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Important Pre-Booking Information
No Word Zen –
International Practice Center in France
International Practice Center in France
It doesn't take us long to find a place of peace in a noisy society like today. Leaving behind the luxuries of the city of lights (Paris), with a more than 3-hour drive, you will find tranquility at our No Word Zen in the south of France.
We are proud to share our center's peaceful and fresh beauty with a stunning vision. Nowordzen at the end of town Magnac laval - Haute-Vienne. This town has a quiet and peaceful history through the centuries. The advantage of Nowordzen is that it is on a hill, so it has a beautiful distance view. You can watch the sunrise
early morning and enjoy the sunset every late afternoon. Late at night, you will be breathing with twinkling stars. You will also enjoy the sound of insects every time the sun goes down, and the chirping of birds greets you in the early morning. If you come in spring, you will see colorful wildflowers; it makes you love nature and life even more.
All this makes Haute-Vienne an ideal attraction for those looking for tranquility and green travel. This place is also suitable for sports lovers who can quickly access the high mountains and deep forests. Or you can also ride horses and cycle around the villages and towns. You can also boat and fish on this area's romantic rivers or visit the historical sites recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage.
You come to No Word Zen to attend a retreat and enjoy a simple and peaceful life as a monk. You will learn to see life more deeply and differently. The energy of meditation will nourish wisdom so that you can transform your difficulties into happiness when you return home.
At No Word Zen, we learn to weave meditation and interdependence wisdom into our daily activities. We practice simple lessons to find meaning in each moment. We practice meditation throughout the retreat with direct guidance from Zen teacher Cuong Lu.
Zen teacher Cuong Lu is the Dharma because he embodies the Formless Dharma transmitted from teacher to teacher in the past 25 centuries. Practicing with Cuong Lu is simultaneously receiving the wordless transmission from this living teacher. Please go to Gallery
We are proud to share our center's peaceful and fresh beauty with a stunning vision. Nowordzen at the end of town Magnac laval - Haute-Vienne. This town has a quiet and peaceful history through the centuries. The advantage of Nowordzen is that it is on a hill, so it has a beautiful distance view. You can watch the sunrise
early morning and enjoy the sunset every late afternoon. Late at night, you will be breathing with twinkling stars. You will also enjoy the sound of insects every time the sun goes down, and the chirping of birds greets you in the early morning. If you come in spring, you will see colorful wildflowers; it makes you love nature and life even more.
All this makes Haute-Vienne an ideal attraction for those looking for tranquility and green travel. This place is also suitable for sports lovers who can quickly access the high mountains and deep forests. Or you can also ride horses and cycle around the villages and towns. You can also boat and fish on this area's romantic rivers or visit the historical sites recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage.
You come to No Word Zen to attend a retreat and enjoy a simple and peaceful life as a monk. You will learn to see life more deeply and differently. The energy of meditation will nourish wisdom so that you can transform your difficulties into happiness when you return home.
At No Word Zen, we learn to weave meditation and interdependence wisdom into our daily activities. We practice simple lessons to find meaning in each moment. We practice meditation throughout the retreat with direct guidance from Zen teacher Cuong Lu.
Zen teacher Cuong Lu is the Dharma because he embodies the Formless Dharma transmitted from teacher to teacher in the past 25 centuries. Practicing with Cuong Lu is simultaneously receiving the wordless transmission from this living teacher. Please go to Gallery
Daily Program at No Word Zen
On the first day, you arrive, and we welcome you. Then there's every opportunity to relax, get to know other people, or start a conversation with 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 lecture will be at 8:00 pm.
Every day we practice sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful eating, and working together as a community. There is always a "noble silence" period from the last evening activity until the next day's breakfast. One day of the week is a lazy day with no formal training schedule.
Everyone who comes to No Word Zen participates in all meditation practices, such as sitting meditation, walking meditation, and community work, such as arranging meditation halls, cleaning bathrooms, and mowing lawns as part of their daily meditation.
We facilitate community practice so we can support each other, benefit from our collective energy, and learn to live in harmony with each other. We ask everyone to contribute to the collective energy of the practice by participating in all scheduled activities throughout the retreat.
