Dear Spiritual Family,
With great regret, we announce that our dear Dutch sister, Sister Lan Nghiem, passed away peacefully at the age of sixty-nine at 7:15 a.m. on December 1, 2020 at Lower Hamlet, Plum Village, France. It was the night of the full moon, and she passed away just as the Sangha finished reciting the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings in the Assembly of Stars Meditation Hall.
In the middle of 2020,
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Dear Spiritual Family,
With great regret, we announce that our dear Dutch sister, Sister Lan Nghiem, passed away peacefully at the age of sixty-nine at 7:15 a.m. on December 1, 2020 at Lower Hamlet, Plum Village, France. It was the night of the full moon, and she passed away just as the Sangha finished reciting the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings in the Assembly of Stars Meditation Hall.
In the middle of 2020, Sister Lan Nghiem was diagnosed with advanced cancer and in recent months declined rapidly in health, despite treatment. She has been lovingly attended to by three sisters who took turns to care for her twenty-four hours a day. She passed away surrounded by the sisters who love her, and her bedroom has been a room of songs, peaceful silence, and much love.
Sister Lan Nghiem was born in 1951, ordained as a novice in 2003, received the Bhikshuni Precepts in 2006, and received the Lamp Transmission in 2012. She belongs to the ninth generation of the Lieu Quan Dharma Line and the second generation of the Plum Village School. She was also affectionately known as Sister Orchid or Soeur Orchidée to the French (the meaning of ‘Lan’ in her name).
Sister Lan Nghiem stayed with us for seventeen years. During this time, she lived, served, loved, and cared for the Sangha wholeheartedly in whatever responsibility she held. She had an adventurous spirit and liked to take long walks in nature, exploring and deeply appreciating the beauties of Mother Earth. She was also a good friend of many of our neighbours. She lived a simple life. On many mornings, the sisters knew she could be found sitting outside the monastic residence, drinking a cup of coffee and savouring every moment.
Sister Lan Nghiem was also very organized and practical. During retreats, she offered her wholehearted presence as a loving facilitator of her Dharma sharing family. She was also very happy to offer teachings to lay friends especially during teaching tours in Holland and South America, benefiting many people. She came home with many adventures and stories to share with her sisters!
While you do sitting meditation, chanting, or invoking the Buddhas and bodhisattvas’ names, please send peaceful, harmonious, and compassionate energy to her so she can go freely and manifest again in a joyful, peaceful, and beautiful form.
In gratitude, The Monks and Nuns of Plum Village
