Mindfulness and meditation have been integral elements of Vietnamese culture for centuries, with Buddhism playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s spiritual and social landscape.

Buddhism arrived in Vietnam in the 2^nd century AD, with Mahayana Buddhism’s emphasis on meditation and mindfulness practices deeply influencing the Vietnamese mindset.

Buddhism in Vietnam

As of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, it was estimated that around 10-20% of the Vietnamese population identified as Buddhists. Buddhism in Vietnam, much like other East Asian countries, leans towards the Mahayana school of thought, which encourages self-reflection and meditation as means to attain enlightenment.

The two primary Buddhist traditions in Vietnam are the Pure Land tradition and the Zen (Thien) tradition. Both place considerable emphasis on mindfulness and meditation, albeit in different ways.

The Influence of Thich Nhat Hanh

The renowned Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, a native of Vietnam, is a key figure in global mindfulness and meditation practice. He played a major role in promoting “Engaged Buddhism,” a movement emphasizing social responsibility and active compassion, not just in monastic life but also in daily life.

Hanh coined the term “mindfulness” as it’s understood today and developed various mindfulness techniques. His teachings have had a significant impact both internationally and within Vietnam, promoting mindfulness as a method for individuals to live more fulfilling lives and to cultivate peace, both within and in the world around them.

Mindfulness in Vietnamese Education

Recently, mindfulness and meditation have been increasingly recognized for their psychological and cognitive benefits. In Vietnam, the significance of mindfulness has been recognized in educational settings. In 2019, the Vietnamese government launched a program called “Happy Schools,” aiming to integrate mindfulness into education to foster emotional well-being among students. Mindfulness exercises were introduced in school curriculums, helping children cope with stress and develop emotional resilience.

Meditation Practices: Làng Mai and Others

Làng Mai, or Plum Village, founded by Thich Nhat Hanh in France, is a hub for mindfulness practices. It draws on the principles of Zen Buddhism and emphasizes mindful living. The village conducts retreats and mindfulness training sessions for thousands of people each year.

Back in Vietnam, meditation retreats are common in pagodas and temples across the country, from the Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi to the Linh Phuoc Pagoda in Da Lat. Many Vietnamese, whether practicing Buddhists or not, attend these retreats to find inner peace and solace.

Mindfulness and Vietnamese Life

Mindfulness is not confined to formal practices; it is deeply embedded in Vietnamese daily life. From early morning exercises in parks to the slow and deliberate preparation of traditional Vietnamese meals, mindfulness permeates many aspects of Vietnamese culture.

This deep-seated mindfulness provides a buffer against the modern world’s frenetic pace and aids in maintaining mental balance and inner peace. The Vietnamese tea ceremony, known as Trà, is an excellent example. The slow, thoughtful process of brewing and drinking tea encourages presence in the moment, symbolizing the importance of appreciating simplicity in life.