During our retreats, we ask you to take a distance from your smartphone. You only use it when it is urgent. You will enjoy being free from your smartphone, and therefore, you have much more conditions to discover the wonders of life.
Four weeks before your arrival, we provide a complete schedule guide for you to plan your best retreat.
Every day we practice sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful eating, and working together as a community. There is always a "noble silence" period from the last evening activity until the next day's breakfast. One day of the week is a lazy day with no formal training schedule.
Everyone who comes to No Word Zen participates in all meditation practices, such as sitting meditation, walking meditation, and community work, such as arranging meditation halls, cleaning bathrooms, and mowing lawns as part of their daily meditation.
We facilitate community practice so we can support each other, benefit from our collective energy, and learn to live in harmony with each other. We ask everyone to contribute to the collective energy of the practice by participating in all scheduled activities throughout the retreat.
During our retreats, we ask you to take a distance from your smartphone. You only use it when it is urgent. You will enjoy being free from your smartphone, and therefore, you have much more conditions to discover the wonders of life.
Four weeks before your arrival, we provide a complete schedule guide for you to plan your best retreat.
Here is a typical day at No Word Zen:
5:30 am: Wake up bells
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
4:00 pm: Working mediation
6:00 pm: Dinner in silence
8:00pm: 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
4:00 pm: Working mediation
6:00 pm: Dinner in silence
8:00pm: Sitting meditation
9:30 pm: Noble Silence
Sangha Building
No Word Zen Sangha is a global connection where we share the same body, wisdom, and love. Each Sangha knows well what they are contributing to today's society and sends it to those we love by inspiring wisdom and compassion.
We need to build the future. We want to have a green planet and peaceful earth. For the happiness of humanity, we create the future with faith and wisdom. We are striving to tell the world what is essential to our future.
We need to build the future. We want to have a green planet and peaceful earth. For the happiness of humanity, we create the future with faith and wisdom. We are striving to tell the world what is essential to our future.
Room
We provide double rooms (2 people /1 space).
Most of our beds are single, and our double bed is for couples.
Each floor in the main house uses two toilets and two bathrooms; we have seven toilets and seven bathrooms.
Living areas, bathrooms, and toilets are shared.
In the room, we provide bedding (blanket, pillow, mattress.) Please go to Gallery
Most of our beds are single, and our double bed is for couples.
Each floor in the main house uses two toilets and two bathrooms; we have seven toilets and seven bathrooms.
Living areas, bathrooms, and toilets are shared.
In the room, we provide bedding (blanket, pillow, mattress.) 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 also has enough space for your luggage and belongings.
Camping with your tent: If you are camping in your own tent, please bring your own things (air mattress, sleeping bag, sheets, and other items). Some camping areas in the center are rustic, sometimes on uneven ground. Camping occurs only during warm weather from late spring to early fall (mid-March to early November).
Three bathrooms and three toilets on site are available to campers.
Caravans: No Word Zen has limited power outlets, so please
get in touch with us before you need to plug in.
Arrival without reservation: Please note that 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 support and understanding.
Camping with your tent: If you are camping in your own tent, please bring your own things (air mattress, sleeping bag, sheets, and other items). Some camping areas in the center are rustic, sometimes on uneven ground. Camping occurs only during warm weather from late spring to early fall (mid-March to early November).
Three bathrooms and three toilets on site are available to campers.
Caravans: No Word Zen has limited power outlets, so please
get in touch with us before you need to plug in.
Arrival without reservation: Please note that 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 support and understanding.
Meal
During your stay here, you will receive balanced and healthy vegetarian meals. We use organic and locally sourced ingredients as much as possible.
We will serve our meals as a buffet.
Breakfast includes fruit, muesli, porridge, bread, and spreads.
At noon you will receive salad, soup, bread, etc.
Our food will include salad, steamed vegetables, main courses, and dessert in the evenings.
Note: please do not bring meat or fish food into the center.
Dieters
For those with specific dietary requirements, please email us. The kitchen will provide a simple alternative to steamed vegetables, protein, and a carbohydrate. Please bring your supplements if needed.
