Joyfully Together Sutra Study and Practice Program:
September 2025 - June 2026
The monthly program includes an introduction/guided meditation, two personal reflections by Dharma Teachers or senior Order of Interbeing members, and a period of sharing. Sometimes the richest part of the program happens during Dharma Sharing, so everyone is invited to stay for this period where we break into small groups.
Click here to see our October program.
Friends from Deep River Sangha will gather in person at the Kathleen Clay Edwards Library conference room on October 16th at 7 pm to tune to the program together. Please complete this survey if you wish to come so that we can know how many chairs to set up. Or, you can Zoom in from anywhere.
Here is the link to the website where you can get all the information you need for each monthly topic, including suggested readings from The Path of Emancipation by Thich Nhat Hanh, video recordings of Thay/senior monastics on the monthly topic, and suggested practices/prompts. The monthly programs are recorded and will be posted on the Website under the Program (Historic) tab for easy access.
There is no registration required. The link to the website provides more information about this study program along with monthly readings, practice prompts. If you wish to receive the Zoom link, please write to joyfulsutrastudy@gmail.com . This is the sixth year we have offered this study program -- and is the continuation of Sr. Dharmacharya Chan Huy's 15+ year program of deeply studying the core sutras year by year.
We hope you will join Sangha members from across the continent on every third Thursday from 7-8:30 pm ET, as we gather to begin our monthly exploration of the Anapanasati Sutra on the sixteen exercises of mindful breathing.
Deep River Sangha’s Dharmacharya (Dharma teacher) Susan Poulos joins other Dharma teachers and senior Order of Interbeing members who offer their reflections this month. We are encouraged to study and practice as a Sangha to amplify and strengthen the application and embodiment of these teachings for ourselves, our families, our communities, and for the world.
This year will use The path of Emancipation. You can purchase this new at Parallax Press, using Discount Code: sangha20. You may also be able to find it used at many fine Re-Use Book Stores
For monthly topics, and recordings please visit our Website.
Questions?
info@deepriversangha.org or
joyfulsutrastudy@gmail.com
Our Joyful Sutra Study Mission
We are an online Sangha that meets monthly to explore the essential Buddhist teachings at the heart of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village tradition. All are welcome for an evening of practice that includes meditation, Dharma reflections by Dharma Teachers & Senior Order of Interbeing members, and small group sharing. We aspire to create a supportive space for deepening our understanding of these core teachings and learning ways to apply them in everyday life.
Joyfully Together Sutra Study & Practice Program
The Anapanasati Sutra : The Path of Emancipation
Dwelling in the Here and Now
We hope you will join Sangha members from Deep River Sangha and from across the continent on Thursday, September 18, at 7 p.m. ET for the first in our series of 10 programs, as we gather to begin our monthly exploration of the Anapanasati Sutra on the Sixteen Exercises of Mindful Breathing, which are at the heart of the teachings offered by Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village community. By studying, practicing, and observing these exercises together with the Sangha, we can discover healing, transformation and insight for ourselves, our ancestors, families, communities, and the world.
New Dharma Teachers Susan Poulos from Deep River Sangha, and Denys Candy from the River Valley Sangha in Northampton, Mass. will offer their reflections this month. Our Core Sutra Study Sangha meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month (September 2025 - June 2026). We are encouraged by Chan Huy to study and practice as a Sangha to amplify and strengthen the application and embodiment of these teachings for ourselves, our families, our communities, and for the world.
This year participants are invited to use The Path of Emancipation. You can purchase this new at Parallax Press, using Discount Code: sangha20. You may also be able to find it used at many fine Re-Use Book Stores
We have developed a new Website that has all the information you need as we study and practice together for the next 10 months (the third Thursday of each month through June 2026).
September Readings: The Path of Emancipation Pages 1 - 35: optional : 261 - 276
Please write to info@deepriversangha.org for the Zoom link.
To support our deepening of our practice this month, we are invited to incorporate one or more of the following practices / reflections below:
Download the Mindfulness Bell from the Plum Village App onto your phone, or set a timer to go off periodically. When you hear the bell or the timer, stop and breathe in and out mindfully 3 times. Notice what you experience during this practice.
When you go to bed at night, practice breathing in and out with complete attention 5-10 times. (You may like to start with 5 breaths and work up to 10.) Notice what you experience during this practice.
Thich Nhat Hanh studies the “Discourse on the Full Awareness of Breathing” in the book.
Consider these points:
How does paying close attention to the breath impact the experience of the present moment?
What are the challenges in sustaining mindfulness of breath?
How can mindful breathing be integrated into daily activities?
