Plum Village: Zen Meditation

I am a recovering addict, which for me means I haven’t consumed any drugs or alcohol for 25 years, and more important, everyday I contemplate quietly, and with mindfulness attempt to bring love and peace to my soul and those around me, failing frequently, and sometimes badly, but succeeding more often and sometimes in ways I did not think possible. I have practiced mindfulness daily for many years. My practice has been insightful, challenging, sometimes too routine but finally in retrospect, clearly rewarding in terms of my ability to make decisions, communicate and take actions that reflect my loving intentions and have happiness. The explosion of interest in mindfulness has led to many apps: Headspace, Calm, and others which are wonderful and each have a place. But since discovering Plum Village, after reading The Art of Communication, three years ago I have found a rich and practical daily source of focus. I use it daily and have great appreciation for the amazing gift. I tithe with gratitude and recommend strongly trying it if you are a beginner. Or perhaps if you want to deepen your practice. Peace, Dean V in Portland

This app is something I’ve been seeking for years but never knew existed. Grounded in Plum Village tradition Buddhism, this app gives you a easy to understand and practical way to bring mindfulness practice into you daily life. The resources offered are incredible! Books worth of information, guided meditation, video teachings.... and it’s all free. The most beautiful part is there’s nothing in this app that tries to sell you “mindfulness”. It’s not a promotion trying to get you to spend money on Thich’s books, or online courses or expensive app upgrades. No, all the information is just there! I feel that the app developers and Plum Village care so deeply about sharing the dharma that they’ve made it truly accessible to everyone. This app could nourish you for a lifetime. Subsequently it’s encouraged profound spiritual growth in such a short time, and has directed me to books by Thich I never would have found otherwise!

Firstly, to everyone who contributed to this app: thank you so much for putting time and loving energy into creating such a beautiful practice-nourishing resource. I have enjoyed using the app multiple times a day for: silent sitting meditations, shorter meditations and throughout the rest of the day, listening to any time I have a free moment to be in touch with the practice of mindfulness. I have really enjoyed the short meditations that invite us to shine light on different parts: the body, thoughts / mind. The deep relaxations which I have been doing daily are a true gift. I have used these multiple times a day to stop and relax completely and catch up on much needed rest. I have found this so helpful. It is really wonderful to have the brothers and sisters' varied contributions to the app. It is great to have the root mindfulness practices presented with invitations to shine light on different aspects of our practice. All of the parts of the app are so useful and nourishing. I have benefitted much already from having everything on the app available every where at any time. The app is a calming anchor offering many kind opportunities and invitations to come back home to ourselves wherever we may be or whatever we are doing. It is as though I am carrying a precious part of Plum Village with me to remind me of and enrich my practice anytime. It has been a joy sharing the app with family and sangha.