The image of the tiger in the MV is not just a symbol of the wild; it serves as a fascinating metaphor for the primordial energy residing within every human being.

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However, to truly touch that energy rather than just observing it through a screen, we need a more direct connection from our own bodies. Let's briefly look away from the footage, stand in front of a large mirror, and allow yourself to try a small exercise. Through the following two contrasting states of conscience, you will see how your inner tiger finds its voice:Bài thực hành trước gương: Đối diện với “Mãnh thú”

A practice in front of a mirror: Facing the “Beast”

Let us try a small exercise together. Stand before a large mirror, take a deep breath, and perform these two movements:

• Movement 1: Embody a gentle, relaxed “tiger.” Open your eyes wide and soft, raise your hands, and wave them playfully like a tiger cub enjoying the morning sun.

• Movement 2: Now, switch to a fierce, roaring tiger. Let your eyes cloud with anger, baring your claws as if ready to strike.

As you look in the mirror, what do you feel? In the first movement, your heart rate is steady, your facial muscles relax, and you feel a sense of connection. In the second, your heart quickens and tension rises. This is proof that: The world outside or the “tiger” itself is simply a mirror reflecting our state of conscience.

The inner tiger: Strength or Destruction?

Within each of us lies a “tiger” in the form of powerful energy. In folk wisdom, a hot-tempered person is often compared to a “tiger escaping its cage.” Yet, the tiger itself is not at fault. It possesses magnificent qualities: independence, bravery, intense focus, and keen eyes to observe the world. If tamed, this tiger becomes the driving force that helps us stay decisive in our careers and resilient against adversity.

However, without the light of wisdom, it reveals its dark side: aggression, selfishness, and cruelty. An ancient proverb says: “A fierce tiger carries a sword in its mouth.” That sword represents sharp teeth and a hard tongue. In humans, this “sword” manifests as cruel words and harsh judgments that wound others and ourselves. When our inner world lacks cultivation, we merely let the inner tiger disturb the peace of our lives.

The Journey of “Taming the Tiger” Through Knowledge and Compassion

How do we make that tiger “no longer fierce”? The answer lies in Knowledge. Knowledge here is not just academic learning, but Self-awareness.

“Taming the tiger” is a persistent journey of observation. It is the act of watching every thought as it sparks, every wave of emotion as it rises, and every action before it is taken. When we possess enough mindfulness to recognize our anger, the tiger cannot “escape its cage” blindly.

Balance is the key. When we harmonize the need to protect our personal boundaries and growth with the practice of compassion and empathy for others, the inner tiger naturally retracts its claws. It doesn’t lose its strength; rather, that strength is now wrapped in gentleness. At that moment, the 'King of the Jungle' in your soul becomes peaceful, lovable, and wise.

Happiness simply begins the moment we realize that by simply changing our perspective, all the “fierceness” in this world can be transformed by a peaceful heart.

Captured at Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens - Memories of the three precious white tiger cubs on their one-month birthday.

That question sent me on a journey, tirelessly searching through Google, YouTube, and Wikipedia, etc. to gather these vital historical insights. I did this not just for myself, but to keep the flame of Vietnamese culture alive and to join my fellow 'Children of the Dragon and Grandchildren of the Immortal' in amplifying our voice to the world. We want friends from all continents to know that if they ever seek a cultural pilgrimage to Southeast Asia, they must come and experience the soul of the Vietnamese Tết.

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Tết Nguyên Đán, or simply Tết, is the most sacred and significant festival in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. It is more than just a transition between the old and the new year; it is the quintessence of gratitude, filial piety, and the eternal hope for prosperity. While sharing some similarities with other Asian cultures, Vietnamese Tet carries a distinct soul deeply rooted in the wet rice civilization, a heritage that remains unique to the land of the Red River and the Mekong River.

