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.

A full day of mindful hiking along stage 1 of the John Muir Way. Dunbar to East Linton (approx. 7.5 miles).

Full accessible by public transport! Details in flier below.

A reminder that, as usual, we will not be sitting together at St Marks on a Thursdays during August. This is because St Marks is used as venue for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It is also good to have a break from any routine, especially for the organisers. It’s our lazy month – although we continue to organise other events and continue to meet in Granton Hub on Fridays!

Our last meeting of the summer will be on Thursday 30th July 2026

Our first meeting of the autumn will be on Thursday 3rd September 2026

Why not attend a show at St Marks during August instead? The programme is below.

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