In the Plum Village tradition inspired by Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh, a Dharmacharya (or Dharma Teacher) is a qualified practitioner who has received the Dharma Lamp Transmission, a formal passing of the mindfulness light that fosters continuity of the teachings. It’s not only a title, but a living embodiment of mindful presence, ethical clarity, compassionate empathy, and skillful sharing in the world.
Dharmacharyas are typically experienced practitioners within the Order of Interbeing, nominated by their sangha and recognized for decades of engaged practice. Their path reflects deep dedication, not just to personal insight, but to supporting others’ awakening through word, example, and service.
Meet Terry Cortés‑Vega (Video Below)
Check out this video to hear Terry’s deeply human and inspiring journey into service and dharma teaching. Her embodiment of mindfulness and love invites us all to pause, deeply breathe, reconnect, and awaken.
I’m sharing this because I love Terry and this video interview really shows some of what I love about her, but also because this video series shares things I didn’t know about her and her journey. I love learning more, and I hope you will find it interesting, entertaining, and maybe even a bit enlightening. I know I learned a lot.
Watch now to explore Terry’s journey, earlier training with Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh, and how she embodies the light of dharma through heart and service.
1. Understanding the Role of Dharmacharya
- Dharma Lamp Transmission: a ceremony where a teacher passes on the light of awakened teachings to ensure the lineage continues.
- Order of Interbeing: a community of practitioners committed to mindfulness, right action, and engaged living.
- Embodiment of practice: Dyarmacharyas live their insights… teaching through how they speak, serve, choose, and breathe.
2. Terry’s Dharma Story
Terry Cortés‑Vega, a resident Dharmacharya of Plum Blossom Sangha in Austin, Texas, embarked on her mindfulness path in 1998 under the guidance of Thích Nhất Hạnh. By 2012 she received ordination as a Dharma Teacher in his Order of Interbeing.
What makes Terry exceptional:
- Over three decades of teaching mindfulness and Buddhism in jails and prisons across the U.S.. This is a true inspiration for me, and something I’ve thought about volunteering to do.
- 40+ years directing a summer program for gifted youth, rooted in public education excellence and compassion.
- Her speaking style is widely praised as “insightful, heartfelt and creative,” with transformation made accessible through humor, simplicity, and grounding clarity.
3. Terry in Action: Teaching the Dharma
Though full transcripts are not publicly available for the shared video, Terry’s talks, which include themes like ““Working with Our Suffering,” “Deep Relaxation,” and “Why We Meditate”, offer consistent depth and personal warmth.
From her community resources, we know she invites practitioners into transformative practices such as:
“How do you fail at being a Buddha? Not believing you are a Bhudda.”
– a quote from the video above
She embodies Bodhisattva teachings of understanding, compassion, and engaged action, inviting us all to become carriers of healing and presence in everyday life.
4. Why Terry Matters as a Teacher
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Her decades-long service bridges mindfulness with social justice and education.
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She practices and teaches across cultural borders—serving diverse communities with humility and depth.
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She models a grounded, heartfelt way of life: rooted in service, creativity, and interbeing.
Closing Invitation
Want to know how you can connect further:
Browse the Plum Blossom Sangha site to find audio and text talks by Terry
Join local or online sangha practice sessions. Here is the info for the Zoom virtual meeting.
Attend days of mindfulness and retreats she leads. The retreats are pretty amazing in my mind and experience. I highly recommend them.
Bring her teachings into life through daily breath practice and community support
Check out her book – Buddhism For Healing