1. Origins: A Legacy of the Wet Rice Civilization

A common misconception suggests that Tet originated from China. However, historical evidence and ancient texts tell a different story. According to the Classic of History (Shujing), Confucius himself noted that he was unfamiliar with "Tet," describing it as a grand festival of the "Man" people (the ancient Yue people in the South) where they gathered to dance, drink, and celebrate after their harvest.

2. The Sacred Convergence of Heaven and Earth

The Lunar New Year is calculated according to the lunar calendar, usually falling between late January and mid-February of the solar calendar. This is the time when the biting cold of winter gradually fades, light spring drizzles begin to fall, and the buds of life start to sprout and flourish.

This period signifies a new beginning. Everything from deep-cleaning the house and settling debts to setting aside the sorrows of the past year, is done to welcome good fortune. For the Vietnamese, Tet begins on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month (The Kitchen Gods' Day) and lasts through the 3rd day of the New Year, often extending until the Full Moon of the first lunar month (Rằm tháng Giêng).

3. Significance: Reunion and Gratitude

For every Vietnamese person, Tết is the season of Reunion. No matter how far one wanders, the “call of Tet” brings everyone back to the ancestral hearth. It is the invisible thread that binds generations together.

Tết is also a time for Gratitude and Filial Piety. It is the embodiment of the proverb “Uống nước nhớ nguồn” (When drinking water, remember the source). Families offer incense to their ancestors, inviting the spirits of the deceased to join the living for the festive feast. Beyond family, it is a moment of harmony between humans and nature, as people pray for the gods’ protection and a peaceful, prosperous year for the whole village.

4. Tết Traditional Customs: The Cultural Soul of Vietnam

The customs of the Vietnamese Tết are rich and sophisticated, with every gesture carrying a message passed down from our ancestors to generations for eternity:

• The Kitchen Gods - Dec 23rd (Đưa Táo về trời): The opening ritual where families send the hearth spirits to heaven to report on the year’s events.

• Wrapping Bánh chưng and Bánh tét: The most iconic tradition. A family gathering around a boiling pot of cakes through the night is the warmest image of Vietnamese Tet.

• First Footing (Xong Dat) & New Year Greetings: The belief that the first person to enter a home after New Year’s Eve determines the family’s luck.

• Elders give lucky money in red envelopes (lì xì) to children, symbolizing wishes for health and success.

• Spring Excursions & Temple Visits: People visit pagodas to pray for peace and to enjoy the blossoming beauty of spring.

5. Tết Cuisine: The Essence of Earth and Sky, The Harmony of Nature

The Tết feast is a balance of “Yin and Yang” and the five elements.

Spanning the length of the S-shaped land, the three regions of Vietnam boast three distinct culinary identities:

The Vietnamese Tết feast is a harmony of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. Spanning the S-shaped land, the three regions offer three distinct culinary identities:

• The North: Painted with vibrant colors from green Bánh chưng, red Gấc sticky rice, jellied meat (Thịt đông), and elegant dried pigskin soup (Canh bóng).

• The Central: Awakens the palate with Bánh tét, pickled vegetables (Dưa món), fermented pork rolls (Nem Chua), and rich, savory meat marinated in fish sauce.

• The South: Reflects abundance with Bánh tét (filled with banana or meat), a pot of braised pork and eggs in coconut water, and a bowl of bitter melon soup (symbolizing the hope that past hardships - Khổ will pass away - Qua).

All of these dishes are prepared from the bounties of the homeland, showcasing the skillful craftsmanship of Vietnamese women and the filial piety of younger generations offered to their ancestors.

Vietnamese Traditional Tết is a symphony between humanity and nature, a living museum of traditional moral values. Amidst the fast-paced flow of modern life, Tet remains deeply embedded in the hearts of the Vietnamese people as a powerful spiritual current. It helps us redefine ourselves, remember our roots, and nurture hope for a brighter tomorrow. Above all, it reflects the optimistic and compassionate identity of a nation that has endured and flourished throughout more than four thousand years of history.

Photo: My family on Tết holiday. My paternal grandparents and parents have always preserved the tradition of a four-generation gathering at the beginning of the year to exchange New Year wishes and break the piggy bank to give 'lucky money' to the children and grandchildren.

