Magnolia Grove Monastery is a residential monastery and is simultaneously, Magnolia Grove Meditation Practice Center, a Mindfulness Practice Meditation Center in the tradition of Plum Village, founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, who was nominated for a Noble Peace Prize by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..
Magnolia Grove Monastery in Batesville, Mississippi is the realization of a dream held by a compassionate community intent on establishing a center for mindfulness in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Deer Park Monastery in California and Blue Cliff Monastery in New York uphold his tradition. Now, his teaching and methods of practice are taking root in Mississippi.
Ten years ago Magnolia Grove was little more than 120 acres purchased by a group of committed individuals and families. With hard work, dedication and coordinated effort they created a large meditation hall with an adjoining commercial kitchen to feed participants, and they built by hand a guesthouse to host 120 laypeople.
The vision of the community that built this beautiful practice center was more fully realized when Thich Nhat Hanh accepted Magnolia Grove Monastery as a mindfulness practice center in October 2005. Today, more than thirty monastics from Thich Nhat Hanh’s monasteries are in residence.
Magnolia Grove Monastery is a place to practice meditation and mindfulness. It is where every breath we take reminds us of the wonders of life. A place to sit and relax. A place to walk and kiss the earth beneath our feet. A place to rest under a willow tree on an island in a lotus pond. A place to eat together and savor every bite. A place to listen deeply to the sounds of life and the sound of our hearts. A place to work together to build a community of love and understanding. Magnolia Grove is a place where we can stop running, and discover peace with every step we take. A place to remind each one of us that the present moment is a wonderful moment.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh SittingZen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is a global spiritual leader, poet, and peace activist, revered throughout the world for his powerful teachings and bestselling writings on mindfulness and peace. His key teaching is that, through mindfulness, we can learn to live happily in the present moment—the only way to truly develop peace, both in one’s self and in the world.
Thich Nhat Hanh has published over 100 titles on meditation, mindfulness, and Engaged Buddhism, as well as poems, children’s stories, and commentaries on ancient Buddhist texts. He has sold over three million books in the United States alone, some of the best-known include Being Peace, Peace Is Every Step, The Miracle of Mindfulness, The Art of Power, True Love and Anger.
Most people who visit Magnolia Grove stay in a simple dorm-style room with bunk beds and two to ten people, depending on the size of the retreat. Sharing a living space with others is part of our practice of community and togetherness. The hut and cabins are spaces for couples and families when requested. If you have questions or other accommodation needs, please contact our registration office.
Three vegan meals per day are included with your registration fee. There is generally a variety of options available at mealtime, but feel free to bring supplementary food for yourself if you have a particular dietary need. There may be limited access to a community refrigerator but there is no kitchen access. Due to safety regulations, we ask that you do not cook in your room.
Rental Car Courtesy phones located near the exits in all baggage claim areas may be used to contact car rental agencies. All rental agencies are located off the airport and each provides its own courtesy shuttle. The shuttle stop is outside the baggage claim area underneath the overhead signs. Minimum car rental is normally for one day. Hours for each company are varied; please check with the company for their hours of operation.