theme is Confidence in the Dharma

During our 5-day Holiday Retreat with several hundred guests, the first Dharma talk of the retreat is offered by Sr. Dang Nghiem. The talk begins with an introduction to listening, followed by chanting the name of Avaloketeshvara, and then the dharma talk. We touch on neuroplasity, going home, four kinds of people, and the three refuges. 

For our Day of Mindfulness today (Sunday November 27, 2022) the Dharma talk is offered by Sr. Thần Nghiêm. The talk is in English.

Awareness of mind. Distraction. Mindfulness. Concentration.

On our Day of Mindfulness on November 20, 2022 Sr. Tuyết Nghiêm offered a talk with the theme "Open the Source of Love". This is the English translation of the talk originally given in Vietnamese. 

A Dharma talk offered in Vietnamese with English translation provided here by Sister Dang Nghiem. The talk is offered by Sister Trúc Nghiêm with the theme Be An Observer, Not a Victim. 

A Dharma talk offered by The Venerable Hòa Thượng Thích Phước Tịnh during our weekly Day of Mindfulness on November 6, 2022 in the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall. The sangha is practicing in the 90-Day Rains Retreat. The translation is offered by Sister Kinh Nghiem. 

Today is Formal Lunch day and Thay Phap Hoi spends time sharing about this practice and uses as a lens to look into the spirit of our practice. Why do we practice the way we do? What is the role of formality? Can we practice in a way that makes sense and is understandable for this day and the next generation? For example, for millennia we have been a "four-fold" sangha and today we are beginning to use "multi-fold" sangha to better reflect our growing sangha.

Our tradition is always changing and being updated and can also keep the spirit of Buddhism.

For our Day of Mindfulness on October 9, 2022, the Dharma talk was offered by Sr. Kính Nghiêm. The talk will be offered in English. 

Today is the opening of the annual Rains Retreat and our Dharma talk is offered by the Most Venerable Thích Phước Tịnh. He speaks in Vietnamese and Sr. Kinh Nghiem offers the English translation in this recording. Our theme is the Four Establishments of Mindfulness and preparing for the Rains Retreat.

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Deer Park Monastery, Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall

The talk is offered in English on September 11, 2022 in the Ocean of Peace Meditation Hall. Sister Dang Nghiem speaks of the Seven Factors of Awakening in the context of war and peace.

You can reference the following book regarding the discourse she taught today. The Buddha's Teachings on Social and Communal Harmony: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon (The Teachings of the Buddha)

Here we offer the third Dharma talk for "The Buddha, The Scientist" Retreat at Deer Park from August 31-September 4, 2022. Exploring the Intersection of Buddhism, Psychology and Neuroscience through the Embodied Practice of Mindfulness.

The talk is offered in English by Br. Pháp Dung

Here we offer a session of Questions and Answers during "The Buddha, The Scientist" Retreat at Deer Park from August 31-September 4, 2022. Exploring the Intersection of Buddhism, Psychology and Neuroscience through the Embodied Practice of Mindfulness.

The panel includes Sr.Đẳng Nghiêm, Br. Pháp Dung, and Br.Phap Lưu

Here we offer the first Dharma talk for "The Buddha, The Scientist" Retreat at Deer Park from August 31-September 4, 2022. Exploring the Intersection of Buddhism, Psychology and Neuroscience through the Embodied Practice of Mindfulness.

In this talk we continue exploring Buddhist psychology and the 51 mental formations.

The talk is offered in English by Br. Phap Lưu

Here we offer the first Dharma talk for "The Buddha, The Scientist" Retreat at Deer Park from August 31-September 4, 2022. Exploring the Intersection of Buddhism, Psychology and Neuroscience through the Embodied Practice of Mindfulness.

The talk is offered in English by Sr. Hương Nghiêm

Here we offer the orientation for "The Buddha, The Scientist" Retreat at Deer Park from August 31-September 4, 2022. Exploring the Intersection of Buddhism, Psychology and Neuroscience through the Embodied Practice of Mindfulness.

The introduction is offered in English by Br. Mãn Tuệ & Sr. Thần Nghiêm

Today we offer a translated Dharma talk by Thay Phap Hoi, one of the elders in our community. 

Today we have a translated Dharma talk with Brother Phap Ao and Sister Uyen Nghiem. The theme for the talk is froglessness. How do we practice when our mind when it sometimes behaves like a frog? 

In our episode today we enjoyed our talk from Thầy Phap Luu and learn the joys of a hammock meditation

This is our third day and this is the second Dharma talk. Included in this talk is a teaching on the Five Mindfulness Trainings and teaching for the children. Our teacher today is Thay Phap Dung. 

This is a happy moment. It's been 3-years since our last Family Retreat and we are happy for its return. We hope you are too! Our theme this year is Harmony at Home, Peace all Around.

We welcome 160 people to our "annual" Family Retreat this year. The theme of the retreat is Harmony at Home, Peace all Around. This is our second day and the first Dharma talk. The talk is offered by Sister Thoại Nghiêm, an elder in our community. 

This is a happy moment. It's been 3-years since our last Family Retreat and we are happy for its return. We hope you are too! Our theme this year is Harmony at Home, Peace all Around. This is arrival day and we begin with an orientation to the practice with Sr. Ân Nghiem and Br. Pháp Áo. 

As part of our in-person Day of Mindfulness, we will hear a Dharma talk from Su Co Hương Nghiêm in English.

The Three Learnings

1. Listen
2. Reflect
3. Practice

And Dwelling Happily in the Present moment

During our recent Teen Camp, Sr. Dang Nghiem offered a Dharma talk to the 100 teens in attendance. The theme of the retreat is Enough! Enough! You Are Enough! and she builds on this during her talk. 

We learn about the Power of Understanding, the Power of Love, and the Power of Freedom. 

The date of the recording is Thursday, June 16, 2022