The Spiritual Path
Growing up in a traditional Vietnamese family, I grappled with profound questions about the meaning of life, my purpose, and the possibility of a different existence, all while seeking to escape a turbulent childhood These inquiries ultimately guided me to embrace the Catholic faith during middle school, where the church became a sanctuary from my troubled home It nurtured my hopes, provided a listening ear for my stories, and inspired me to explore the mystic world Reflecting on my journey, I realize that the church offered me a reliable worldview and a sense of meaning in my life.
Upon moving to the city for college, I felt a growing sense of alienation from the church The church services in my new neighborhood felt more like a cold ritual among strangers, lacking any genuine human connection.
5 This seems to be a lifelong question I'm still asking this question now
My childhood experiences significantly shaped my worldview, despite not being particularly happy Over time, I've found that my turbulent upbringing served as a blessing in disguise, motivating me to critically reflect on myself and those around me.
I remember entering the church with shyness, pretending to be a Catholic Over the weeks, I built the courage to speak with the priest and began attending Sunday services regularly, often visiting him after school I also joined the parish youth group that met weekly However, I was never baptized, as my parents worried that my Catholic faith would conflict with our ancestral worship Despite the changes brought by Vatican Council II, many Vietnamese Catholics still refrained from honoring their ancestors, a responsibility I was expected to uphold as the youngest son.
Feeling a loss of belonging led me to stop attending church on Sundays, which plunged me back into an existential crisis as the unanswered questions from my childhood resurfaced.
During the summer of my freshman year in college, I discovered a transformative book titled "Connecting with Life" (Tiếp Xúc Với Sự Sống) by Thích Nhất Hạnh This enlightening work served as a refreshing breeze in my life, profoundly impacting my perspective and approach to everyday experiences.
This new perspective on Buddhism emphasizes the beauty of ordinary life rather than focusing on concepts like cause and effect or rebirth It invites appreciation for the simple wonders around us—such as rain, flowers, and everyday interactions—allowing individuals to see themselves as part of a vibrant world filled with both human and non-human beings This approach fosters a connection to the tangible reality we experience daily, making Buddhism more relatable and accessible.
The poignant tale in the book describes a river that eagerly chases clouds on its journey to the sea, only to discover that it had always contained the clouds within itself This narrative offers a profound and poetic interpretation of mindfulness, illustrating the idea that we often seek externally what is already present within us.
A baby river was born atop a mountain and, as it grew, it yearned to journey to the sea Initially flowing slowly, the river soon picked up speed, eager to continue its adventure.
As the river journeyed towards the sea, it formed a joyful bond with vibrant clouds in the sky, whose reflections danced upon the water's surface This delightful companionship brought immense happiness to the river, leading it to believe that it could not thrive without its colorful friends.
After a fierce storm swept away the clouds, the river searched in vain for them and felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness and despair However, after a night of tears, it discovered the beautiful blue sky within itself, realizing that while clouds may constantly change in color and form, the blue sky remains a constant presence This newfound understanding lifted its hopelessness, filling it with a sense of peace and clarity.
The river made a significant discovery: it contained the clouds within itself Initially seeming unrelated, the water in the river and the clouds in the sky were revealed to be interconnected The clouds could transform into rain, nourishing the river, or even end up in a cup of tea Realizing it already held the essence of the clouds, the river found a profound sense of peace, no longer needing to chase after them.
The following day, the colorful clouds appeared again in the sky, reflecting their colorful images on the river The river was so glad to see them,
9 gave each of them a big hug, and when they had to go, the river smiled and said
‘’Have a good day! See you again.’ 8
The story profoundly impacted me, shifting my perspective from chasing after my own ambitions to recognizing the miraculous interconnectedness of the world around me, a concept known as "interbeing," as introduced by Thích Nhất Hạnh and rooted in Buddhist teachings.
My life transformed as I shifted my perspective from one defined by poverty and hopelessness to one filled with appreciation for the miraculous moments around me I often found myself captivated by the beauty of rain falling on the trees, realizing that each drop was a miracle I had overlooked Embracing mindfulness allowed me to enjoy the tropical rain as a refreshing experience rather than a frustration, reconnecting me with simple pleasures I had forgotten While challenges still existed, they no longer overshadowed the artistic and beautiful aspects of life that I began to recognize.
8 Hanh, T N (?) Tiếp Xúc Với Sự Sống (Connecting with Life) See http://thuvienhoasen.org/images/file/FswRwp1G0QgQAExc/tiep-xuc-su-song.pdf
9 The Sutras on Dependant Co-arising and Great Emptiness
Mindfulness practice became essential in my life after discovering a transformative book, making me more attuned to my body, emotions, thoughts, and surroundings Despite occasional doubts, I found joy and solace in the writings of Thích Nhất Hạnh, whose calming voice instilled a sense of peace and hope His teachings reminded me that a fulfilling life is achievable through appreciating the ordinary moments Consequently, my focus shifted from abstract metaphysical inquiries to finding beauty in everyday experiences, such as walking to school, cooking, conversing with friends, and even simple routines.
