On 21st December 2025, Ahimsa Trust welcomed friends, families and practitioners for a Morning of Mindfulness at Jamun Village in Dehradun. Gathered under the Banyan tree in the warmth of the winter sun, participants were guided through meditation practices by Shantum Seth, creating a space for stillness, reflection and mindful community connection. The morning also included updates on the upcoming February monastic visit, offering an opportunity for the sangha to come together in shared learning and presence.

At Jamun Village in Dehradun, friends and practitioners gather on select Sundays for a Morning of Mindfulness amidst nature and quiet reflection. On 2nd November 2025, the gathering included a talk on the elements by Shantum Seth, along with walking meditation, sitting meditation, mindful eating and heartfelt circle sharing. Surrounded by serene hills and the gentle presence of the Jamun trees, the morning offered a space to slow down, reconnect and nourish both mind and spirit through shared mindful practice.

A deeply nourishing Core Facilitators Residential ‘Jamun Blossoms’ Retreat unfolded at Jamun Village / Plum Village (India), bringing together the core community of Ahimsa Trust in a spirit of mindfulness, joy, and belonging. As part of our collective journey towards the 60th anniversary of the Order of Interbeing founded by Thich Nhat Hanh in 1966, these days in nature became a true homecoming filled with deep listening, playful togetherness, heartfelt sharing, simple living under the open sky, and the quiet nourishment that comes from practicing as a Sangha. Surrounded by trees, birdsong, laughter, and love, we left feeling more connected, more authentic, and deeply grateful for this shared path.

Dharamacharya Shantum Seth wrote an insightful article titled The Art of Mindfulness, published in Tricycle magazine on 11th October 2025, as part of the commemorations marking Thay’s 100th year. Reflecting on his lifelong connection with Thich Nhat Hanh, Shantum shares how Thay’s very first words to him , asking him to bring the Buddhadharma back to India became a guiding force that shaped the direction and purpose of his life.

“The very first time Thay (the name by which Thich Nhat Hanh was known to me and many others) spoke to me, it was to ask me to bring buddhadharma, the teachings of the Buddha back to India. I did not know then how deeply those words would imprint themselves on my mind and give shape and meaning to my life…”

Dharmacharya Shantum Seth and Mrs Gitanjali Seth were honored with the Dhamma Ratna Award by Gurmit Singh, a distinction conferred by the Doon Buddhist Committee in recognition of their lifelong dedication to reviving and sharing Ancient Indian Wisdom. Deeply touched by the acknowledgment, Shantum shared that the award felt both like an honor and a gentle encouragement to continue offering the Dhamma in ways relevant to our contemporary world helping relieve suffering and nurture peace. The occasion also included a thoughtful hour-long conversation with the Governor and committee members on the needs and aspirations of the Buddhist community.

Dharmacharya Shantum Seth and Gitanjali Seth travelled to the United States in August–September 2025, where they offered a series of talks, meditations, and community gatherings across the East Coast. Beginning in Boston and continuing through several cities until 5th September, the gatherings titled “Bringing the Buddha Home” explored their ongoing work in India through reflections on mindfulness, engaged Buddhism, and a short film sharing glimpses of the journey. The events created meaningful spaces for meditation, dialogue, and reconnection with members of the Sangha and wider community.

Dharmacharya Shantum Seth participated in a day-long programme in Delhi organised by the International Buddhist Confederation to celebrate the 90th birthday of Dalai Lama. The gathering brought together well-wishers, scholars, and practitioners from across the Buddhist world and beyond to honour His Holiness through personal reflections and shared gratitude for his lifelong message of compassion, wisdom, and peace. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the conference, he described the Dalai Lama as “a great student of Buddha” and “a living Buddha,” reflecting on the humility and love he continues to embody and spread. The event also included thoughtful discussions on the future of Tibetan Buddhism, mindfulness in contemporary society, and the preservation of Tibetan culture and spiritual traditions.

Doon School hosted the Annual General Meeting of the Boarding Schools’ Association of India (BSAI), bringing together leaders from 42 leading boarding and day-cum-boarding schools across the country. As part of the conference, Dharmacharya Shantum Seth, alumnus of The Doon School, delivered a keynote address on “Cultivating Mindfulness in Boarding Schools.” Drawing from his own experiences in boarding education and the Plum Village tradition, he spoke about the importance of emotional wellbeing, deep listening, compassionate communication, and mindfulness practices in nurturing healthier school communities. Introducing practical tools such as awareness of breath and the mindfulness bell, he highlighted how mindfulness can strengthen pastoral care and support the mental and emotional development of students and educators alike.

The occasion of Buddha Purnima was commemorated under the full moon at Sanskriti Kendra, Delhi, bringing together over a hundred participants for an evening of mindfulness, reflection, and community. The gathering featured sitting and walking meditation, the symbolic watering of the sacred Peepal tree, a Dharma talk, heartfelt sharing, and a visually rich presentation, creating a deeply contemplative and uplifting atmosphere.Thoughtfully facilitated by Ahimsa Trust’s core team and volunteers, the event offered a meaningful space to honour the Buddha’s teachings while fostering collective peace, awareness, and connection.

