The Plum Village Dictionary

Plum Village: A Way of Life

Plum Village is not only a center for the practice of meditation; it is also a living cultural stream. Rooted in the rich soil of Vietnamese tradition, Plum Village has opened its heart to the many beautiful elements of cultures around the world. Over time, it has become a global movement — a way of living — where friends from every nation, ethnicity, and cultural background can come home to themselves, experience deep peace, and touch their own roots.

The Plum Village way of living, loving, working, practicing, and being together has brought renewed joy, trust, and healing to countless friends who have had the opportunity to encounter Plum Village, whether directly or indirectly.

Today, there are nearly one thousand sanghas and practice centers around the world living and growing in the spirit of Plum Village. Many friends who come into contact with this way of life wish to understand it more deeply.

The Plum Village Dictionary has been created to support this aspiration. It offers a window into the heart of Plum Village culture and practice, helping friends to touch the spirit behind our words and ways of being. Terms that have a unique flavor and meaning in the Plum Village tradition are included. General Buddhist terms, which can be found in any Buddhist dictionary, are not the focus of this collection.

In the Plum Village Dictionary, you will find explanations of our key practices, sutras and teachings, songs and chants, retreat forms, centers and sanghas, and beloved Dharma teachers and monastics who have shaped and carried forward the Plum Village spirit.

Over the coming months, we will be translating entries from the original Vietnamese into English and sharing them here. We invite you to stay connected and walk with us on this journey of discovery.