06/10/2026
Dear Friends,
Each year, monastics dedicate themselves to what is traditionally known as "peaceful dwelling" for 90-days and during this time, they remain in one place in order to deepen their monastic studies and training. During the Buddha's time, monastics travelled by foot to teach and during the monsoon and rainy seasons, both newly planted crops and small critters were inadvertently stepped on. In order to protect life and crops, this became a tradition to avoid unnecessary harm.
The 90-day Rains Retreat is an annual requisite for all Buddhist monastics. It is a time for monastics to deepen their studies, practice, healing, and transformation. Each Rains Retreat also adds a year in monastic dharma age as evidently seen in ceremonies when they sit in accordance of their dharma age. In the Plum Village tradition, we also welcome lay practitioners to join us and participate in the 90-days of practice alongside the monastics. Some may like to experience the entire 90-days and some may prefer a shorter week or two stay. If you are interested in the full 90-day experience, please fill out this form. If you are interested in a shorter stay, please register on our website. Together, monastics and layfriends, we can create a joyful, community experience, and a time for collective healing and transformation.
If you are interested in sangha building, staying as a long-term practitioner, or in exploring monastic life, this retreat is for you!
For more info, visit magnoliagrovemonastery.org and sign up soon!
*There is a trial period from Oct.2. If you prefer a shorter visit, a weekend, week, or two, please register under "personal retreats" for a glimpse of this Rains Retreat.
**If you’ve wondered what being a monk or nun is like, this retreat offers a taste of what community life as a Plum Village monastic is. Come see for yourself!
