Tranquility washes over you as you stand before Deer Park Monastery. This 400-acre sanctuary nestled in the chaparral mountains is a true hidden gem. Founded in July 2000 by the Plum Village Sangha Deer Park Monastery is a haven for mindful living.
Deer Park is more than just a monastery. It’s a vibrant community. Over thirty monastics and lay practitioners live and practice together year-round. They follow the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh practicing mindfulness in every aspect of their lives. The monastery is divided into two hamlets. Solidity Hamlet houses monks and laymen. Clarity Hamlet is for nuns and laywomen. These two communities come together regularly for practice.
But there is more to this peaceful place. It’s a place of growth and learning. Deer Park offers retreats for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. These retreats are rich with experience. They include sitting meditation chanting walking meditation mindful eating group discussions and working meditation. Some retreats even include mountain hikes bonfires and performances.
The daily life at Deer Park is a practice in itself. Every action from washing dishes to eating is approached with mindfulness. The goal is to be fully present in each moment. This emphasis on mindfulness extends beyond the formal meditation sessions. It permeates everything.
Deer Park Monastery is not just a place of refuge. It’s a place of action. It’s a place where the principles of engaged Buddhism are put into practice. It’s a place where people come to learn to live in harmony with themselves and the world around them. A visit here is a journey into the heart of mindfulness. A visit here is a step toward a more peaceful and present life. A visit here is a visit to Deer Park Monastery.