Magnolia Grove Monastery
Magnolia Grove Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Batesville, Mississippi, established in the Plum Village Tradition under the spiritual guidance of Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh. It serves as a residential monastery and a Mindfulness Practice Meditation Center, offering public Days of Mindfulness, retreats, and special events. As one of three such monasteries in the United States under Thích Nhất Hạnh's guidance, it maintains close ties with Plum Village Monastery for resources and support.
Key Facts
- ›Located on 120 acres near Batesville, Mississippi.
- ›Officially accepted by Thích Nhất Hạnh in October 2005.
- ›Part of the Plum Village Tradition of Zen Buddhism.
- ›One of three monasteries in the U.S. under Thích Nhất Hạnh's spiritual guidance.
- ›Functions as both a residential monastery and a Mindfulness Practice Meditation Center.
- ›Hosts public Days of Mindfulness twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays.

Mindfulness Practice Meditation Center, Residential Monastery
ThíCh NhấT HạNh
About Magnolia Grove Monastery
Magnolia Grove Monastery is a prominent Buddhist monastery located in Batesville, Mississippi, and is a key institution within the Plum Village Tradition. Established under the spiritual guidance of the renowned Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh, the monastery officially accepted its presence in October 2005. It operates on a 120-acre property situated near Memphis, Tennessee, functioning simultaneously as a residential monastery and a dedicated Mindfulness Practice Meditation Center.
As one of three monasteries in the United States affiliated with Thích Nhất Hạnh's teachings, Magnolia Grove Monastery maintains strong connections with Plum Village Monastery in France for vital resources and support. The monastery is committed to fostering mindfulness and offers regular opportunities for the public to participate in its practices. These include twice-weekly public Days of Mindfulness held on Thursdays and Sundays, alongside various retreats and special events designed to promote mindful living and meditation.
Magnolia Grove Monastery is a place where practitioners can engage deeply with the teachings of the Plum Village Tradition. Its dual role as a residential center and a public meditation hub underscores its mission to integrate mindfulness into daily life and provide a sanctuary for spiritual practice within the United States.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Magnolia Grove Monastery established?
Magnolia Grove Monastery was officially accepted by Thích Nhất Hạnh in October 2005, marking its establishment within the Plum Village Tradition.
What is the Plum Village Tradition?
The Plum Village Tradition is a tradition of Zen Buddhism founded by Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh. Magnolia Grove Monastery operates within this tradition, emphasizing mindfulness practice.
What kind of activities are offered at Magnolia Grove Monastery?
The monastery offers public Days of Mindfulness twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, as well as regular retreats and special events. It also functions as a residential monastery and a Mindfulness Practice Meditation Center.
How many monasteries in the U.S. are guided by Thích Nhất Hạnh?
Magnolia Grove Monastery is one of three monasteries in the United States under the spiritual guidance of Thích Nhất Hạnh. The other two are Blue Cliff Monastery in New York and Deer Park Monastery in California.
Where is Magnolia Grove Monastery located?
Magnolia Grove Monastery is situated in Batesville, Mississippi, with its 120-acre grounds located near Memphis, Tennessee.
Related Monasteries

Deer Park Monastery
Deer Park Monastery is a 400-acre Buddhist monastery located in Escondido, California, founded in July 2000 by Thích Nhất Hạnh. It adheres to the Vietnamese Thiền tradition within the Plum Village Tradition and serves as a vibrant center for monastic practice and public mindfulness events. The monastery is organized into two hamlets, Solidity Hamlet for monks and laymen, and Clarity Hamlet for nuns and laywomen, fostering a growing community of ordained and lay practitioners.
Empty Cloud Monastery
Empty Cloud Monastery, established in 2019 in West Orange, New Jersey, is a gender-inclusive, non-sectarian Buddhist monastery. Co-founded by Ayyā Somā and Bhante Suddhāso, it operates under the non-profit Buddhist Insights, offering traditional Buddhist teachings free of charge. The monastery is situated on a 3-acre property that was formerly a Catholic monastery.
Blue Cliff Monastery
Blue Cliff Monastery is an 80-acre Thiền Buddhist monastery located in Pine Bush, New York, founded in May 2007 by practitioners from the Plum Village Tradition. It operates under Thích Nhất Hạnh's Order of Interbeing and follows the practices of its sister monasteries. The monastery is situated in the Hudson Valley and welcomes visitors to practice mindfulness.