Writer: Le Van
Images: Collected sources
Meditation is a mental training method that helps individuals focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. At its core, Meditation is not about transcending reality or silencing thoughts but about cultivating mindfulness, focus, clarity, and inner calm.
When the restless mind is tamed, inner peace emerges. From that stillness comes a deeper understanding of oneself and the impermanence of life—liberating us from suffering rooted in attachment and illusion.
Meditation is not a way of escaping reality; on the contrary, it enables people to face it with clarity and awareness. Beyond religious boundaries, Meditation offers tools to observe life and oneself without attachment, fostering balance and a deeper, more objective perspective on the world.
In Meditation, “concentration” means directing the mind, regulating one’s internal energies to achieve peace and liberation. “Zen meditation” in Buddhism is a spiritual practice that cultivates mental stillness and detachment from desires and negative thoughts. Zen has become a vital aspect of modern life in the West, with renowned centers like the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts, the San Francisco Zen Center, and Plum Village in France. Vipassana meditation has also spread widely throughout Europe.
The San Francisco Zen Center
In Japan, Zen has deeply influenced culture and daily life, with famous centers such as Eiheiji, Myoshinji, Shunkoin, Antaiji, Tōfukuji, and Ryutakuji (Rinzai lineage). Zen is not just a method of training the mind. It is deeply woven into the way of life and culture of the people here.
The surroundings of the Zen Center at Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple, nestled deep in the mountains of Fukui Prefecture, Japan.
Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple was founded by Zen Master Dogen in 1244 and is now home to more than two hundred monks. Visitors can join meditation retreats to practice spirituality or seek peace for the soul.
In Vietnam, Zen appeared early. King Tran Nhan Tong founded the Truc Lam Zen sect, establishing a meditation tradition rich in national identity. Today, Zen continues to be widely practiced, thanks to Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, who helped spread mindfulness practices globally. Many now apply Zen to enhance both physical and mental well-being.
For instance, despite having only one lung, Dr. Nguyen Khac Vien lived healthily to the age of 85, thanks to meditation. Architect Vo Trong Nghia incorporates Zen into his designs, creating tranquil and harmonious spaces.
“Nhà hàng Vedana” của Võ Trọng Nghĩa Architects là công trình duy nhất của Việt Nam giành giải thưởng danh giá nhất (Grand Prize) tại Yuanye Awards lần thứ 11. Công trình nhà hàng Vedana được xây dựng tại bìa rừng Cúc Phương, nơi núi rừng và những thảm thực vật dày đặc bao bọc. Cấu trúc tre gồm 36 khung tre tạo nên hình thức mái vòm 3 tầng mái được lấy cảm hứng từ kiến trúc truyền thống.
Zen thought has become a popular life philosophy in Vietnam, reflected in everyday sayings like: “An unshaken mind in a changing world,” “Peaceful and free,” “Letting go,” “Living in the present,” and “Going with the flow.”
With the desire to bring Zen into all aspects of life, we propose the concept of Zen Architecture – spaces where individuals can meditate at any moment, allowing the mind to become calm and present.
Zen architecture is not merely a combination of physical materials, light, sound, and objects—it also embodies Vietnamese cultural heritage and the wisdom of global civilizations. Such spaces support mindfulness and awareness, helping people remain centered and free from greed, anger, and ignorance.
Reaching a state of non-duality, the resident is no longer bound by dualistic thinking and instead perceives the true nature of all things, achieving real freedom in everyday life. This is the path to wisdom and happiness.
Khao Yai Zen Center, Thailandv
Writer: Le Van
Images: Collected sources