Questions?
joyfulsutrastudy@gmail.com
If you need help downloading the Plum Village App to your mobile device, tablet, laptop or desktop, please see below, or write to info@deepriversangha.org.
Looking forward to taking this journey together!
Plum Village App is also on mobile, offering extras like the Bell of Mindfulness and Meditation Timer.
Our Joyful Sutra Study Mission
We are an online Sangha that meets monthly to explore the essential Buddhist teachings at the heart of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village tradition. All are welcome for an evening of practice that includes meditation, Dharma reflections by Dharma Teachers and Order of Interbeing members, and small group sharing. We aspire to create a supportive space for deepening our understanding of these core teachings and learning ways to apply them in everyday life.
Sangha Core Sutra Study
Sangha Core Sutra Study Practice
Thu, June 20, 2024 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
The Sangha Core Sutra Study Practice is an online Sangha that started more than 15 years ago to deepen our understanding and practice of the core sutras. We meet monthly for 10 months each year to explore the essential Buddhist teachings at the heart of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village tradition. All are welcome for an evening of practice that includes meditation, Dharma reflections by Order of Interbeing members, and small group sharing. We aspire to create a supportive space for deepening our understanding of these core teachings and learning ways to apply them in everyday life.This year we are studying the Diamond Sutra, which Thay tells us is one of the most beloved scriptures in the Zen tradition and the earliest text to explore deep ecology.
In this profound teaching the Buddha invites us to let go of four deeply held notions in order to understand our own true nature and the true nature of reality so we may transcend our ignorance and wrong views. We will also be looking at related teachings from Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet. We are inspired to be exploring these deep teachings with you this year!
Remaining date:
June 20, 2024: How to Practice the Buddha's Teachings
Zoom link for 7pm (Eastern Time):
https://zoom.us/j/780647439?pwd=bCt3N2EyOSs1NXVObVhaVXphMXl4Zz09
Meeting ID: 780 647 439 - Password: 031129
Half day of Mindfulness
We are happy to announce that registration is now open for our upcoming Half Day of Mindfulness on Saturday, 4/13, at Timberlake Earth Sanctuary from 1-4:30.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL. WATCH FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR NEXT DAY OF MINDFULNESS.
Due to causes and conditions, the original full Day of Mindfulness scheduled for Sunday, 4/14 will not happen.
Here is a link to register for this beautiful opportunity to practice sitting, walking, deep relaxation, and a Dharma Discussion led by Dharma Teacher Scott Schang in community.
When: Saturday, April 13, 1-4:00 p.m. (Check in 12:45 p.m.)
Where: Timberlake Earth Sanctuary
Cost: Sliding scale of $10 - $40 based on your ability to pay. Please bring a bag lunch.
Space is limited so we will cap registration at 33. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Once you register, you will receive confirmation with more information.
Schedule:
1/2 Day of Mindfulness 1:00 - 4:30 (Registrants are welcome to come at 12:00 to enjoy a brown-bag lunch)
1:00 – Welcome, short orientation, introductions
1:30 – Outdoor walking meditation
2:15 – Deep relaxation (bring a yoga mat / blanket) followed by short Mindful Movements
3:00 – Break
3:10 – Dharma Discussion led by Scott Schang
4:10 – Closing
4:30 - Depart
Registration Now Open for the October 19-December 27 Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet Course (it fills quickly)
In 2025 there will be just one cohort of ZASP. Plum Village has just opened registrations for this cohort, and we’d love your help spreading the word to friends and colleagues about this wonderful opportunity to bring a spiritual dimension to their concern for the planet. I have taken this course twice and both times it was deeply transformational. I enjoyed being able to access the content on my own schedule and also participate in the global Dharma sharing and other community events. If you are feeling troubled by climate disruption, and many other issues we face, please give yourself the gift of this course.
There are hundreds of scholarships available, especially for young activists and folks from underserved communities. Please register here: plumvillage.org/zasp
Who is Thich Nhat Hanh? Course
Join us for the second offering of the Who is Thich Nhat Hanh? course, a 15-week online course inviting you on a transformative journey into the life, teachings, and legacy of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thầy). This online course offers a deep dive into the wisdom and insights of one of the most influential spiritual leaders of our time.
October 11, 2025 - January 17, 2026
What You’ll Experience:
You will explore key moments in Thay’s life, learning how he transformed challenges into opportunities for spiritual growth.
Dharma Talks: Engage with weekly Dharma talks by Brother Pháp Lưu, each focusing on a pivotal period in Thay’s life and the evolution of his teachings.
Live Zoom Gatherings (NEW): Join four live zoom sessions with Brother Pháp Lưu and the full cohort community, held monthly throughout the course.
