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About our Master
Zen Master Phap Nhat
Zen Master Phap Nhat was born and raised in Vietnam in a family with a deep spiritual tradition. From a young age, he was exposed to the teachings of Zen and Buddhism. However, the most significant turning point in his life came at the age of ten, when his grandmother passed away. The first death that he witnessed raised profound questions in his mind about the meaning of life and death. From then on, he began the path of meditation, searching for answers to the questions in his heart.
After many years of practice, Zen Master Phap Nhat has become a speaker, poet, author of more than 70 books covering all areas of life, and a Zen master with profound wisdom and great compassion. He settled in Germany and began teaching meditation, self-improvement, and transformation courses.
His students are not only Asians but also Europeans, who come with the desire to find peace and a deep understanding of themselves. Zen Master Phap Nhat not only limited his activities to Germany but also frequently traveled and taught at many of the Dharma Light Meditation Centers he established. These meditation centers are present in many European countries, Asia, and the United States. He brings valuable lessons everywhere he goes, helping his students find the path leading to peace and enlightenment.
Zen Master Phap Nhat teaches at the meditation centers and organizes many trips worldwide, sharing his knowledge and experience with those who need it. No matter where he is, he always receives respect and love from his students, thanks to his compassion and deep understanding of people and life.
Meet our Sisters
Sister Tịnh Hạnh
Sr. Tinh Hanh was born in the year 1991 in Hamburg. In the year 2011 she travelled to the meditation center Plum Village in France for the first time in order to learn the art of mindful living. Since that time she is fascinated by the joy arising through meditation. In the year 2017 she decided to live a monastic life herself and she has been living in the Dharma Light meditation center since then. In January 2019 she ordained as a novice with Thay Phap Nhat as her master.
Sister Tịnh Viên
Sister Tinh Vien was ordained with Thay Phap Nhat in June 2023. Before ordaining, she worked for many years in the social and community sector. Sister Tinh Vien has always aimed to transmit the energies of stability, peace, and fearlessness to everyone, especially to the younger generation. Becoming a nun greatly empowered her on her journey to fulfill the aspirations of being a companion to those who yearn for the path of mindfulness and love. For her, the monastic life is a journey filled with freshness, excitement, joy, and abundant freedom.
Sister Tịnh Ân
Sister Tịnh Ân ordained as a Buddhist novice with Zen-Master Thay Phap Nhat in December 2023. After letting go of worldly aspirations such as having a family or seeking fulfillment in her career, she felt at home in her new life as a nun right after her ordination. The monastic life and her new form seemed to be familiar to her. Feeling that way, she instantly began to focus on her meditation practice and to support the Sangha in all activities in the monastery, such as guiding meditations and other practices for lay people as well as organizing retreats. Sr. Tịnh Ân has a special interest in visual arts and design.
Sister Tịnh An
Sister Tinh An was born and raised in Vietnam, then ordained and settled in Europe. She is a person with a generous heart and profound wisdom. Her presence radiates peaceful and quiet energy, creating a warm and tranquil space for those lucky to meet her.
With her compassion and delicate listening ability, she has become a solid fulcrum for many people, helping them overcome difficulties in life and find peace in their souls. During her years of practice, sister Tinh An has devoted herself to guiding people on meditation and spiritual transformation. She imparts knowledge and shares valuable life experiences, helping her students find the right and meaningful path in life.
Her presence has brought positive change to many people, helping them recognize and overcome pain and anxiety and find inner peace. Sister Tinh An is truly an inspiration, a respected teacher, and a trustworthy companion on the spiritual path of many people. Her presence and values are both a comfort and a vital source of motivation to help people rise and live a more meaningful and happier life.
Sister Tịnh Ngọc
Sister Tinh Ngoc’s journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of mindfulness and inner awakening. After earning a Master’s degree and a thriving career in Banking & Finance in Germany, she realized true fulfillment lay beyond worldly success and happiness, and her heart was opened fully to the truth of life’s meaning and the essence of her true self through the Buddha’s teachings and meditation practices. With a courageous spirit and unwavering resolve, she then chose to embrace the simplicity, serenity, and profound purpose of monastic life.
Guided by Zen Master Phap Nhat, Sister Tinh Ngoc now walks a path illuminated by compassion, loving-kindness, and insights. Her dedication to meditation, commitment to cultivating a boundless heart, and deep desire to help others transcend suffering have become the foundation of her life’s mission. With each step, she journeys toward enlightenment, not just for herself but for the countless souls she aspires to guide toward liberation and joy.