In Europe and America, during Christmas and New Year's Holiday Season, many practitioners come to Plum Village France or to other Plum Village practice centers such as Deer Park Monastery, Blue Cliff Monastery ... in the USA, European Institute of Applied Buddhism in Germany to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Holidays with the community. In Plum Village France, about 600 - 700 people come during the two weeks of Dec 21 - Jan 4 every year.
In Asia, we also have the tradition of holding activities and retreats during this time period. From Dec. 24 - Jan 1, 2013 the following events are held at AIAB:
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Dec. 24: Listen to the Christmas's Eve Dharma Talk at 10:00 p.m by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (LIVE from Plum Village France, via the internet)
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Dec. 25 - 28: Wake-Up Retreat for Young People
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Dec. 29 - Jan 1 Retreat for Order of Interbeing members and Core Sangha members
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Dec.31: New Year's Eve Festivities!
Due to the need to prepare for the Wake-Up Retreat Dec. 25 -28, there will be no Day of Mindfulness on Sunday Dec. 23, 2012. You are invited to join an evening of practice at AIAB-Lotus Pond Temple on Monday Dec. 24, with the following activities:
- 16:30 Walking meditation
- 18:00 Dinner
- 20:30 Total Relaxation & Touching the Earth (for lay friends)
- 21:30 Sitting for 30 minutes & Listen to Dharma talk
- 23:00 Rest
If you would like to join the evening of practice on Dec. 24, please e-mail us at aiab@pvfhk.org