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Important Pre-Booking Information
No Word Zen –
International Practice Center in France
International Practice Center in France
It won’t take you long to find a place of peace, even in today’s noisy society. Leaving behind the pace and the luxuries of the City of Light (Paris), in just a 3-hour drive, you will find tranquility at our No Word Zen center in the south of France.
We are pleased to share with you our center’s serenity and fresh beauty. No Word Zen is located on a hill at the end of Magnac-Laval, a commune in the Haute-Vienne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in west-central France, a town with a quiet and peaceful history over many centuries. Colorful wildflowers will rekindle your love of nature, and with the beautiful views from our center, you’ll be able watch the sun rise each morning, greeted by birdsong, and enjoy sunsets every evening. Late at night, we will be breathing with the twinkling stars, while enjoying the sounds of chirping insects.
Haute-Vienne is an ideal place for those seeking tranquility and green travel. This is a place suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to high mountains and deep forests. Or you can ride horses and cycle around the towns and villages, go out in a boat and fish on nearby rivers, or visit the region’s UNESCO-recognized world cultural heritage sites.
Come to No Word Zen to attend a retreat and enjoy a simple and peaceful life, practicing as a monk. You will come to see life more deeply and nourish your own jewel of wisdom so you can transform your difficulties into happiness and continue to transform your suffering after you return home.
At No Word Zen, we weave meditation and the wisdom of interdependence into our daily activities, finding meaning in each moment. We will practice meditation throughout the retreat with direct guidance from Zen teacher Cuong Lu, who embodies the Formless Dharma transmitted from teacher to teacher for over 25 centuries. Practicing with Cuong Lu, you will receive words of wisdom along with the wordless transmission from a compassionate and wise teacher. Please go to Gallery
We are pleased to share with you our center’s serenity and fresh beauty. No Word Zen is located on a hill at the end of Magnac-Laval, a commune in the Haute-Vienne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in west-central France, a town with a quiet and peaceful history over many centuries. Colorful wildflowers will rekindle your love of nature, and with the beautiful views from our center, you’ll be able watch the sun rise each morning, greeted by birdsong, and enjoy sunsets every evening. Late at night, we will be breathing with the twinkling stars, while enjoying the sounds of chirping insects.
Haute-Vienne is an ideal place for those seeking tranquility and green travel. This is a place suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to high mountains and deep forests. Or you can ride horses and cycle around the towns and villages, go out in a boat and fish on nearby rivers, or visit the region’s UNESCO-recognized world cultural heritage sites.
Come to No Word Zen to attend a retreat and enjoy a simple and peaceful life, practicing as a monk. You will come to see life more deeply and nourish your own jewel of wisdom so you can transform your difficulties into happiness and continue to transform your suffering after you return home.
At No Word Zen, we weave meditation and the wisdom of interdependence into our daily activities, finding meaning in each moment. We will practice meditation throughout the retreat with direct guidance from Zen teacher Cuong Lu, who embodies the Formless Dharma transmitted from teacher to teacher for over 25 centuries. Practicing with Cuong Lu, you will receive words of wisdom along with the wordless transmission from a compassionate and wise teacher. Please go to Gallery
Daily Program at No Word Zen
On the day you arrive, just relax and get to know other people, or renew old acquaintances. The program will begin at 8:00 pm. Please arrive no later than 5:30 pm as we will have a meal together at 6:00 pm. The first presentation will be at 8:00 pm.
Every day we’ll practice sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful eating, and working together as a community. There is always a period of “noble silence” from the last activity in the evening until the next morning’s breakfast. One day of the week is “Lazy Day,” with no formal training.
Everyone who comes to No Word Zen participates in all meditation practices and shares in community work, such as preparing the meditation hall, cleaning public spaces, and mowing lawns as part of their daily meditation. Tang Dynasty Zen Master Baizhang Huaihai was adamant about working every day. “A day of no work is a day of no eating,” he said. In Zen practice, work is not just work. We practice mindfulness of each bodily movement, sensation, and thought, and support each other, benefit from our collective energy, and learn to live in harmony together. We ask everyone to contribute to the collective energy by participating in all scheduled activities throughout the retreat.
During retreats, please only use your smartphone, tablet, or laptop when it is urgent. Free from electronic connectedness, you will have ideal conditions to discover the wonders of life.
Four weeks before your arrival, we will provide a complete schedule for you to plan your time well.
Every day we’ll practice sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful eating, and working together as a community. There is always a period of “noble silence” from the last activity in the evening until the next morning’s breakfast. One day of the week is “Lazy Day,” with no formal training.
Everyone who comes to No Word Zen participates in all meditation practices and shares in community work, such as preparing the meditation hall, cleaning public spaces, and mowing lawns as part of their daily meditation. Tang Dynasty Zen Master Baizhang Huaihai was adamant about working every day. “A day of no work is a day of no eating,” he said. In Zen practice, work is not just work. We practice mindfulness of each bodily movement, sensation, and thought, and support each other, benefit from our collective energy, and learn to live in harmony together. We ask everyone to contribute to the collective energy by participating in all scheduled activities throughout the retreat.
