Mission Statement:  Blooming Heart Sangha is a community joyfully studying and practicing mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.

We meet Sundays, from 7-9 pm.  These weekly gatherings include seated and walking meditation, and a dharma discussion focused on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh as we practice them in our daily lives.  Our primary facilitator, Judith Lies, is a lay ordained member of the Order of Interbeing.  However, all interested Sangha members take the role of meeting facilitator, as our intention is to create a non-hierarchical and participative community in which we work together to support, encourage, and learn from each other.

In addition to these regular weekly meetings, Blooming Heart Sangha offers:

• Regular recitation of the Five Mindfulness Trainings, the core of our practice.  These are recited on alternate months, and offer the chance for reflection and support as we practice with these teachings.

• Mindfulness retreats for Sangha members, led by Judith and also by visiting Dharma Teachers in Thay's tradition.

• Public retreats lead by visiting Dharma Teachers and Monastics in Thay's tradition.

• Special ceremonies, including the Rose Ceremony (honoring mothers on Mother’s Day and fathers on Father’s Day), and an annual Tea Ceremony in the style of Thich Nhat Hanh.

Check out our News and Events page for further information.

OUR CONNECTION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL THICH NHAT HANH COMMUNITY

We maintain close ties with the Order of Interbeing – the international community founded by Thich Nhat Hanh in Vietnam in the 1960s and now headquartered in Plum Village in the Bordeaux region of France, as well as in the United States at Blue Cliff Monastery in New York, and Deer Park Monastery in southern California.  The Order of Interbeing is a four-fold community, including men and women, monastic and lay members, and is committed to “engaged Buddhism” through the practice of the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings.

More information about our primary facilitator

Judith Lies, our primary facilitator, is a longtime member of Blooming Heart Sangha and has practiced with Thich Nhat Hanh here in the U.S. as well as in Plum Village in France.  Judith became a lay ordained member of the Order of Interbeing in June 2006.  She is licensed to officiate at weddings and funerals.