About Paper Lantern

Paper Lantern Corp. is a 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to providing Engaged Zen Buddhist Practice to urban residents.

Mountain goat standing on a rocky cliff overlooking green mountain landscape

Our Mission

Provide direct, daily access to Engaged Zen Buddhist Practice for persons living in urban environments, and to find ways to adapt Plum Village practices, taking into account the unique nature of urban environments and circumstances.

Tall bamboo forest with sunlight shining through trees

Our Values

Our values are expressed in the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings, summarized as: Openness; Non-Attachment to Views; Freedom of Thought; Awareness of Suffering; Compassionate, Healthy Living; Taking Care of Anger; Dwelling Happily in the Present Moment; True Community and Communication; Truthful and Loving Speech; Protecting and Nourishing the Sangha; Right Livelihood; Reverence for Life; Generosity; and True Love.

“[I]t is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.”

- Carl Sagan

“The next Buddha may take the form of a community, a community practicing understanding and lovingkindness, a community practicing mindful living. And the practice can be carried out as a group, as a city, as a nation.”

- Thich Nhat Hanh