50 leaders and managers from FPT Education participated in the meditation course “Happy Teachers – Happy World” at Plum Village (Thailand), gaining happiness experiences, deepening their understanding of the meaning of practice, and wishing to spread these values into their work and daily lives.
Upon welcoming the leadership and management team of FPT Education, Plum Village was peaceful with its beautiful scenery and a pleasant, cool atmosphere, perfect for meditation activities. During the meditation course, FPT members practiced meditation through activities like sitting meditation, walking meditation, Dharma talks, relaxation meditation, and Dharma discussions. Even daily activities such as eating meals and drinking tea were done in mindfulness and silence.
“My first impression upon arriving at Plum Village was how beautiful and peaceful the scenery was, with roads full of flowers, fruit trees, and the sound of wind chimes. Everything took place in order and quiet, with only the sound of the bell as a ‘signal.’ Somehow, I felt that everything became easier and lighter,” shared Ms. Hoang Ngoc Minh from FSchools Bac Ninh, describing her experience on the first day of the meditation course.
“Disconnecting” almost completely from the outside world, temporarily setting aside work pressures, the leaders and managers of FPT Education had a precious and special time to reflect on the philosophies of meditation, the significance of practice in life, the development of body, mind, and spirit, applying meditation to work, and especially meditating to search for the meaning of happiness for each individual.
FPT teachers during a Dharma discussion session at Plum Village (Thailand)
For Mr. Vo Dinh Nam, Head of the Training Department at FPT University Da Nang, eating mindfully and practicing relaxation meditation are two new activities that left a strong impression on him. “When eating mindfully, I focus entirely on the act of eating, with no other thoughts, no conversation. Therefore, even with a hundred people eating at the same time, the space remains very quiet. And when practicing relaxation meditation, I focus on my breath and deeply feel it.”
“I am so fortunate to have sung meditation songs, practiced relaxation meditation, listened to Dharma talks, and shared with my colleagues at FPT about meditation, life, and work. This time was truly meaningful and precious,” shared Ms. Ngoc Minh. Once a teacher in the classroom, now in charge of managing training programs from primary to high school, Ms. Minh believes that even the small practices during the meditation course help her gain new ideas and ways to improve work efficiency.
“A deep understanding of Mindfulness – Concentration – Wisdom means correctly identifying the problem, being determined and focused to understand the nature of the issue deeply and broadly. This is one of the most valuable insights I’ve gained, and I believe it can be applied to enhance the work performance of lecturers and students’ learning,” Ms. Ngoc Minh added.
More than 50 educational leaders participated in the meditation course at Plum Village
Mr. Dinh Nam believes that: “The ideas about happiness conveyed by the monks and nuns at Plum Village are simple yet vivid. Depending on their specific work, each staff member of FPT Education can apply these ideas, but I believe that after going on a meditation retreat, everyone in the group can feel the happiness and has the desire to spread that spirit to their colleagues and students.”
Believing in the philosophy “Happy educators will change the world” and that meditation is a lifestyle that leads people to a balanced and happy life, FPT Education has been and is creating many opportunities for staff and lecturers across the country to experience meditation. Notable meditation courses include those at An Lac Trang, the Cherry Blossom Village, Ozen meditation, and the “Happy Teachers – Happy World” course at Plum Village (Thailand). In addition to organized group meditation sessions, FPT Education also encourages each staff member and lecturer to practice meditation according to their individual capabilities and circumstances.
Currently, FPT Edu is implementing meditation experiences for level 4 and level 5+ staff and lecturers, with the belief that when they fully understand the significance of meditation in life and work, this group will become the core to spread the spirit and lifestyle of happiness in body, mind, and spirit to their colleagues, students, and learners.
In 2023, on the occasion of its 35th anniversary, FPT Group chose the mission “Together, seeking happiness.” This mission aligns with the philosophy “Happy educators will change the world” that FPT Education is following, with the goal of training generations of students who have intellectual abilities and a happy spiritual life.
Bao Tram