The Art of Zen is a twelve hour course teaching mindfulness and meditation in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, as an effective counter-balance to the stresses of life and an opportunity to become calmer and happier.
Thich Nhat Hanh is revered throughout the world for his powerful teachings and bestselling books on mindfulness.
He was proposed for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967 by Martin Luther King in recognition of his work for peace during the Vietnam War, and has been a pioneer in bringing Buddhism to the West in a way that is practical and relevant for our everyday lives.
In 1975 he founded a practice community in France that became the Plum Village monastery. There are now 6 monasteries and dozens of practice centres in the United States, Asia, and Europe, providing an extensive network of support for those wishing to practice mindfulness.
This course has been developed by Plum Village UK and is offered by a team of course leaders throughout the UK. It welcomes both beginners and more experienced practitioners, of all faiths or none.
The Art of Zen provides a gradual introduction to mindfulness and meditation, and to key teachings on peaceful, happy living over six sessions.
Each session includes guided mindfulness exercises and meditations, group discussions and practical exercises led by an experienced facilitator in a warm, friendly atmosphere. All course material is supported by handouts and meditation recordings.
Session 1: Stopping and calming
Session 2: Turning to the positive
Session 3: Loving communication
Session 4: Nourishing happiness (including mindful eating)
Session 5: Interdependence and community
Session 6: Guidelines for a happier life
People who have taken the course (which from 2016 – 2024 was called ‘Be Calm, Be Happy’) have reported a wide range of benefits including:
This course is taught either in person or on Zoom (with spacious screen breaks), in the form of a 6 weeks course or a weekend retreat.
This course is suitable for adults, both beginners and those with previous experience of mindfulness and meditation. We welcome those of all faiths and none.
Katie Sheen is one of the Plum Village UK team of Course Leaders, and has been teaching this course since 2016. It was originally known as ‘Be Calm, Be Happy’ and only changed to ‘The Art of Zen’ in late 2024 – hence why many of the testimonials refer to this earlier manifestation of the course – but the content remains almost identical.