Before departing from India, the monastics joyfully joined in the celebration of Holi, bringing a vibrant and heartfelt close to a deeply enriching month of pilgrimages, mindfulness retreats, and workshops. After weeks of offering teachings and holding compassionate space across diverse communities, the celebration became a moment of lightness, laughter, and connection. Embracing the spirit of Holi with mindfulness and joy, the monastics shared in the colours and warmth of the festival, leaving behind memories of peace, presence, and togetherness.

Ahimsa Trust hosted a Half Day of Mindfulness titled “Wake Up” at an Aasra Trust shelter home in Dehradun, bringing together high school students and adults for a shared experience of mindfulness, connection, and emotional wellbeing. Through interactive games, mindfulness practices, walking meditation, mindful eating, and open dialogue, participants were introduced to simple yet powerful tools for awareness, presence, and inner strength.The session created a warm and supportive space where participants could pause from daily challenges, feel heard and cared for, and reconnect with themselves and others. Rooted in compassion and attentive listening, the gathering highlighted the profound impact mindfulness can have in nurturing resilience, especially among young people in vulnerable settings.

Ahimsa Trust, in collaboration with Antara Senior Living, hosted a Morning of Mindfulness titled “This Is It” at the Antara campus in Dehradun. Guided by monastics from the Plum Village tradition and Dharmacharya Shantum Seth, the gathering welcomed around 60 participants, including senior residents and members of the local community, for a peaceful and reflective experience centred on mindful living and presence.The programme included guided sitting meditation, a Dharma talk exploring impermanence, acceptance, and peace in the present moment, walking meditation through the serene Antara premises, and a thoughtful Q&A session. A mindful lunch further extended the spirit of awareness and connection into the afternoon. With its atmosphere of calm, warmth, and quiet reflection, the event offered participants a meaningful opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and experience the healing power of mindfulness in community.

Ahimsa Trust, in collaboration with the Prisons Department in Dehradun, conducted a transformative mindfulness programme for over 1,100 inmates and staff, coordinated by Abhinav Kumar (DG Prisons) and facilitated by Dharmacharya Shantum Seth, Brother Phap Dung, fellow monastics, and Ahimsa volunteers. Supported by live Hindi translation, the session created an inclusive and compassionate space for reflection, healing, and emotional connection.The programme included guided sitting meditation, mindful singing, walking meditation, Orange Meditation, and a deeply impactful Dharma talk by Brother Phap Dung on suffering, resilience, and “diffusing the bomb within.” His words resonated powerfully with many inmates, some of whom were visibly moved to tears. Through mindfulness practices and open dialogue, the gathering offered participants moments of peace, dignity, and inner stillness, concluding in a shared silence that left a lasting impression on all present.

Ahimsa Trust hosted a 4-day mindfulness retreat at Jamun Village, Rajpur, bringing together 120 participants from diverse backgrounds for a deeply immersive experience of mindful living in the Himalayan foothills. Guided by Plum Village monastics, the retreat included sutra reading, mindful walking, Dharma talks on compassion and personal transformation, meditation, singing, and community sharing. Participants also engaged in mindful service activities such as river cleaning, gardening, and creating shared community spaces, deepening their connection with the land and one another. A highlight of the retreat was the Five Mindfulness Trainings Ceremony held beneath the banyan tree planted by Thich Nhat Hanh in 2008, leaving many participants inspired to carry mindfulness into their daily lives.

“Be Still and Know” was hosted at The Doon School, Dehradun, bringing together 150–200 participants, including students, teachers, and members of the public, for a day of mindfulness and reflection. Inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, the event encouraged participants to slow down and reconnect with calm presence through guided meditation, mindful movement, Dharma talks, walking meditation, deep relaxation, and mindful eating. Led by monastics from the Plum Village tradition, the programme offered practical tools for cultivating awareness and inner balance in everyday life.

Ahimsa Trust facilitated a 3-day mindfulness retreat titled “The Way Out Is In” at Shiv Nadar School, bringing together 94 participants from diverse backgrounds, including educators, parents, corporate professionals, CRPF personnel, NGO representatives, and seekers of self-awareness. Guided by monastics from the Plum Village tradition, the retreat offered practices of mindful breathing, walking, deep listening, and Dharma sharing, creating a nurturing space for reflection, connection, and inner peace. Participants left with a renewed sense of clarity, presence, and the understanding that true transformation begins within.

Ahimsa Trust, in collaboration with Aleph Book Company and the India International Centre Annexe, hosted “Mindfulness is a Source of Happiness” as part of the Evening of Mindfulness series. Attended by over 100 participants, the event featured teachings by senior monastics from Deer Park Monastery, San Diego, and Dharmacharya Shantum, exploring how mindfulness cultivates inner peace, joy, and presence. The evening included the launch of The Mindfulness Survival Kit by Thich Nhat Hanh, walking meditation, singing, and an engaging Q&A session, creating a deeply peaceful and inspiring experience for all present.

A Journey of Mindfulness and Discovery unfolded across the sacred Buddhist sites of India, guided by the monastics of Deer Park Monastery and Dharmacharya Shantum Seth. Rooted in the Plum Village tradition, the pilgrimage retreat offered participants an immersive experience of sitting and walking meditation, Dharma teachings, mindful travel, and meaningful community interactions. Blending spiritual practice with historical exploration, the journey invited pilgrims to walk in the footsteps of the Buddha while cultivating peace, presence, and deep inner reflection.