In a world marked by fragmentation and uncertainty, this retreat brings together two spiritual voices in friendship and depth. Guided by Plum Village teacher Sr. Annabel Laity (Sr. Chan Duc) and Christian teacher, Chris Whittington, participants are invited into a living dialogue between Buddhism and Christianity. Rooted in practice, compassion, and lived experience, the retreat explores how inner peace and universal love can help us respond meaningfully to the suffering of our time.
This retreat rests on a simple but radical insight shared by both traditions: peace in the world is inseparable from peace within. Drawing from Buddhist teachings on ‘interbeing’ and Christian wisdom on ‘oneness’ and universal love (the love described by the Desert Father Evagrius as the child of inner peace) – Sr. Chan Duc and Chris Whittington explore how wisdom and compassion must mature together.
Rather than abstract theology, this retreat will be a living conversation between two committed practitioners. Each morning begins with meditation, grounding participants in breath, presence, and silence.
Each day Sr. Chan Duc and Chris engage in dialogue, reading from key chapters of their respective books ‘Mindfulness: Walking with Jesus and Buddha’ and ‘The Missing Peace: Meditation as a Spiritual Path to Peace, Community and Oneness’, reflecting on points of resonance, difference, and creative tension. These exchanges model a spirituality of friendship: two practitioners listening deeply, questioning honestly, and honoring what they hold in common while holding the uniqueness of both traditions.
Participants are invited to practice silent meditation, walking meditation in nature, mindful eating, guided meditation, and quiet reflection. Sharing circles offer space to speak from lived experience; addressing real difficulties participants are facing in their personal lives and in response to what is happening in the wider world. Together, the group explores how prayer words and gathas, breath-centered awareness and Christian meditation, can be woven into a harmonious practice without dilution.
The retreat offers anyone regardless of faith or background a chance to deepen presence and wisdom. It offers concrete practices, compassionate inquiry, and a path toward embodying unity in a divided world – beginning with one’s own heart.
This retreat is offered as a shared journey. It has been carefully crafted to be relevant and accessible to anyone searching for truth and peace, regardless of their faith or beliefs. People who are completely new to meditation or have been practising for many years will be warmly welcomed. Participants will arrive with different levels of experience and this is part of the richness of the retreat. The rhythm of teaching, silence, and shared reflection is designed to support this diversity, offering space to listen, to ask questions, learn from others and to be accompanied along the way.
Please click ‘read more’ at the top of this page to access the Plum Village event page. This provides much more detail about the retreat including the typical schedule of a day, details of accommodation, meals, various pricing options and transportation information.
Sister Chan Duc (Sr Annabel) has been a disciple of Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) since 1986. She became the first Western European woman to be ordained as a nun by Thay on November 10th 1988 in India. She received the Lamp Transmission to become a Dharma Teacher in 1990 and served as Director of Practice at Plum Village. She is the former abbess of the Green Mountain Dharma Centre in the USA. Sister Chan Duc has been on the board of directors for the Unified Buddhist Church since 1998. She is a much-loved senior Dharma Teacher and traveled widely to lead meditation retreats, including in her ancestral land of England. She inspires many with her unique teaching style throughout the world.
Chris Whittington, Founder of The School of Contemplative Life, was introduced to contemplative practice during several years of formation when he lived at the Benedictine monastery of Prinknash Abbey in England and subsequently studied at the Dalai Lama’s monastery in Dharamshala India. Chris’ monastic teachers taught meditation as a universal wisdom found within all the great spiritual traditions a pathway to peace and solidarity with people of all faiths and none Chris regularly delivers talks, workshops and retreats and has introduced the practice of meditation in the Christian tradition to thousands of people in the UK and abroad. He is known for his ability to communicate the subtleties of the practice and complex spiritual texts in simple practical ways resonant with the challenges of daily life.
Please refer here to the booking Terms and Conditions for Plum Village UK – the host of this retreat.
Please also note that, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions (available in full here), our events should be understood as only providing spiritual guidance and advice to help participants deepen their own meditation practice and understanding. Many people report subjective improvements in general wellbeing through meditation practice. However, if you or anyone you intend to book a ticket for suffer from any mental, emotional or physical health conditions, please ask your medical practitioner if it is advisable for you/them to attend an event with us.