My Educational Path
At six years old, I began my education in a small, one-room school nestled under a sake tree Thanks to my father's friendship with the teacher, I was allowed to sit in on classes for a year before officially enrolling I cherished my classroom, teacher, classmates, and textbooks, eagerly waking up each morning to recite lessons and complete my homework.
I was interested in the alphabet, the poems, the short reading texts, and the math problems I still remember many short poems now For example:
Quýt nhà ai chín đỏ cây, Hỡi em đi học, hây hây má tròn
Trường em mấy tổ trong thôn, Ríu ra ríu rít, chim non đầu mùa 18
At the end of my first-grade year, I was chosen to compete in a local contest, and shortly after, my mother received the exciting news that I had won an award As a young child, I didn't fully grasp the significance of this achievement, but I could sense the importance of the moment through the way the news was shared.
18 Hỡi em đi học by Tố Hữu
19 understood that it was an achievement This was my first experience with the formal
I did not know what competition meant until the first semester of my third grade One day, I got 9/10 points while my best friend got 10/10 points for a math test 19
I noticed a similar mistake marked on my friend's paper and approached our teacher for an explanation, hoping to have my score improved However, he clarified that our errors were different—a spelling mistake on my friend's paper and a genuine math error on mine I felt embarrassed and disappointed, realizing I was no longer the top student in class This reaction surprised me, as it marked a moment of self-judgment, highlighting a key distinction between Western educational philosophy and Buddhist meditation practices.
The origins of my competitiveness remain unclear, as I ponder whether it stemmed from natural instincts or social conditioning Throughout my educational journey, from grade school to college, competition played a pivotal role, often transforming my school life into a challenging yet motivating experience.
19 Schools in Vietnam use the score scale of 1-10
While the idea of eliminating competition in education may seem appealing, it's important to consider the role of competition in fostering pride and joy, especially when students achieve awards Completely removing competition could hinder children's preparation for adulthood, which inherently involves competitive elements This paradox remains a thought-provoking dilemma for me.
During the summer before fifth grade, I took part in an intensive math course designed to prepare for an important math competition This class consisted of 25 chosen fifth-graders from our school district and was led by a math specialist from the department of education.
During my challenging summer course, I encountered many intelligent students but struggled to form friendships The lessons were far beyond my comprehension, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and lost The instructor's fast-paced teaching style only heightened my anxiety, as I desperately tried to keep up while masking my confusion This experience not only affected my academic performance but also impacted my romantic life.
While this perspective on life is not the only one, it reflects my upbringing and the way I have come to view the world Although it may not be the best approach, at the time of writing, I felt I had no other options.
21 A koan is a very difficult question in Zen Buddhism, intended to help a person to realize something important For example, what is the clapping sound of one hand?
22 This district included one town and 7 surrounding villages It had at least 10 elementary schools at that time
My relationship with schooling became strained, transforming what was once a positive experience into one that felt difficult, cold, and even humiliating Frustration grew as I struggled to improve my math skills, leading to feelings of anger when progress eluded me.
Throughout my school life, I often felt a sense of negativity, particularly when faced with pretentious philosophers who obscured simple ideas with convoluted language This experience left me feeling unintelligent and excluded from the realm of philosophy In those moments, I couldn't help but recall the math specialist from my summer course, whose clarity contrasted sharply with the snobbery I encountered.
I realized that philosophy is an integral part of life, accessible to everyone, not just sophisticated thinkers; even those deemed "uneducated" can engage in philosophical thought, albeit in their own unique language Similarly, I found that math doesn't have to be as tedious and challenging as it was often portrayed in high school.
As twilight settled in, my mom urged me to stop my English exercises and take care of my eyes, reminding me to eat dinner Despite the rain and the warm glow of the kitchen's oil lamp, I was reluctant to set aside my dictionary, captivated by the thrill of discovering new vocabulary Each new word felt like a bountiful harvest, drawing me deeper into my studies.
Over the past six months, the Advanced Learner's Dictionary has significantly enhanced my English vocabulary and grammar skills This experience has ignited a newfound passion and confidence in my academic journey, allowing me to recognize the substantial progress I've made and affirming that I am on the right track.
My English teacher shared an inspiring story about a former student, Th., who graduated two years ago and recently won a scholarship to study abroad He highlighted Th.'s remarkable journey of improving his English skills at our school, culminating in a national contest award during his senior year, which ultimately led to this scholarship opportunity Th.'s success is a testament to the talent nurtured at our school, showcasing that many students possess the potential to achieve great things.
My high school education was rooted in competition, providing me with a strong foundation and a clear sense of purpose However, upon entering college, I felt lost and directionless, as there was no guidance on what steps to take While the traditional curriculum, characterized by testing and competition, has its drawbacks, it ultimately instills a sense of security and grounding in students.
Thích Nhất Hạnh and Thích Viên Minh
If you want a chicken to be a duck, and a duck to be a chicken, you will suffer
In this chapter, I present Buddhist meditation through the teachings of two
Thích Nhất Hạnh and Thích Viên Minh are two influential Vietnamese Buddhist monks who have profoundly impacted my understanding of spirituality and education, prompting me to explore important insights and questions in these areas.