Drinks
Hot drinks such as tea and coffee will be available all day.
Note: please do not bring alcoholic beverages into the Nowordzen center.
We will serve our meals as a buffet.
Breakfast includes fruit, muesli, porridge, bread, and spreads.
At noon you will receive salad, soup, bread, etc.
Our food will include salad, steamed vegetables, main courses, and dessert in the evenings.
Note: please do not bring meat or fish food into the center.
Dieters
For those with specific dietary requirements, please email us. The kitchen will provide a simple alternative to steamed vegetables, protein, and a carbohydrate. Please bring your supplements if needed.
Drinks
Hot drinks such as tea and coffee will be available all day.
Note: please do not bring alcoholic beverages into the Nowordzen 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 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, 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, short skirts, etc. If your clothes are too revealing, you may not be able to enter the meditation halls. These are sacred spaces.
During the retreat, we usually organize a tea meditation and traditional ceremony so you can bring one or two beautiful formal clothes for these ceremonies.
During the retreat, we usually organize a tea meditation and traditional ceremony so you can bring one or two beautiful formal clothes for these ceremonies.
Dana
Dana is an abbreviation of the term “dana paramita.” It means giving is a practice to reach the shore of freedom and happiness. It is one of the six paramita practices in the Mahayana tradition. A teacher transmits to us the living Dharma from his live practice and helps us to get in touch with our most profound wisdom and compassion.
Dana is our practice to offer money as a condition for the teacher to continue his work. You can give 50% - 15% of the fee as dana, and every contribution you give is immense support for the teacher. A part of the Dana will be used to help those with low income to be able to come to the Dharma. Because a low income should not be an obstacle to receive the teaching.
Dana is our practice to offer money as a condition for the teacher to continue his work. You can give 50% - 15% of the fee as dana, and every contribution you give is immense support for the teacher. A part of the Dana will be used to help those with low income to be able to come to the Dharma. Because a low income should not be an obstacle to receive the teaching.
Arrival and Departure No Word Zen
No Word Zen is located 227 miles south of Paris and 38 miles north of Limoges. There are different ways to get to No Word Zen.
Traveling by plane
The nearest airport, Limoges – Bellegarde Airport, is 30 miles from No Word Zen, and it takes us 43 minutes to travel along the N147 road. Various means of transportation are available upon arrival at Limoges – Bellegarde Airport, including car rental.
Or you can transfer the train from Benédictins gare station to Bellac station. To move from
Limoges – Bellegarde Airport taxi fare (‘Allo Artisans Taxis’) is €22 on weekdays or €30 Sundays.
You can also take a taxi to No Word Zen; the taxi fee is about €100. You should check the price with the driver before getting in the cab.
Allo Artisans Limoges Taxis AALT +33 5 55 38 38 38
Taxi Minute +33 899 65 82 94
Traveling by plane
The nearest airport, Limoges – Bellegarde Airport, is 30 miles from No Word Zen, and it takes us 43 minutes to travel along the N147 road. Various means of transportation are available upon arrival at Limoges – Bellegarde Airport, including car rental.
Or you can transfer the train from Benédictins gare station to Bellac station. To move from
Limoges – Bellegarde Airport taxi fare (‘Allo Artisans Taxis’) is €22 on weekdays or €30 Sundays.
You can also take a taxi to No Word Zen; the taxi fee is about €100. You should check the price with the driver before getting in the cab.
Allo Artisans Limoges Taxis AALT +33 5 55 38 38 38
Taxi Minute +33 899 65 82 94
Traveling by train
The nearest train station - Bellac to No Word Zen is 10 miles and takes about 18 minutes.
Limoges Station is 3 hours from Paris by TGV high-speed rail. From Limoges, we can take a 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 outside our pickup hours, you can take a taxi to No Word Zen and pay for it yourself. The taxi fee is around €40.
To buy your train ticket, you can visit:
Limoges Station is 3 hours from Paris by TGV high-speed rail. From Limoges, we can take a 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 outside our pickup hours, you can take a taxi to No Word Zen and pay for it yourself. The taxi fee is around €40.
To buy your train ticket, you can visit:
Traveling 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.
