Union Theological Seminary is honored to co-host a historic event celebrating the life and legacy of Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh, in partnership with monastics from Blue Cliff and Deer Park Monasteries. On Friday, April 11, the City of New York will officially co-name West 109th Street between Riverside and Broadway as “Thích Nhất Hạnh Way”—commemorating Thầy’s time living at 306 W. 109th Street while studying and teaching at Union and Columbia in the 1960s.
We warmly invite the Union community and the wider public to join us for a day of mindfulness, reflection, and celebration. The co-naming ceremony will feature remarks from City Council Member Shaun Abreu, Plum Village monastics, and local leaders. Following the unveiling, a walking meditation will lead participants from the ceremony site to Union's campus for a reception, book & calligraphy exhibition, chanting, and readings in James Chapel and the Burke Library.
Schedule Highlights:
🕚 11:00 AM – Monastics arrive at 109th & Broadway
🕦 11:30 AM – Co-Naming Ceremony & Street Sign Unveiling
🕛 12:00 PM – Walking Meditation to Union
🕐 1:00 PM – Reception, Exhibition & Program at UTS
🕓 4:00 PM – Event concludes
⚠️ Reception registration is currently full. To join the waitlist, click here. The Burke Library exhibition is open to the public, and no RSVP is needed to attend the Co-Naming Ceremony on the street.
🎥 The program in James Chapel will be live-streamed via the Union YouTube channel, so you can still join in spirit if unable to attend in person.
This meaningful day honors Thầy’s profound impact as a global spiritual leader, poet, peace activist, and founder of the Plum Village tradition. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate his legacy and the unveiling of Thích Nhất Hạnh Way.
Learn more about the Thích Nhất Hạnh Program for Engaged Buddhism at Union here.