It is 23 years since our beloved teacher Thich Nhat Hanh offered a retreat at St Andrews on the invitation of the Wild Geese sangha. Since then, the Scottish sangha has blossomed, and we now have the extraordinary good fortune of welcoming two new dharma teachers who were ordained at Plum Village in March of this year: Lindsay Lumsden (Touching the Earth Sangha, Aberdeenshire) and Jane Ellen Combelic (Northern Lights Sangha, Findhorn). 

We have the opportunity to celebrate together at a Day of Mindfulness they will offer in Perth on 17 October. They will share with us the insight Gathas they were inspired to write as part of their ordination, Gathas which illuminate key aspects of their learning and inspiration on the path. This is a chance for the Scottish sangha to come together in a central location to mark a major step in our evolution and to enjoy our communal presence and practice.We will have a ‘Pot luck’ lunch so please bring along your favourite vegan dish to share. Also please take along a cushion/matt/blanket for sitting on the floor and/or for deep relaxation.  We will collect Dana to cover costs for the hire of the hall and for the teachers travel expenses/livelihood.  

We look forward to seeing you! 

When: 17 October 10am-4pm

Where: North Muirton Community Centre, Argyll Rd, Perth  PH1 3BZ

Travel:  If you a need a lift from/to the station, we will do our best to connect you with someone who can help

How to register: Please fill out the online form here to reserve your space.

In 2023 a plum tree was planted in the Community Garden on the Meadows to commemorate Thich Nhat Hanh’s visit to Edinburgh in 2003. It is marked by a plaque inscribed with the words ‘Peace is Every Step‘. As a way to remember and continue this mindful energy, we will be holding a silent walking meditation on the Meadows on Sunday 19th July 2026 at 11:00 am starting from the tree. Before the walk there will be a short introduction to mindful walking. The walk will be complete within an hour.

If you are on Middle Meadow Walk facing South towards Marchmont, then the Community Garden is about 100m to your left just before you get to the tennis courts. Locate with What3Words: ///values.speak.intervals or Google Maps.

This event aims to provide a collective experience of ‘being peaceful’ together. It is not a protest or campaigning event, so please don’t bring any banners/placards etc, however we will share the energy with those who might benefit from it at the end.

We will spend the day focusing on making connections with our bodies, each other and the Earth. We will enjoy body scans, guided meditations, earth touching and sharing. Together we will explore the true meaning of Interbeing.

Open to everyone – of all faiths and none. Please bring some plant-based food to share for a pot-luck lunch.

Saturday 4th July 2026. 9:45am – 4pm (Please arrive from 9:45 for a 10am start).

St Mark’s Unitarian Church, 7 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2DP.

Any questions please use our contact form.

Venue: Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh. EH4 6AD.
Date: Sunday 28 June 2026.
Time: Gather in front of Lauriston Castle for 11am.

This silent walking meditation is an open event. It will be led by the lay members of the Edinburgh Sangha of the Community of Interbeing, who follow the practice and teachings of Zen Buddhist Master, Thich Nhat Hanh. Before the walk begins there will be a brief introduction to mindful walking as a meditation practice. This is not a protest or a campaigning event, so please do not use any banners. Children are welcome when accompanied by adults.

‘We walk just for walking. We walk with freedom and solidity, no longer in a hurry. Let us enjoy every step we make.’ Thich Nhat Hanh.

After the walk there will be an opportunity to take part in an optional litter pick to celebrate our interbeing with the world that supports us.

The event is jointly organized by the Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace, EICSP.

What3Words: ///grow.able.slips

Bus stops nearby: 16, 27, 37 and 47 (check with Lothian Buses for details)

An event organised by Edinburgh Interfaith Association starting at St Marks at 1pm. See flyer below for details.

We will spend the day in the company of Bodhissatva Samantabhadra. Inspired by their abundant capacity for loving action, we will explore how this potential manifests in our own lives and support one another in cultivating it.

Open to everyone – of all faiths and none. Please bring some plant-based food to share for a pot-luck lunch.

St Mark’s Unitarian Church, 7 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2DP

Saturday 6th June 9:45 for 10am – 4pm (Please arrive from 9:45am for a 10am start)

For further details please use the contact form.

Creative Mini Retreat 1: Watering Seeds of Creativity

Saturday May 16th, 14:30-17:30, Online

Exploring creativity as a Dharma door, this afternoon is an opportunity to be in touch with the heart and source of your creativity through meditation, reflection, creative discovery and play.

Info & booking: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984301738917

Creative Mini Retreat 2: Nourishing Creativity Through Earth Connection

Saturday June 27th, 14:30-17:30, Online

How can we nurture our creativity in life and in the arts and a range of media? Taking time to experience our interbeing with the web of life, we’ll allow our creative process to be inspired by deep connection with the earth and the natural world.

Info & booking: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988061683011