Activities

In 2021, the tsunami named “Covid-19” continued to strike humanity, causing particularly devastating consequences for the people and society of Vietnam in particular, and the world in general. Entrepreneurs and the people of Vietnam continued to struggle in the vortex of survival challenges. To survive, succeed, and find happiness, entrepreneurs need clear wisdom and strong will. Mindfulness and awakening are the paths that help us transform difficulties into sweet fruits—“unchanging in the face of all changes.”

Building on the new tradition that has been beautifully established in recent years and empowering Vietnamese entrepreneur meditators to achieve even greater accomplishments, the organizing committee will continue to open the “Happy Entrepreneurs” retreat in 2021, with the theme “Stillness.” With the message “In stillness, wisdom will arise,” this retreat aims to help entrepreneur meditators stay steadfast in their mission and goals, gain a new perspective in a changing world, and find new motivation and energy to move forward with optimism, even in the most difficult moments.

The sacred Yen Tu Mountain still stands there—peaceful, steadfast—continuing its glorious mission as a great spiritual anchor to help entrepreneurs and the people of Vietnam keep moving forward. The land of the Ancestors remains a place of peace, always welcoming and opening its heart to those who return. Heaven has granted us the miracle to still be here today after enduring the difficult months of battling the “Covid-19” tsunami. We still see each other, hold hands, smile at one another, and offer each other peaceful energy. The heavens have not forsaken us, and it seems that the peak of the pandemic has passed, with Vietnam finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

The world is unstable with economic crises, wars, pandemics… The business world remains unpredictable. Enterprises are like boats drifting in the vast ocean, with fierce waves constantly looming. Yet, it is precisely in these challenging times that we need the seeds of love and understanding to sprout within each of us, helping us recognize the true value of happiness and appreciate what we have in the present moment.

The annual “Happy Entrepreneurs” program at Yen Tu always provides a miraculous opportunity for us to regenerate our faith, inspiration, and mindfulness energy to move forward with strength. The 2022 retreat, with the theme “Walk Like a River,” carried the message of multidimensional connection to create boundless strength, a gift of love from the revered monks, nuns, and the organizing committee to the entrepreneur meditators.

We open our hearts in the peaceful, cool atmosphere of the mountain forest with each mindful step, each breath in the morning; we connect with the steadfast energy of the thousand-year-old spiritual lineage of the ancestors while meditating and watching the sunrise on the sacred mountaintop. We immerse ourselves in the gentle, serene melodies during the “Zen Fragrance” poetry and music night. Or simply enjoy a fragrant cup of tea in the loving atmosphere… Our minds are also opened and illuminated by the Dharma talks of the monks and nuns and the heartfelt shares of fellow practitioners.

When we are as steadfast as the mountain, as relaxed as the clouds, as fragrant and beautiful as the flowers, trees, and plants around us, we gain the ability to return, listen, understand, and empathize with the challenges within ourselves and the suffering of those around us. From there, we can connect with our spiritual and ancestral lineage, unite everyone together as a river, and spread love to life, “holding hands tightly as we move toward the ocean.”

In the challenging context of the “lost decade,” entrepreneurs – the “heroic warriors” – are caught in a whirlwind of anxiety and fear, sometimes losing themselves, forgetting the philosophies and missions they have pursued since the beginning of their careers. Amid such tangled currents, how can one face and transform difficulties, turning challenges into opportunities for themselves, their businesses, and their communities?

The Happy Entrepreneurs program in 2023, with the theme “Finding Yourself Again,” offers an opportunity for meditators and entrepreneurs to return to the sacred Yen Tu Mountain to care for and heal the pain of loss, thus discovering the miraculous life and the wonderful opportunities still present. It is a chance to explore one’s true self, regenerate energy, and reignite the joy of living.

By returning to the sacred mountain, entrepreneurs have the chance to connect and walk together with calm steps on the holy ancestral land, receiving miraculous moments as the sun rises over the Đong Pagoda peak, listening to birds singing, and hearing the whispers of the ancient pine trees planted long ago by King Buddha Tran Nhan Tong and other revered ancestors. And upon returning, everyone will have “found themselves,” being listened to, understood, and realizing that despite suffering and loss, if we look deeply, happiness is still present.

In the serene autumn moment on the sacred Yen Tu Mountain, nearly 250 practitioners gathered and spent 3 joyful days with the “Happy Entrepreneur Program 2024” – with the theme “Mindfulness in the Age of AI: Challenges and Opportunities.” Yen Tu Mountain is deeply grateful for the fulfilling and peaceful journey back home of all the practitioners.