Photo: The traditional feast for New Year's Eve and the morning of the first day of Tết, meticulously prepared by our mother.

Video: The essence of Tết is the reunion of my family.

The following precious historical documents and ancient annals all record that the origins of Tết Nguyên Đán belong to the Vietnamese people (the ancient Bách Việt) from the very beginning, rather than being a mere "copy" from the North. These are the primary sources frequently utilized by cultural researchers to defend and preserve the authentic identity of the Vietnamese Tết:

1. The Classic of History (Shujing) by Confucius (孔子 - Khổng Tử)

This is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence proving the origin of Tet. In the Classic of History (a collection of ancient Chinese historical documents), Confucius recorded the festive customs of the Southern people (the lands of the Bach Viet).

• Content: Confucius wrote: “I do not know what ‘Tet’ is. I have heard that it is the name of a grand festival celebrated by the ‘Man’ people (a term used by Northerners to refer to the ancient Southerners). They dance, drink, and revel during those days.”

• Significance: This demonstrates that during the time of Confucius (6th-5th century BCE), the Chinese people of the North had no concept of “Tết” as it was practiced by the Vietnamese in the South.

2. The Giao Chi Records (Giao Chỉ Chí - 交趾志)

Giao Chi is the ancient name for the land of Vietnam. Within the Giao Chi Records (historical accounts of the Giao Chi region), northern feudal historians documented customs that were entirely distinct from those of the Central Plains (Trung Nguyen).

• Content: The documents record that since ancient times, the people of the Giao Chi region had a custom of celebrating the conclusion of a rice harvest and the beginning of a new cultivation cycle.

• Significance: This content confirms that Tet Nguyen Dan was originally an Agricultural Festival of wet-rice farmers. In contrast, the ancient northerners were primarily nomadic or focused on dry-land cereals such as millet and wheat.

3. Brief History of An Nam by Le Tac (An Nam Chí Lược 安南志略 - Lê Tắc)

Although Le Tac wrote this book while living in China (14th century), he clearly and meticulously recorded the customs of the Vietnamese people.

• Content: He described the Vietnamese practice of wrapping Bánh chưng and Bánh giầy, along with ancestral worship rituals that had been firmly established since the era of the Hùng Kings.

• Significance: The existence of Bánh chưng and Bánh giầy serves as the most critical material evidence. These two types of cakes are deeply intertwined with the “Round Sky and Square Earth” philosophy and the wet-rice agriculture of the Vietnamese. Notably, they are entirely absent from the early history of the Chinese people.

4. Calendrical Systems: The Distinction between "Nông" (Agrarian) and "Hoa" (Chinese) Calendars

Researchers point out that the ancient Bách Việt people possessed the knowledge to calculate the calendar based on the wet-rice cultivation cycle (a lunar system combined with 24 solar terms).

• Argument: The Vietnamese Tet is intrinsically linked to Lập Xuân (The Beginning of Spring). While ancient Chinese dynasties (such as the Qin and Han) varied their New Year start dates—sometimes selecting the 10th, 11th, or 12th month—the Vietnamese consistently maintained the first day of the First Lunar Month (Tháng Giêng) as Tết. This marks the true awakening of spring and the commencement of a new planting season.

5. Archaeology and Folklore

• The Legend of Bánh chưng and Bánh giầy: This story dates back to the era of the 6th Hung King. When cross-referenced with historical timelines, this period corresponds to prehistory - centuries before the Han Dynasty’s invasions and their subsequent policies of cultural assimilation.

• Dong Son Bronze Drums: The intricate engravings on these ancient drums depict festivals, ritual dancing, and rice pounding. những hình ảnh này hoàn toàn trùng khớp (perfectly align) with the descriptions of the early New Year rituals practiced by the ancient Vietnamese people.

