Workshop topics

Workshop #1

Dharma Calligraphy & Mindfulness

This 45-minute workshop is a peaceful and inspiring experience that blends the art of mindful living with the beauty of meditative brushwork. Led by Venerable Thích Khánh Châu, this workshop invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and express your inner stillness through the graceful strokes of calligraphy. As you write meaningful words like “peace,” “compassion,” or “breathe,” each brushstroke becomes a practice of mindfulness, intention, and self-kindness. No artistic experience is needed—just an open heart and a willingness to be present. Leave with your own piece of dharma calligraphy and a renewed sense of calm and clarity.

Venerable Thích Khánh Châu's Bio: Thầy became a monk over 20 years ago at Linh Mụ Pagoda in Huế, Việt Nam. He has lived in the United States for over 10 years, and is currently residing at Linh Buu Buddhist Temple in Phoenix, Arizona. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Science from Arizona State University.

WORKSHOP #2

Pebble Art Meditation

This 45-minute workshop is a calming, creative experience designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and practice self-kindness. Led by Venerable Thích Thiện Từ, this workshop uses four simple pebbles to represent freshness, stability, clarity, and freedom—qualities we all carry within. Through guided breathwork and gentle reflection, you'll learn how to use these pebbles as tools to center your mind, soothe your emotions, and cultivate compassion for yourself. Perfect for anyone seeking a mindful break from the busy-ness of life, this workshop offers a nurturing space to rest, reflect, and remind yourself that you deserve care too. You’ll leave with your own set of mindfulness pebbles and a practice you can carry forward.

Venerable Thích Thiện Từ's Bio: Thầy served as Camp Director of the 2017 Retreat of Awakening. Thầy resides at Princeton Meditation Center in Texas, under the guidance of Master Thich Minh-Dien. Thầy holds a Master's Degree of Religious Studies in Tibetan Buddhism from Naropa University. Thầy taught Buddhism and guided meditation practices at the Correctional Facilities in Canon City, CO. Thầy also led the Evanston Center for Spiritual Wholeness and Healing (A Ministry of University Park United Methodist Church in Denver). Thầy is currently pursuing a degree in Depth Psychology at the Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, and teaches Saturday's Zoom Dharma class to youth.

WORKSHOP #3

Mental Intuitive Reset (MIR)

This 45-minute workshop is led by our Camp Director Mr. Đầy Văn Trần.

Mr. Đầy Văn Trần's Bio: He is the Camp Director of the 2025 Retreat of Awakening. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of California San Diego. He resides in San Diego, California and is a current member of the Buddhist Youth Association for over 35 years. His greatest joy is raising his three wonderful, kind, talented, and wholesome children. He loves reading, meditation, nature walk, golf, yoga, and qigong for a balanced physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. In his spare time, he enjoys learning and practicing energy healing and willingly shares to those that need it: “Everything is energy and vibration”.

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