House of Mindfulness
About House of Mindfulness
House of Mindfulness (HOM) is a meditation center run by Zen and mindfulness practitioners Susanto Ciang and Sri Astuti. It follows the Plum Village tradition in accordance with the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
House of Mindfulness
HOM was established in 2018 and is located on the banks of the Landak River in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra. Set along the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park rainforest, its lush, remote setting—far from the distractions of urban life—makes it a uniquely peaceful place, ideal for meditation practice.
A Place for Practice
House of Mindfulness exists as a space for practicing awareness in daily life. Rooted in the Plum Village tradition, the emphasis is on simple, direct practices—such as mindful breathing, walking, eating, and resting—that can be integrated into everyday living.
It is not a monastery, and there is no single way of being here. At times, the center hosts structured retreats; at other times, the rhythm is quieter and more open. Within this, there is space both for guided practice and for individual experience.
Living with Simplicity
Life at the center follows a simple and grounded rhythm. The facilities are modest, and the environment encourages a way of living that is close to nature and free from unnecessary complexity.
Rather than adding more activity, the space invites a slowing down. Daily life—whether sitting, walking, eating, or resting—becomes part of the practice. In this simplicity, there is room to observe, to listen, and to reconnect with what is present.
Openness and Community
House of Mindfulness welcomes people from all backgrounds, beliefs, and levels of experience. Some come to learn or deepen meditation practice, while others come simply to spend time in a tranquil, natural setting.
The space remains open and flexible, allowing each person to engage in their own way. At the same time, there is a shared environment shaped by mindfulness, mutual respect, and a sense of community.
The Environment
The center is situated in a remote jungle setting, on the border of Gunung Leuser National Park. Surrounded by forest and located along the Landak River, the natural environment is an integral part of the experience.
Reaching the center involves about a half-hour walk through the landscape, already marking a transition away from the pace and structure of village life. The sounds of the forest, the movement of the river, and the absence of urban noise create a quiet and steady atmosphere.
The Story of Susanto and Sri
Susanto Ciang and Sri Astuti are devoted Zen Buddhist practitioners in the Plum Village tradition of the Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Once rooted in a fulfilling family life and a successful business in Medan, their encounter with mindfulness in 2015 gradually reshaped the way they lived, bringing a steady clarity and depth to their everyday lives. Through this deepening practice, they began to sense a quieter calling—an understanding that something more essential was unfolding beneath the surface of ordinary life.
In 2018, they chose a simpler path—leaving behind their former life to establish House of Mindfulness in Bukit Lawang. There, they live and share their practice with sincerity and care, guiding others through a presence that is grounded and quietly inspiring, while continuing their own lifelong journey.