Comparison Table: Vietnamese Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) and Chinese New Year (Chun Jie)

1. Origin

• Vietnamese Tet (Tết Việt Nam): Originates from the wet-rice civilization. In the first lunar month, farmers rest and give thanks to Heaven and Earth for a bountiful harvest. They pray for favorable weather, reunite with family, and remember ancestors. It is a sacred moment connecting the past with the present and nurturing hope for the future.

• Chinese New Year (Chun Jie): Ancient legend of the "Nian" monster. The beast would repeatedly attack humans at the start of the year. People discovered that the color red scared the monster away. Since then, red became the dominant color of Tet with red lanterns, red paper, and red clothes to protect families from evil spirits and bad luck, reflecting the wish for a peaceful and prosperous new year.

2. Duration and name

• Traditional Vietnamese Tet or Lunar New Year (Tết Việt Nam) ) begins on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month and lasts for 15 days.

• Chinese New Year is called "Chunjie" (Spring Festival) and usually occurs at the beginning of the first lunar month, lasting for nearly 40 days.

3. Phylosophy

• Vietnamese Tet (Tết Việt Nam): Toward roots, ancestors, and wet-rice agriculture.

• Chinese New Year: Toward prosperity and warding off evil spirits (the legend of the Nian monster).

4. Symbols

• Vietnamese Tet (Tết Việt Nam): Peach Blossoms (North) and Yellow Apricot (South) are the primary flowers.

• Chinese New Year: Orchids, Narcissus, or Kumquat trees.

5. Cuisine

• Vietnamese Tet (Tết Việt Nam): Banh Chung, Banh Tet (symbols of Earth, Sky, and the rice plant). Dishes like pickled vegetables (dua mon), braised pork with eggs in coconut water, and bitter melon soup are also indispensable, expressing the wish for a smooth and prosperous new year.

• Chinese New Year: Dumplings (Jiaozi), Rice Cakes (Nian Gao), steamed buns, dried tangerine peel jam, boiled chicken, and roasted pork. These dishes are not only delicious but also carry meanings of luck and fortune.

6. Zodiac

• Vietnamese Tet (Tết Việt Nam): The Year of the Cat (closely associated with farmers).

• Chinese New Year: The Year of the Rabbit.

7. Traditional customs

• Vietnamese Tet (Tết Việt Nam): Sending off the Kitchen Gods on the 23rd of the 12th lunar month, visiting and burning incense at ancestral graves, asking for calligraphy, and first footing (Xong Dat) to pray for luck. The customs of betel nut chewing and plucking lucky buds. These activities carry spiritual significance and show solidarity and gratitude to ancestors.

• Chinese New Year: Lion and Dragon dances, lighting firecrackers to ward off evil spirits. Hanging red couplets on doors and pasting the character "Fu" (Happiness) upside down on doors to welcome blessings and pray for wealth.

For more reference (Hyperlink)

• Tết Nguyên Đán - Wikipedia

• Exploring Vietnamese Culture Through Books About Tet - Tìm hiểu văn hoá Việt qua những cuốn sách về Tết

• Tet Nguyen Dan and the Differences Between Vietnam and China – Vietnam Women’s Newspaper - Tết Nguyên Đán và sự khác nhau ở Việt Nam và Trung Quốc - Báo Phụ nữ Việt Nam

• The origins of the Lunar New Year: Vietnam or China? The presentation in modern language is quite fascinating; however, one should be 'gentle' regarding the costume details that may not strictly align with Vietnamese historical records.

It’s been more than 10 years of practicing meditation, and today I spontaneously decided to write these words. They are simply personal experiences I want to share.

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There were times when I wanted to teach meditation. At that moment, I felt that meditation was so wonderful, so beneficial, and that if everyone practiced it, every home would find peace. It was just a want. And then I realized that was my ego, or what one might call an attachment, or simply my ‘self,’ so I stopped indulging that desire.

That’s when I realized it was my perfectionism that needed adjustment. At the same time, I held firm in facing the truths, accepting those facts even when they were the source of chaos in the family or professional works. Looking straight at the truth helped me walk in peace and deeply empathize with the hidden corners of every family member’s soul. And so, I quietly stand by them.

