About

History of Plum Village Tradition Sanghas in the Atlanta area

In November of 1997, following a retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh in Key West Florida, some twenty or so individuals from this region gave form to exploring how to become a Buddhist sangha in the Vietnamese tradition of Plum Village France.  The first regular meetings were held in homes in both Athens and Atlanta.  Over time and early on there developed two Sanghas, the Breathing Heart Sangha in Atlanta, and the Mindful Breath Sangha in Athens.  

During the COVID Pandemic shutdown, the Breathing Heart Sangha switched to a virtual meeting format and the decision was made to continue as a Zoom only Sangha after the easing of COVID restrictions. 

At a May 2023 retreat at Magnolia Grove Monastery, a small group of practitioners met with the purpose of forming an in person sangha in the Atlanta area. With the support of our sister Sangha, Breathing Heart Sangha, the group started meeting in person in a home during that summer. Later in the year the group started looking for a central location.  

In October, the Red Clay Sangha, an inclusive Buddhist community, generously offered the use of their meditation hall to this fledgling group.  Our first Sangha gathering at this location was held on November 4, 2023.  On February 4, 2024 the Sangha voted on and approved the name of Peach Blossom Sangha.