We are very happy to announce that the application process for the new Wake Up International OI Study Group is now open!
Here are some details about the upcoming study group, an invitation to an Open Hour Q&A session on July 26, a wonderful Dharma Talk by Sr. Chan Duc about the origins of the OI, and a recording of an inspiring panel from the NA Wake Up OI retreat.
1. The new Wake Up International OI Study Group
This group is for Wake Uppers and Wake Up alumni (under 45 years old) who have been practicing with Plum Village sangha for a few years and wish to deepen their practice and commitment by receiving the 14 MTs and joining the Order of Interbeing.
After months of preparation, the fruits are ripening and we are looking forward to studying, practicing and connecting with many of you from all around the world soon. It will start on September 20th.
Please submit the application form no later than 15 August.
We encourage early applications, as reviewing may take a few weeks. Thank you very much.
What does the study group involve?
- Monthly online training and study sessions (2 hours)
Led by senior Dharma teachers and various guest teachers (monastic and lay), covering all 14 Mindfulness Trainings, as well as topics like Sangha building, inclusivity and diversity, social action, and engaged Buddhism. - Monthly small sharing groups (4–7 people)
Led by OI members (secondary mentors). We will organize these groups for you. - One-on-one mentorship
Each participant will also have a personal mentor (primary mentor). You will be responsible for reaching out and finding your primary mentor.
You’ll find more information and the application form link below.
2. Open Hour Q&A Session – July 26
On Saturday, July 26, we warmly invite everyone interested in the new study group to join an informal Zoom session. This is a space where you can ask practical questions about the study group and application process, how to find a mentor, or anything else related to the Order of Interbeing. Dharma teachers and members of the organising team of the study group will be present and happy to respond and share from their experience.
It will be from 14:00-15:30 Paris time (CET) / 7 – 8:30 PM Bangkok time / 8 – 9:30 AM ET.
Please sign up here.
3. Dharma Talk by Sr Chan Duc about the Origins of the OI
During our recent Wake Up OI Retreat in Plum Village this June, Sister Chan Duc (Sister Annabel) offered a powerful and deeply inspiring Dharma Talk on the Four Principles of the Order of Interbeing. She shared the story of the OI’s beginnings—as a spiritual and ethical support for thousands of young volunteers with the School of Youth for Social Services during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Sister Chan Duc also spoke to the urgent need for a global ethic in our times, emphasizing that the 14 Mindfulness Trainings represent a Buddhist vision for such a global ethic. The talk concludes with an insightful Q&A session with young Wake Uppers.
4. About the Wake Up International OI Study Group
This new study group is for practitioners under 45 years old who have been, and are currently, practicing regularly with a Plum Village Sangha for several years. It is intended for those who share a deep commitment to Sangha building and engaged action, and who have received the Five Mindfulness Trainings at least two years ago (see the note below for exceptions*).
The training is open to both those who already have an OI mentor and those who are in the process of finding a mentor and applying to become an OI aspirant. If you have a strong aspiration but have not yet begun to search for a mentor, you are still welcome to apply.
Important: Participation in this study group does not automatically mean you have been accepted as an OI aspirant. Normally, national or local OI Sanghas decide who is formally accepted as an aspirant. Therefore, in addition to joining the study group, you’ll also need to:
- Find a primary mentor
- Write an aspiration letter to your national or local Sangha
We encourage everyone to do their best to reach out and find a mentor you feel comfortable with. If there is no national OI Sangha in your country—or if you face significant challenges in finding a mentor—we will do our best to support you.
You’ll find more information about this Study Group here, including:
Dates & Application
- September 20: Our first session will include a Dharma Talk and Q&A, open to everyone interested. 14:00-16:00 CET / 7 – 9 PM Bangkok time / 8 – 10 AM ET.
- October 18: We begin with the First of the 14 Mindfulness Trainings, along with an additional topic for the month.
- We will continue to meet on the Third Saturday of each month (Nov 15, Dec 20, etc)
Please submit your application by August 15.
We encourage early applications, as reviewing may take a few weeks.
Here is the link to the Application form.
5. Panel Sharing from the Deer Park Wake Up OI Gathering – May
Lastly, we’re happy to share with you a joyful and heartfelt panel and workshop for Wake Up OI aspirants, centered around the theme: “You Are Enough.” In this session, young OI members share what it means to be an OI aspirant, reflect on the journey of belonging, and speak about their experiences writing an aspiration letter.
This panel took place during the recent Wake Up OI retreat co-organized by the North American Wake Up OI Study Group and Deer Park Monastery. You may find it deeply encouraging and supportive on your own path. Here is the video.
Feel free to forward this to any Sangha friends you think might be interested and suitable to become OI aspirants.
If you have any questions, please contact us at: oi@wkup.org
With deep gratitude and love,
The Organising Team of the Wake Up International OI Study Group
* Note on the Five Mindfulness Trainings: If you have been practicing and living in alignment with the Five Mindfulness Trainings for several years, but have not yet formally received them, we may consider making an exception to this requirement on a case-by-case basis. You can share about your situation with us in the application form.
There are two upcoming opportunities to join an online course and receive the 5 Mindfulness Trainings online in North America and in Australia. If you are interested, please email us and we will forward more information.