Deer Park Monastery is a mindfulness practice center and monastic training center founded by the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, author, and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay).

This 400-acre sanctuary rests peacefully in the chaparral mountains of southern California, surrounded and protected by oaks and the natural landscape. It was established in July 2000 by the Plum Village four-fold Sangha. Now, it is a safe and serene refuge for many practitioners to come and learn the art of mindful living and to practice with a community, a Sangha. At Deer Park, the residential monastic community and lay community practice together year round under the guidance of our teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh (Thây), in the tradition of engaged Buddhism, practicing mindfulness throughout our everyday life.

Per the Monastery: "We ask that all guests please wear modest clothing such as shirts that cover the shoulders and midsection and pants or long skirts that cover the knees even while sitting in a meditative posture."

Just FYI - there are regular chairs for those of us who cannot reach the ground easily.

We will attend Deer Park Monastery's 

Second Annual 

Rhythm of the Earth 

Mindful Music Festival

Saturday, May 25, 2024

1:00 pm to 9:30 pm

This is a fundraising event so that 

Deer Park Monastery 

can create a documentary honoring 

Sister Chan Khong, 

the first fully-ordained monastic disciple 

of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

There will be music all afternoon and evening. Also included:

Land Acknowledgement

Walking Meditation

Blessing the Land

Mindful Vegetarian Dinner

Sitting Meditation

May 25, 2024

Saturday 11:30 am to 11:00 pm

$75 for the day

(We will probably have at least one car 

that will leave for home earlier - around 6:00 pm.

Those who wish 

can stay until the end of the festival.)

Be ready to leave Spirit Mountain Retreat 

at 11:30 am. We will return approximately 11:00 pm.

Eat breakfast/lunch before we leave for Escondido 

- we won't have time to stop on the way.

(this includes transportation to and from the Monastery, mindful vegetarian dinner at the monastery, and entry to the music festival)

Please register by May 15, 2024 or ASAP

Here is more information ...