In my analysis, I identified control, judgment, and the process of becoming as the central themes of this dissertation My journey into Buddhist mindfulness meditation began in 2001, guided by Thích Nhất Hạnh, while Thích Viên Minh played a crucial role in helping me break free from a spiritual entrapment.
In 2015, I experienced two pivotal encounters with teachers that profoundly transformed my spiritual journey The first teacher shifted my focus from exploring metaphysical questions about the universe to examining my subjective perceptions of reality The second teacher introduced me to a deeper understanding of spiritual liberation, highlighting the importance of non-judgment, non-becoming, and non-control in the pursuit of inner peace.
Knowledge acquisition is not a linear process; it often involves piecing together insights from various sources For example, while I may grasp the first five concepts taught by A, I might later discover the remaining five through B's teachings Additionally, revisiting A's material years later could reveal insights I initially overlooked, highlighting the non-sequential nature of learning.
This chapter explores the key teachings of two Buddhist monks, highlighting both their commonalities and differences While I do not aim to cover their entire careers, I share my personal interpretation of their most impactful lessons My engagement with Thầy Nhất Hạnh began in 2001, and I have been connected with Thầy Viên Minh since early 2015, including attending retreats in the tradition of Thích Nhất Hạnh and communicating with Thầy Viên Minh via email Importantly, my interest in their teachings stems not from a scholarly pursuit but from a deep need to address my own suffering.
1, I encountered Thầy Nhất Hạnh amidst an existential crisis, and Thầy Viên Minh when stuck in the mindfulness practice (or more precisely, in my perception of it)
Understanding a person, whether a layperson or a scholar, is inherently complex and subjective, as interpretations of their works are influenced by the reader's personal experiences Given the extensive body of work by Thích Nhất Hạnh, including numerous books and talks, it is impractical to engage with all of his material comprehensively.
In Vietnamese culture, the term "Thầy" means "teacher" and is a respectful way to address Buddhist monks, emphasizing the importance of using this title rather than their names alone This article explores the blending of Western and Vietnamese naming conventions, exemplified by the dual usage of "Thích Nhất Hạnh" and "Thầy Thích Nhất Hạnh."
Despite my efforts to read extensively, I recognize that fully understanding Thích Nhất Hạnh and Thích Viên Minh is challenging due to the complexities and nuances of language My interpretations are shaped by my personal experiences, leading me to emphasize certain aspects of their teachings that resonate more with me While I acknowledge my biases, the significance of this chapter lies not in an objective presentation of their teachings, but in my perspective as an educator on their philosophies.
In this chapter, I will first outline the key teachings of Thầy Nhất Hạnh and Thầy Viên Minh individually, followed by an analysis of their similarities and differences I contend that these two monks exemplify the two primary orientations in Buddhism: social engagement and escapism.
The distinction between socially engaged Buddhism and traditional Buddhism highlights two orientations rather than separate traditions Socially engaged Buddhists, such as Thích Nhất Hạnh and the Dalai Lama, aim to transform societal issues like wars and ecological disasters through proactive measures to alleviate suffering In contrast, traditional Buddhists, including Thích Viên Minh and Ajahn Chah, focus on individual psycho-spiritual liberation from suffering rooted in greed, anger, and delusion, often overlooking broader socio-political contexts.
38 themes of judgement, becoming, and control, which to some extent distinguish these two primary Buddhist orientations In contrast to engaged Buddhists, traditional
Buddhists embrace the relinquishment of judgment, becoming, and control, surrendering to the dhamma to transcend ego-centeredness This exploration of judgment, becoming, and control within Buddhism will pave the way for a deeper examination of these concepts in educational theory and practice in Chapters 4 and beyond.
Thích Nhất Hạnh (1926-) is a renowned Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet, and peace activist, recognized for his contributions to mindfulness and peace He is part of the 42nd generation of the Linji lineage within the Chinese Chan/Zen tradition and the 8th generation of the Vietnamese Liễu Quán Zen School.
Thích Nhất Hạnh began his monastic journey at the age of 16 at the Từ Hiếu root temple in Central Vietnam As a peace activist during the Vietnam War, he founded the School of Youth for Social Services (SYSS) in Saigon in the 1960s to train social workers addressing the needs of war victims Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he traveled to Europe and North America advocating for an end to the Vietnam War and became a pioneer of the Engaged Buddhism movement.
Due to his anti-war activities, he was put into exile by the South Vietnamese government, and after 1975, by the government of unified Vietnam He and his
In 1982, 39 associates founded the Plum Village Buddhist community in southern France, where mindfulness meditation is taught to practitioners globally The community serves as a residence for its founder, who also travels extensively across Europe and North America to lead mindfulness retreats Notable monasteries in this tradition include Plum Village in France and Deer Park Monastery.
The Blue Cliff Monastery in New York, Magnolia Monastery in Mississippi, Plum Village in Thailand, the European Institute of Applied Buddhism in Germany, and the Asian Institute of Applied Buddhism in Hong Kong are key centers of practice within the Order of Interbeing.
Interbeing that he founded in 1967 has hundreds of ordained monastic and lay members