During the recent April 30th – May 1st holiday, students from FPT University Hanoi had an incredibly meaningful experience over the course of 5 days. Immersed in emotions, they rediscovered happiness within themselves at Truc Lam Chanh Phap Meditation Center in Tuyen Quang, through the mindfulness internship program ‘Spring of Happiness’
The program was organized by the International Cooperation and Personal Development Department with the hope of providing students with real-life experiences and opportunities to practice mindfulness techniques.
The mindfulness internship program provides an opportunity for students to enjoy days of experiencing a simple and peaceful lifestyle, learning methods to cultivate the energy of joyful mindfulness. As a result, they gain more relaxation, peace, and happiness in their daily lives.
This is also an opportunity for participants to slow down, to look deeply into themselves to transform their own difficulties, while also reflecting on the existing values around them. They can further explore the cultural and spiritual values of life through different perspectives, thereby cultivating kindness and gaining a more positive outlook on life.
Not only did the participants enjoy delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals meticulously prepared by the monastic community with a diverse menu, but they also experienced a new schedule, practicing early rising and early sleeping, and engaging in more structured activities. The opportunity to experience and practice meditation, the path to happiness, cultivating the energy of joyful mindfulness, and practicing calmness and gratitude, allowed them to reconnect with their true selves.
The participants learned and absorbed a wealth of valuable knowledge from the Dharma teachings of the monastic teachers. They were able to address personal issues such as anger management, practicing active listening, and enhancing communication skills to connect with others. Moreover, they gained a deeper understanding of the history of their homeland.
The participants also experienced the love, care, and attention from the venerable monks and nuns at the Meditation Center, and they engaged in numerous enjoyable activities organized by resident students at Truc Lam Chanh Phap Meditation Center. There were many other precious experiences and memorable moments as well.
Additionally, this experiential journey helped students cultivate self-discipline, increase resilience, and learn how to overcome their own challenges through various activities such as sitting meditation, walking meditation, Dharma talks, releasing letters meditation, and Dharma discussions. These experiences aim to make them more resilient on their chosen path of study and career.