About Our Practice

Our meditation practice is based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, in such books as The Miracle of Mindfulness.

Our ceremonial practice is based on The Plum Village Chanting and Recitation Book, a collection of verses, chants, ceremonies, and discourses in use by the monks, nuns, and lay practitioners at Plum Village, a monastery and lay practice center in France, established in 1982 by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Our weekly meeting lasts 90 minutes and normally consists of two periods of sitting meditation, a period of walking meditation, and a brief program which may consist of a reading and Dharma discussion or a recitation of a sutra or ceremony from the PVCRB -- though the order varies under the direction of the various members who take turns each week leading the ceremony.

Newcomers are warmly welcomed. Instruction in meditation practice is available, if desired, before the meeting (please arrive a little before six o'clock and ask anyone in the lobby for someone who can help you) and guidance in the ceremonial practice is given during the meeting as it progresses. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) page for more information.

The Basic Ceremony is typical of the order and content of our weekly sangha meetings. With just a little adaptation, it could be used in your daily practice at home. The essentials of daily practice, of course, are mindfulness and meditation, which can be practiced without candles, incense, bells, or any other appurtenances. One should never feel one's practice is lacking anything without them, but some people find a brief ceremony prior to a period of sitting helps them to focus.

We offer our Basic Ceremony in hopes it furthers your practice. The link at left connects you to a printer-friendly format.