Exclusive Interviews: Listen to interviews with those who knew Thay closely, including Sister Chân Đức, Sister Định Nghiêm, Brother Pháp Dung, and peace activists who were with Thay in the 60s and 70s, offering personal insights into his teachings.
Curated Readings: Access a carefully selected reading list featuring Thay’s writings, primary sources, and scholarly articles that correspond with each week’s theme.
Dharma Sharing Circles: Participate in group discussions, guided by lay Dharma teachers and members of the Order of Interbeing, to deepen your practice within a supportive community.
Let Thay's teachings inspire your spiritual journey.
Course Activities
Each Sunday, new course materials will be released via our online platform. You will have the week to engage with the content at your own pace. Dharma sharing groups will meet over the weekend to discuss and reflect.
Weekly Reflections: Write responses to prompts based on the week’s teachings, allowing for personal reflection and integration of the material.
Dharma Sharing Groups: Join weekly group discussions to build connections and explore the teachings in a community setting.
Learning Objectives
Through biographical studies, primary source readings, interviews, and interactive Dharma sharing, you will gain a profound understanding of Thay’s teachings and how they can inspire your own spiritual practice.
Understand the significant events in Thich Nhat Hanh’s life and how they shaped his teachings.
Explore the emotional and spiritual practices Thay used to navigate difficulties and how you can apply these lessons to your own life.
Engage with primary sources and scholarly articles to gain a comprehensive view of Thay’s contributions to modern Buddhism.
Connect with others through Dharma Sharing Circles, fostering community and deepening your understanding.
Important Dates
Course Begins: October 11, 2025
Final Week of Materials: January 11, 2026
Closing Zoom: January 17, 2026
Optional Final Reflection Week: January 19–24, 2026
Four live Zoom Sessions with Thay Phap Luu: One per month on Saturday at 8:30 am PST
Saturday, October 11th
Saturday, November 15th
Saturday, December 13th
Saturday, January 17th
To honor the rhythms of the holidays, there will be no Dharma sharing sessions on major holiday weekends.
Register to Join the Journey
Whether you are new to Thầy’s teachings or returning to deepen your understanding, this course offers a rich and supportive space to learn, reflect, and practice.
Join friends from Deep River Sangha and other regional Sanghas for
Tuesday and Thursday Mornings, 7:00-7:40 a.m. Online Meditation:
Tuesdays: Guided meditation, reading, sharing. Thursdays: Morning Chant, silent sitting meditation, reading, sharing. All are welcome — no experience necessary. For more information, send a message through our Contact tab.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82703691204?pwd=YmNEVFNQWXNxQTlPQk44cnliRzRTZz09
Meeting ID: 82703691204
Password: 010101
We are currently reading from the book,The Sun My Heart, by Thich Nhat Hanh.
The Winston-Salem Community of Mindful Living meets weekly in person on Thursday evenings for sitting practice at The Hub, a community of service groups housed in a former church at 502 N. Broad Street in downtown Winston-Salem.
There is ample parking and a quiet space for us to sit. All are welcome, and there is no cost. Chairs are provided, but bring your own cushion if you want to sit on the floor. We will meet at 6:30 pm until 7:45 pm each Thursday. At this time, we will not be offering online access to the meeting but will focus on in-person attendance.
Practice Resources
Beautiful music video from Plum Village to honor Thay’s Continuation Day, October 11
Dharma talks, video, songs for the practice, and chants from Thich Nhat Hanh and Plum Village community members and friends
Dharma Talks (video) by Thich Nhat Hanh
https://plumvillage.org/thich-nhat-hanh-dharma-talks/
Thich Nhat Hanh Dharma Talks (audio)
http://tnhaudio.org/
Plum Village on Vimeo
http://vimeo.com/user745118
Dharma talks & video from Magnolia Grove Monastery
Weekly Online Sangha practice sessions (6-7 pm Eastern): Please register to receive the Zoom link
Dharma talks, video, and songs from Deer Park Monastery
Deer Park Dharmacast
http://deerpark.libsyn.com/
Deer Park Recordings on SoundCloud
http://soundcloud.com/deer-park-monastery
Meet the Monastics from Deer Park Monastery As monastics, the most common question asked of us is, you guessed it, why did you become a monastic? I'm Brother Minh-An, a Buddhist monk in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. And this podcast is for anyone who's ever wanted to ask that question. Each week, we'll bring you my conversations with other 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.
You can listen to the weekly episodes wherever you get your podcasts (simply search for Meet the Monastics) or on the Deer Park Monastery YouTube channel. Meet the Monastics: A New Podcast