During retreats, please only use your smartphone, tablet, or laptop when it is urgent. Free from electronic connectedness, you will have ideal conditions to discover the wonders of life.
Four weeks before your arrival, we will provide a complete schedule for you to plan your time well.
A Typical Day at No Word Zen:
5:30 am: Wake-Up Bell
6:00 am: Sitting Meditation
8:00 am: Breakfast in Silence
9:30 am: Dharma Talk
11:30 am: Walking Meditation
12:30 pm: Lunch in Silence
1:30 pm: Group Sharing
3:00 pm: Question & Answer Session
4:00 pm: Working Meditation
6:00 pm: Dinner in Silence
8:00 pm: Sitting Meditation
9:30 pm: Noble Silence
6:00 am: Sitting Meditation
8:00 am: Breakfast in Silence
9:30 am: Dharma Talk
11:30 am: Walking Meditation
12:30 pm: Lunch in Silence
1:30 pm: Group Sharing
3:00 pm: Question & Answer Session
4:00 pm: Working Meditation
6:00 pm: Dinner in Silence
8:00 pm: Sitting Meditation
9:30 pm: Noble Silence
Sangha-Building
We share the same body with wisdom and love. No Word Zen is a global network of Sanghas, inspired by wisdom and compassion. We want to have a green and peaceful planet for the happiness of humanity, and endeavor to tell the world what is essential for a future to be possible.
Accommodations
We provide double rooms (2 people /1 space). We provide blankets, pillows, mattresses.
Most of our beds are single, and our double bed is for couples.
Living areas, bathrooms, and toilets are shared. Each floor in the main house uses two toilets and two bathrooms; we have seven toilets and seven bathrooms.
Please go to Gallery
Most of our beds are single, and our double bed is for couples.
Living areas, bathrooms, and toilets are shared. Each floor in the main house uses two toilets and two bathrooms; we have seven toilets and seven bathrooms.
Please go to Gallery
Camping area
Our tent: If you choose to stay in our tent, we will provide you with an air mattress, sheet, pillow, and blanket. The tent has enough space for your luggage and belongings.
Camping with your own tent: If you are camping in your own tent, please bring your own mat, sleeping bag, sheets, and other items you’ll need). Some campsites are rustic; some are on uneven ground. Camping is possible only during warmer weather from late spring to early fall (mid-March to early November).
There are three bathrooms and three toilets on site, available to campers.
Caravans: No Word Zen has limited power outlets, so please get in touch with us if you’ll need electricity.
Arrival without reservation: We cannot accept guests who arrive without a reservation and cannot accept guests who wish to stay overnight outside of the retreat days. Thank you for your understanding.
Camping with your own tent: If you are camping in your own tent, please bring your own mat, sleeping bag, sheets, and other items you’ll need). Some campsites are rustic; some are on uneven ground. Camping is possible only during warmer weather from late spring to early fall (mid-March to early November).
There are three bathrooms and three toilets on site, available to campers.
Caravans: No Word Zen has limited power outlets, so please get in touch with us if you’ll need electricity.
Arrival without reservation: We cannot accept guests who arrive without a reservation and cannot accept guests who wish to stay overnight outside of the retreat days. Thank you for your understanding.
Meal
During your stay here, you will receive healthy, balanced vegetarian meals. We use organic and locally sourced ingredients as much as possible.
We serve all meals buffet-style.
Breakfast includes fruit, muesli, porridge, bread, and spreads.
At noon, we serve soup, salad, and bread.
The evening meal includes salad, steamed vegetables, a main course, and dessert.
Note: Please do not bring meat or fish into the center.
Dietary Needs
For those who have specific dietary requirements, please email us. The kitchen will provide a simple alternative of steamed vegetables, protein, and a carbohydrate. Please bring your own supplements, if needed.
Drinks
Hot drinks such as tea and coffee are available all day.
Note: Please do not bring alcoholic beverages into the No Word Zen center
We serve all meals buffet-style.
Breakfast includes fruit, muesli, porridge, bread, and spreads.
At noon, we serve soup, salad, and bread.
The evening meal includes salad, steamed vegetables, a main course, and dessert.
Note: Please do not bring meat or fish into the center.
Dietary Needs
For those who have specific dietary requirements, please email us. The kitchen will provide a simple alternative of steamed vegetables, protein, and a carbohydrate. Please bring your own supplements, if needed.
Drinks
Hot drinks such as tea and coffee are available all day.
Note: Please do not bring alcoholic beverages into the No Word Zen center
Health
Please let us know any medications you are taking related to food allergies. Please let us know if you have any chronic physical or long-term mental illness. Ask your healthcare provider if you are physically and mentally fit to participate in the retreat.
Please note that we cannot provide any professional care. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding this matter.
Please note that we cannot provide any professional care. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding this matter.
What to bring to No Word Zen?
In summer, we suggest you bring insect repellent, as there are mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. During your stay at No Word Zen check yourself regularly for ticks, especially after being outside in heavily wooded or grassy areas. Bring your tick remover.
Towels & toiletries.
