This book is published in celebration of the twelfth anniversary of Plum Village. For the past twelve years Plum Village, Thich Nhat Hanh’s retreat in southwestern France, has been a “Village of Peace” and a laboratory for new ideas about Buddhism and community. This book provides a warm and enjoyable portrait of this remarkable sangha and an inspiring thanksgiving to the possibility of community in all our lives.

It draws on the experiences of a number of people who have been transformed by the community of mindfulness at Plum Village. Sister Chan Khong writes about the founding of Plum Village. Thich Nhat Hanh tells about community life. Peter Matthiessen remembers a retreat for environmentalists with Thich Nhat Hanh. War veteran Claude Thomas writes movingly about practicing with Vietnamese as a way of healing the deep wounds of the Vietnam War. Other writers explore practicing with children and as a family.

The book includes songs and ceremonies that celebrate the families, their spiritual ancestors and cultural traditions. It is illustrated with 75 photos including many in gorgeous color. It will be a valuable resource and source of hope for anyone seeking to build a genuine sense of community in modern life.