On October 23-25, 2025, an unusual and original meditation course took place at the Kolbe Center in Carini, Italy. The course was conducted in the style of the Plum Village Zen tradition, founded by Master Thich NHAT HANH, a school of Buddhist spirituality born out of the wounds of the Vietnam War.
Ninety-three people, coming from Italy and abroad, attended this meditation course. It was led by the Director of the European Institute of Applied Buddhism, Monk Thay PHAP AN. He was assisted by Sister SONG NGHIEM with help from three other young nuns.
The Kolbe Center is dedicated to the Conventual Franciscan Friar Maximilian Kolbe, a saint from Poland who was martyred in Auschwitz. The organizers chose the Center because Kolbe’s teachings align with the core values of Buddhism, which fights hatred and violence through a life of wisdom and harmony. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding both the spiritual and historical significance of certain places [like Auschwitz].
The three-day course followed a simple and harmonious rhythm. It offered teachings on seated and walking meditation―the heart of Zen practice.
Out of respect for Mother Earth, the meals were vegan/vegetarian and were consumed in silence. Mealtimes were an opportunity to cultivate full awareness of nourishment, recognizing in every gesture gratitude for the earth and for all the conditions that make a righteous life possible. Indeed, the days featured long walks and contact with nature, strengthening the feeling that the earth is our “Sister and Mother” as St. Francis defined it in his Canticle of the Creatures.
Mornings began with body awakening through the practices of Qi Gong and Tai Chi. In the afternoon, deep relaxation was used to guide participants into a more intimate connection with their inner calm. Small group discussions strengthened the sense of listening to each other, allowing oneself to be touched by the silent presence of the other.
In a time marked by so many wars, the topic of inner and collective peace and building a community capable of living in harmony stood out prominently: there can be no peace in the world without inner peace, cultivated through breath, understanding, and compassion.
The participants will vividly remember these three intensive days spent in an atmosphere of peace, silence, and connection with Mother Earth.
The friars were very attentive to the details of the event, particularly the Director of the Kolbe Center, Friar Guglielmo BARBASSO, and the kitchen staff, who had to revolutionize their usual catering for groups in order to prepare special buffets of vegan food, which was consumed communally, in silence.
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO
