Happy Teachers Will Change the World

Pictures from the Day of Mindfulness for Educators/Students at HKIEd July 7 2012

Applied Ethics Retreat: An Exploration of Mindful Education

Retreat for educators, administrators, parents, anyone involved with education

From August 10 to August 12, 2012
at the Asian Institute of Applied Buddhism, Lotus Pond Temple,
Ngong Ping Village, Lantau Island, HK

“You cannot transmit wisdom and insight to another person. The seed is already there. A good teacher touches the seed, allowing it to wake up, to sprout, and to grow.”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

• About the Applied Ethics Initiative of Plum Village
  
• Click here to register online for the retreat.
• Videos of Applied Ethics Dharma Talks

Dear friends,

You are invited to join us for this special gathering on Applied Ethics in education with the monks and nuns of Plum Village Hong Kong Asian Institute of Applied Buddhism. Plum Village Hong Kong has been involved with bringing mindfulness to the education field for more than 5 years, when the first Day of Mindfulness (DOM) for Teachers and Students was held in May 2007, led by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, at Hong Kong Institute of Education. Since then, a monthly DOM has been held at HKIEd, jointly organized by Centre of Religious and Spirituality Education and Plum Village Hong Kong.

This retreat hopes to bring together teachers of different fields, administrators, policy makers, parents and students, offering a wide variety of perspectives on education at all levels. During this week-end-long gathering, we will embark on a journey of self-care, reflective dialogue, and taking innovative and inspiring action in education systems.

As a participant, you will gain specific experience and increased knowledge of practical tools and mindful methods that are specifically relevant to educators, and will learn how to form and sustain mindful communities in schools, universities, and at home. We will also explore the workings of our bodies and minds and learn how to use the power of silence and self-care to increase clear thinking and action. We will also explore first-hand the challenges and opportunities in education, and look at ways we can work together to address these challenges and possibilities.

Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to seeing you!

Who should come: Teachers, school administrators, instructors working in classroom settings, parents and students concerning with the current state of education, those who work with young people as coaches or in extra-curricular subjects, etc.

What to expect: daily meditation schedule, teachings on Applied Ethics and Mindfulness Trainings, group discussions, mindful meals, and relaxation sessions.

The tentative program for the retreat is as follows:

The retreat will be conducted in English with Cantonese translation.
* Helps needed to set up serving food tables and washing up tables (before meal) and clean up (after meal)

Accommodation and cost: Accommodation for this retreat is limited to dormitory-room and camping. Participants will be housed in dormitories (bunk beds) and tents at Lotus Pond temple. Pillows, bed-linens, and blankets will be provided if staying in dormitory. For camping, please bring your own bedding supplies. The cost per person is listed below (in HK Dollars), based on bed/tent space.

Single-person tents are provided. If camping as groups, please bring your own tents. 

 Working Meditation: Because the retreat is held in the monastery, all the preparation and cooking will be done by the monastics and some volunteers. During the retreat, we need help from participants in preparation works like: setting up mediation hall and dining hall, washing up after meals… Participants will be grouped into Discussion Groups and will work together in the same groups to help with the retreat.

 How to register: Registration is available online at the Plum Village Hong Kong Website at http://www.pvfhk.org on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrations are not final until we receive your payment. Please make payment within one week after you register. If payment is not received within one week, we will put your registration on the waiting list. For means of payment, please refer to the online registration webpage. Closing date for registration: August 9, 2011. Payment is not refundable for cancellation after August 6^th , 2012.

 For enquiries, please contact us by e-mail: retreats@pvfhk.org or by phone from 14:30 – 17:00 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday): 2985-5033 (English), 9771-6453 (Chinese).

 We are looking forward to seeing you at the retreat!

A lotus to you,
A Buddha to be

Sr. Hanh Nghiem (Sr. True Adornment with Action) and Br. Phap Dung (Br. Dharma Courage)
The Retreat Registration Coordinators, Asian Institute of Applied Buddhism