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.”