Six monastics who are dedicated to the art of mindful living in the Zen Buddhist tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh are bringing their expertise all the way to Moray in June for the first-ever event of its kind.
The monastics are travelling from Plum Village in Southwest France, the largest international mindfulness practice centre and Buddhist community outside of Asia. Plum Village was founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, who is revered around the world for his pioneering teachings on mindfulness, global ethics and peace.
“Peace is the Way” is the theme of the Findhorn Mindfulness Festival. The festival will be interactive, offering practical tools and insights for living with clarity, compassion and resilience.
The monastics will offer an evening event on June 6th and a full Day of Mindfulness on June 7th at the Universal Hall (The Park, Findhorn, Forres IV36 3TZ).
Up to 300 people are expected over the weekend for in-depth teachings, guided mindfulness practices and shared reflection. Events will include sitting and walking meditations, presentations, relaxation practices, as well as a mindful meal together on the Saturday.
Susanne Olbrich, local music educator and mindfulness teacher, says: “We are living in a time of change and uncertainty. In my daily teaching practice I’m aware that people of all ages are affected by this, many are dealing with overwhelm and anxiety.
“The weekend festival offers a space to pause, recharge, be inspired and uplifted, which I think is much needed. The monks and nuns from Plum Village are known to create an atmosphere of calm, ease and joyfulness; they are down-to-earth and inspirational teachers.”
Anyone is welcome to attend, no matter their experience level. Booking details are available here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/plumvillagescot/1638044
Thich Nhat Hanh, whose teachings have inspired the Findhorn events, died in 2022 at the age of 95. His wisdom lives on in his hundreds of books, online talks, the Plum Village Mindfulness App, and through a vast worldwide network of sanghas (groups of people who gather regularly to practise mindfulness together). Eleven official monastic practice centres within the Plum Village tradition are located across Europe, the USA, and Asia.
There are currently 17 sanghas affiliated with the Community of Interbeing UK (charity number 1096680) in Scotland, including seven in the north of Scotland. View a full list of Scottish sanghas here: https://plumvillage.uk/region/scotland/?first=groups. The two local groups, Northern Lights Sangha (Findhorn) and Peaceful Heart Sangha (Rafford), are working together to organise the Mindfulness Festival.
“Peace is the Way” is also the overall theme of the monastic teaching tour of Scotland. The other two Scottish events are:
Mindfulness for Uncertain Times (Edinburgh)
• Friday May 23rd, 7pm, St Cuthbert – Mindfulness for Uncertain Times: finding joy, stability and resilience through community and connection (evening event)
• Saturday May 24th, 10am-5pm, Edinburgh University Chaplaincy – Mindfulness for Uncertain Times – A Day of Mindfulness in Action (day-long event)
Details and booking: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/plum-village-monastics-visiting-edinburgh-may-2025-4233783
Monastic Retreat in Scotland – Peace is the Way (Stirling)
May 28th – June 1st, 2025. The 200 places are fully booked, with a waiting list in case of cancellations: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/plumvillagescot/1527431
“We need harmony, we need peace. Practising mindfulness in each moment of our daily lives, we can cultivate our own peace. With clarity, determination, and patience – the fruits of meditation – we can sustain a life of action and be real instruments of peace,” said Thich Nhat Hanh.