Practice at the Place of the Buddha’s Enlightenment

Amitayus Monastery (Germany), Lien Tam Monastery (Finland), and Vien Lac Monastery (Germany) warmly invite you to join a 7-Day Pure Land (Phật Thất) Retreat in Bodh Gaya, India, from December 28, 2026 to January 3, 2027.

Bodh Gaya is the sacred place where Shakyamuni Buddha attained complete enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. For more than 2,500 years, Buddhist practitioners from around the world have made pilgrimage to this extraordinary place to deepen their practice and reconnect with the heart of the Buddha’s teachings.

Practicing in Bodh Gaya offers a unique opportunity to cultivate mindfulness, faith, and wisdom in one of the most inspiring Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.

This retreat follows the traditional Pure Land (Tịnh Độ) practice, centered on the recitation of Amitabha Buddha’s name, while also integrating elements of Chan (Zen) meditation. Through continuous practice, Dharma teachings, and mindful living, participants are encouraged to deepen both concentration and compassion while strengthening their daily practice.

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What is a Phật Thất Retreat?

A Phật Thất is a traditional seven-day Pure Land retreat widely practiced in Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhism. The retreat focuses on the mindful recitation of “Namo Amitabha Buddha”, walking meditation, silent sitting, Dharma teachings, and mindful awareness throughout the day.

The continuous practice of Amitabha recitation helps calm the mind, cultivate concentration, generate wholesome qualities, and strengthen one’s aspiration toward awakening for the benefit of all beings.

Although rooted in the Pure Land tradition, this retreat also incorporates Chan meditation methods, allowing participants to develop both serenity and insight through balanced practice.

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Retreat Leadership

The retreat will be led by experienced monastic teachers:

• Ven. Thích Hạnh Tấn – Amitayus Monastery, Germany
• Ven. Thích Hạnh Bảo – Lien Tam Monastery, Finland
• Ven. Thích Hạnh Giới – Vien Lac Monastery, Germany

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Daily Schedule

December 28, 2026 – January 3, 2027

05:00 – 07:00
Morning Practice at Viên Giác Temple

07:30 – 09:00
Breakfast and Rest

09:00 – 11:30
Practice at the Stupa

11:30 – 13:00
Lunch and Rest

13:00 – 15:30
Practice at the Stupa

15:30 – 17:00
Dharma Talk

17:00
End of the Official Daily Program

Evenings are reserved for optional individual practice, personal meditation, or visits to the Mahabodhi Temple.

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Optional 4-Day Buddhist Pilgrimage

December 24–27, 2026

Before the retreat begins, participants are invited to join an optional four-day pilgrimage to some of the most sacred places associated with the life of the Buddha.

Day 1 – December 24

• Dungeshwari Cave Temples
• Sujata Stupa
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex

Day 2 – December 25

Rajgir & Nalanda

• Vulture Peak (Gridhrakuta)
• Nalanda University Ruins

Day 3 – December 26

Vaishali – Smriti Park – Varanasi

• Vaishali
• Smriti Park
• Transfer to Varanasi

Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 4 – December 27

Sarnath

• Dhamek Stupa
• Deer Park
• Optional visit to the Ganges River

Return to Bodh Gaya.

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Who Can Participate?

The retreat is open to everyone with an interest in Buddhist practice.

Whether you are already familiar with Pure Land Buddhism or wish to experience this traditional form of practice for the first time, you are warmly welcome.

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Important Information

Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own:

• international flights
• accommodation
• meals
• transportation
• travel insurance
• personal expenses

The organizing monasteries will gladly assist participants with accommodation recommendations, transportation coordination, and practical information whenever possible.

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Language

Meditation instructions, Dharma talks, and retreat guidance will be offered primarily in Vietnamese, with English translation available when needed.

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Contact

Email: bodhi-retreat@web.de

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Registration (EN)

Ghi danh (Viet)