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Embodying Mindfulness: A Week of Monastic Wisdom at Dartmouth

The visiting monastics led guided meditation, discussions, and retreats on campus.

Animation of qigong
A weeklong visit by senior monastic teachers in the Plum Village tradition of scholar, poet, peace activist, and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh included qigong on the lawn outside Baker-Berry Library. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)
Monks lead meditation in Rollins Chapel
Throughout the week, the monastics led Dartmouth and Upper Valley community members in morning meditation. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)
Janessa Yan '26 mediates
Janessa Yan '26 was among the students, faculty, and staff who joined the morning meditation sessions. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)
shadow of person performing qigong
Twice during the week students and community members gathered on the lawn outside Baker-Berry Library for qigong and mindful movement. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)
Monks and community members do qigong on Baker Lawn
Qigong on Baker-Berry lawn. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)
Monks singing and playing guitar
The monastics, from Deer Park Monastery in California and Magnolia Grove Monastery in Mississippi, lead attendees in song during an event in Rollins Chapel called "Happiness is Here and Now: Engaged Mindfulness in a Complex and Changing World." (Photo by Robert Gill)
Estevan Garcia and Nancy Vogel
Chief Wellness Officer Estevan Garcia joined Director of the Tucker Center Nancy Vogele '85 in addressing attendees on the first day of events with the monastics. (Photo by Robert Gill)
People with candles in line at Rollins Chapel
A Dharma talk on peace and reconciliation was followed by chanting and a candlelight vigil. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)
Nancy Vogele blows out candles
Vogele blows out the candles after a vigil for world peace. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)
Vicqueline Escalona '24 Meditates
Vicqueline Escalona '24 takes part in a mindfulness meditation session in Rollins Chapel. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)
Students practice sitting for meditation
Some students stayed after morning meditation to learn more of the fundamentals of the practice—how to sit in alignment, and tips for maintaining a practice while at school. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)
Student lying on a yoga mat
Among the offerings was "Deep Relaxation," a guided meditation to relax the body and mind. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)
Caitlin Barthelmes participates in the deep relaxation session
Student Wellness Center Director Caitlin Barthelmes participates in a deep relaxation session. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)
Monks play volleyball with students
During their week-long stay, the monastics mingled with students, ate at the dining hall, and even played some pick-up volleyball. (Photo by Robert Gill)
Aerial of monks walking across the Green
Walking meditations were offered during the visit. (Photo by Chris Johnson)
Large group sits in a cluster on Baker Lawn
Students and community members gather on Baker-Berry lawn for the first of two retreats. (Photo by Robert Gill)
Monks lead community members across the Green
The monastics and community members walk across Dartmouth Green as part of "Cultivating Compassion: A Four-Hour Mindfulness Journey ." A two-day retreat was also offered. (Photo by Robert Gill)
Candles lit in a dark space
Candles for world peace flicker in Rollins Chapel. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)