Amidst the ever-changing economic flow, leaders face countless challenges. However, if we remain entangled in these difficulties, we will exhaust ourselves and lose sight of what truly matters — the good relationships with our families, colleagues, and society. At the “Happy Entrepreneur Program 2024,” practitioners practiced “self-management” with mindful intelligence, transforming pain into opportunity, and rediscovering a peaceful, quiet heart.

In particular, this year’s program received meaningful insights from prominent business speakers. Yen Tu Mountain sincerely thanks the energy and support from all the esteemed speakers.

No matter who we are, what position we hold, or what we do, let us live joyfully and wholeheartedly in every moment. We hope that these “happy entrepreneurs” will always stay grounded and nurture seeds of peace to build many “happy businesses.”

The modern pace of life, along with the development of technology, seems to be increasing the distance between family members. Quick meals and the absence of some family members at meals are becoming more common. Parents and children no longer have time to share daily joys, sorrows, successes, or struggles in work and studies. This disconnection is making the happiness of families fragile and prone to breakdown.

To nourish the seeds of happiness and offer families the opportunity to reconnect and renew their love, the “Happy Family Retreat” program was held for the first time at the sacred Yen Tu Mountain with the theme “Joyful Family.”

Under the guidance and support of the respected monks and nuns, participants will come together to learn and practice, creating peaceful energy to overcome difficulties, heal wounds, nurture happiness, and walk confidently through life.

The organizers have arranged for even children (ages 6-12) or teenagers (under 18) to have their own suitable practice groups. What’s more important is that the program schedule is designed so that each family member has the opportunity to understand, share, and connect, finding ways to maintain and nurture family happiness.

Together, we will hold hands with both our spiritual and biological families to climb the mountain, stroll along the legendary Pine Tree Road; sit peacefully at the foot of King Buddha Tran Nhan Tong, watch the rising dawn, and fully feel the presence of the sacred Yen Tu Mountain. We will reconnect with our roots, both by blood and spirit, feeling them flowing deeply in our hearts; singing meditation songs, experiencing moments of peace and tranquility, living slowly to fully embrace the pure twenty-four hours that life is offering.

A happy family is always a cherished desire for each of us. A family is a place where loved ones are always waiting for us to return, offering comfort when we are tired and encouraging us to pursue our dreams. But how can we nurture a lasting family happiness when life is constantly busy and the struggles of daily living never cease, causing us to gradually lose the connection with our family members? There are times when we feel lonely and lost even within our own home.

The Happy Family Program 2023 with the theme “Where Love is Present” is being held at the sacred Yen Tu Mountain. Here, you will encounter the purity of the mountains and forests, along with the spiritual energy of human connection. Walking peacefully along the legendary Pine Tree Road will guide you back to listen to and understand yourself. When love is expressed and wisdom is awakened, combined with nature, trees, flowers, and plants, you will feel renewed and pure through these days of reconnecting with yourself and your loved ones. Now, the call of love from your heart blends with the sacred sound of the awakening bell as the dawn rises over the green mountains.

You will experience moments of learning and practice to cultivate peaceful energy, overcome challenges, heal wounds, and walk confidently through life. The program is designed so that each family member has the opportunity to understand, share, connect, and find ways to maintain and nurture happiness for each other.

At this moment, are you smiling peacefully, or are you caught up in the rush of work, or perhaps feeling stuck in the daily challenges of life? Is the inheritance from your biological family and spiritual roots helping you to remain calm and grounded? Have you ever felt tired or pressured by the very love and affection shared within your family? How can we nurture love deep enough, big enough, and compassionate enough to bring true peace and happiness to ourselves and those we love?

Come to the Happy Family Program 2024 with the theme “Opening the Path to Love.” Step away from the pressures of a busy life and immerse yourself in nature, trees, and flowers. Feel the purity of the morning sunlight casting its rays on the dewdrops sparkling on the branches and leaves, and listen to the cheerful songs of the birds and the gentle flow of the stream in the forest. You will suddenly realize how miraculous life is, and that happiness sometimes comes from the simplest things.

Here, together, we will live like one big family—walking, breathing, laughing together. We will practice creating joy and happiness under the guidance of the monks and nuns from the Plum Village community. We will sit peacefully together in the sacred mountains, take steady and relaxed steps among the centuries-old pine trees, and nurture and heal our bodies and minds. In the magnificent stillness, we will connect with the spiritual source that has flowed through generations of ancestors and Zen masters at the sacred Yen Tu Mountain. In this sacred connection, we will learn to listen to our own and others’ feelings, and through this, we will come to understand and love one another. With the energy of our fellow practitioners, we will learn to face difficulties, embrace and heal our inner wounds, and, more importantly, find the key to reopening the path of love with our loved ones, friends, and colleagues.