True Ocean of Grace
Joe Reilly (he, him) is a singer, songwriter, social worker, and Dharma teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Joe was ordained into the Order of Interbeing by Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village Community in 2011, receiving the Dharma name True Ocean of Grace. In 2021 Joe received transmission of the Lamp at the Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, California, becoming an ordained Dharma teacher.
Joe was raised Catholic and currently studies and practices progressive Catholicism, Native American spirituality, and engaged Buddhism. Joe has been a student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh since 2004 and is often found singing and writing songs on spiritual retreats. He currently lives in Waawiyatanong/Detroit, where he co-leads the Building Beloved Community Sangha. He is of Cherokee, Choctaw, Italian, and Irish descent and identifies as Native American.
Joe is part of the teaching community at the Lotus Institute along with his Dharma mentors Dr. Larry Ward, Dr. Peggy Rowe Ward, and Kaira Jewel Lingo. Joe is also mentored by Barbara Newell.
Dharma Teaching Events
September 17th-20th, 2026
Camp Skyline
Almont, Michigan
We will enjoy a weekend of sitting and walking meditation, practice songs and chanting, noble silence, mindful meals, movement and other activities.
There will be an opportunity to receive the 5 Mindfulness Trainings. We will offer optional BIPOC, Young Persons and LGBTQ+ affinity groups during Dharma sharing.
We will enjoy the wisdom and musicality of ordained Dharma Teacher Joe Reilly; Joe has been a student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh since 2004 and is often found singing and writing songs on spiritual retreats. He currently lives in Detroit, where he co-leads the Building Beloved Community Sangha. He is of Cherokee, Choctaw, Italian, and Irish descent and identifies as Native American.
Camp Skyline offers acres of serene woods, walking trails, a labyrinth and beautiful views. Lodging options include bunk beds in shared rooms and camping.
Food for Thursday and Friday will be stone soup – with everyone encouraged to bring a vegan soup ingredient for the making of true collective meals. Food for Saturday and Sunday will be potluck, with everyone encouraged to bring a vegetarian contribution for either one dinner, one breakfast or something for the snack table.
Please see Retreat Details for more information.
Sharing the Dharma
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Joe travels the world sharing meditation and mindfulness practices in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, with his own musical expression of course! Email Joe for rates and availability.
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Joe serves as a mentor for people looking to start or stregnthen their meditation practice, and for practitioners in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh who are aspiring to receive the 14 Mindfulness Trainings. Email Joe for rates and availability.
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Read more about the Building Beloved Community Sangha.
Email Joe if you would like to join our email list and receive regular updates of opportunities to practice in community.