Bed sheets & blankets, duvet covers (or sleeping bags)
Alarm clock
Waterproof shoes & slippers
Umbrella or raincoat
Laundry soap – We wash clothes primarily by hand, as we don't have an industrial washing machine. Bring clothes that are simple and easy to wash.In summer and season, you should bring insect repellent (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas). During your stay at No Word Zen you should check yourself for ticks, especially if you have been outside in heavily wooded and grassy areas. You should also bring your tick remover.
Towels & toiletries.
Bed sheets, duvet covers (or sleeping bags)
Alarm clock
Waterproof shoes & slippers
Umbrella or raincoat
Laundry soap - wash clothes primarily by hand as we don't have an industrial washing machine. Preferably clothes that are simple and easy to wash.
Towels & toiletries.
Bed sheets & blankets, duvet covers (or sleeping bags)
Alarm clock
Waterproof shoes & slippers
Umbrella or raincoat
Laundry soap – We wash clothes primarily by hand, as we don't have an industrial washing machine. Bring clothes that are simple and easy to wash.In summer and season, you should bring insect repellent (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas). During your stay at No Word Zen you should check yourself for ticks, especially if you have been outside in heavily wooded and grassy areas. You should also bring your tick remover.
Towels & toiletries.
Bed sheets, duvet covers (or sleeping bags)
Alarm clock
Waterproof shoes & slippers
Umbrella or raincoat
Laundry soap - wash clothes primarily by hand as we don't have an industrial washing machine. Preferably clothes that are simple and easy to wash.
What to wear during the retreat at No Word Zen?
No Word Zen is a meditation practice center that is a melting pot of many different cultures. To respect and support our differences, please wear only clothing that covers your shoulders, chest, back, arms (to elbows), and knee-length skirts. Please do not wear shorts, tank tops, or short skirts. If your clothes are too revealing, you may be asked to change before entering the meditation hall.
During the retreat, we usually organize a tea meditation and some traditional ceremonies, so you can bring beautiful formal clothes for these occasions.
During the retreat, we usually organize a tea meditation and some traditional ceremonies, so you can bring beautiful formal clothes for these occasions.
Dana
Dana (generosity), or dana paramita, is a practice to reach the shore of freedom and happiness. Dana is a Buddhist practice to allow the teacher to continue his important work. Please give 15-50% of the registration fee as dana. Every contribution is an immense support for the teacher. A part of your dana contributions will be used to help those with low income to be able to come to the retreat.
Arrival and Departure to No Word Zen
No Word Zen is 227 miles south of Paris and 38 miles north of Limoges.
By plane
The nearest airport, Limoges – Bellegarde Airport, is 30 miles from No Word Zen, and it takes us 43 minutes to travel along National Route N147 road. A variety of means of transportation are available upon arrival at Limoges – Bellegarde Airport, including car rental. Or you can take the train from Benédictins Gare to Bellac station. To travel by taxi from Limoges – Bellegarde Airport to train station, the fare (‘Allo Artisans Taxis’) is €22 on weekdays or €30 Sundays.
You can also take a taxi from the airport to No Word Zen. The fare is about €100. Check the price with the driver before getting into the cab.
Allo Artisans Limoges Taxis AALT +33 5 55 38 38 38
Taxi Minute +33 899 65 82 94
By plane
The nearest airport, Limoges – Bellegarde Airport, is 30 miles from No Word Zen, and it takes us 43 minutes to travel along National Route N147 road. A variety of means of transportation are available upon arrival at Limoges – Bellegarde Airport, including car rental. Or you can take the train from Benédictins Gare to Bellac station. To travel by taxi from Limoges – Bellegarde Airport to train station, the fare (‘Allo Artisans Taxis’) is €22 on weekdays or €30 Sundays.
You can also take a taxi from the airport to No Word Zen. The fare is about €100. Check the price with the driver before getting into the cab.
Allo Artisans Limoges Taxis AALT +33 5 55 38 38 38
Taxi Minute +33 899 65 82 94
By train
The nearest train station to No Word Zen is Bellac, which is 10 miles from our center and takes about 18 minutes by car to get here from the train station.
Limoges train station is 3 hours from Paris by TGV high-speed rail. From Limoges, you can take a local train to Bellac station. We offer a one-way pickup service at 1:30 pm at Bellac train station on arrival day and 1:00 pm after lunch on departure day.
Note: If you arrive in Bellac outside of our pickup hours, you can take a taxi to No Word Zen. The fare is around €40.
To buy your train ticket, you can visit:
Limoges train station is 3 hours from Paris by TGV high-speed rail. From Limoges, you can take a local train to Bellac station. We offer a one-way pickup service at 1:30 pm at Bellac train station on arrival day and 1:00 pm after lunch on departure day.
Note: If you arrive in Bellac outside of our pickup hours, you can take a taxi to No Word Zen. The fare is around €40.
To buy your train ticket, you can visit:
By car
No Word Zen is located south of the center of Paris (227 miles, 3 hours 45 minutes) via the A10, A71 and A20 motorways. On this road, you have to pay a road tax of €37.
Note: We encourage you to ride together to protect the environment and reduce costs. Our parking is limited.
Note: We encourage you to ride together to protect the environment and reduce costs. Our parking is limited.