There were times I thought I had successfully integrated meditation into my daily actions, so I stopped setting aside a specific time each day to meditate. I managed fine in the beginning, but then I started to feel exhausted by negative energies. So, I returned to meditating regularly every early morning for about 10 to 15 minutes, treating it like ‘brain exercise.’

But then I realized that meditation isn’t only about sitting in silence. Whenever we are truly present in the here and now, that itself is a meditative state of conscience or what we might also call a state of flow. So practicing yoga, tai chi, aikido, and deep breathing already serves as a complete practice, harmonizing the spiritual level, intellectual level, emotional level and physical level.

The truth is, someone who practices meditation is still a human being, and there are still many things they need to complete or improve upon. If you look at a practitioner and judge them—perhaps they did something that wasn’t virtuous or didn’t align with your perspective—by thinking, ‘They practice meditation, and yet they act like that?’ then you are lacking generosity towards them.

For me, meditating is also learning to observe my own thoughts, understand my own emotions, and then training myself in every action to live kindly with boundless gratitude.

And here is my compiled article about meditation through the lens of Western science.

Meditation and the Unexplored Dimensions

Meditation is rapidly gaining popularity, not just in Asian countries, but across the West as well; not only within spiritual communities, but also among the broader public. Meditation is gradually becoming a global lifestyle, spreading from the home, to schools, and into organizations.

Alongside those who practice meditation regularly, there are still many who started and then stopped, others who haven’t begun due to hesitation or shyness, or those who practice without a clear understanding of what meditation truly is.

The scope of this article is to offer different perspectives on the benefits as well as the potential limitations of meditation, and to outline the currently popular meditation methods, so that you may choose a practice that is truly suitable for your own being.

CONCEPTS RELATED TO MEDITATION

• Meditation is different from mind control and is not about stopping thoughts.

• Meditation is not limited by space and time.

• Meditation transcends the boundaries of religious or spiritual beliefs.

• Each person has different meditation experiences.

• Meditation requires consistency and perseverance.

• There is no “right” method of meditation, only the method that is “suitable” for you.

• There are 3 basic meditation techniques.

Meditation is different from mind control and is not about stopping thoughts.

• Meditation is training the mind to “settle down,” gently “pulling” the mind back from its wandering, keeping it present right here and right now.

Meditation is not limited by space and time.

• There is no such thing as a perfect place to meditate. The practice of meditation can happen anywhere, at home, in the garden, while waiting at the airport or train station, on the beach, and so on.

• The universe grants 24 hours to every person. Time is something you actively arrange, and it requires prioritizing time to meditate at some point during the day, such as early morning after waking up, during a lunch break, or before going to sleep, etc. The duration of the session 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. is entirely up to your personal schedule and well-being.

Meditation transcends the boundaries of religious or spiritual beliefs.

• Meditation does not require adherence to a specific spiritual belief.

• Many people belonging to different faiths still practice meditation regularly, and it never conflicts with their existing religious beliefs.

Every person has different meditation experiences.

• We are all unique individuals, and therefore, our experiences during meditation will be equally rich and diverse.

  Any specific “transcendent” experiences are merely those individual’s personal experiences, and they are not the ultimate goal of meditation practice.

Meditation requires consistency and perseverance.

• It is only through regular training and practice, allowing meditation to become a habit within your daily activities, that its benefits will truly manifest for you.

There is no “right” method of meditation, only the method that is “suitable” for you.

• Through consistent practice and experience, you will discover the meditation method that aligns best with your own being.

There are 3 basic meditation techniques.

• These are Focused Attention Meditation, Open Monitoring Meditation, and Automatic Self-Transcending Meditation.

BENEFITS OF REGULAR MEDITATION PRACTICE

• Helps to “clear out” the mind, allowing for a brighter and clearer perception of things.

• Improves the ability to focus and stabilizes the mind.

• Reduces stress, anxiety, and pressure.

• Brings about a relaxed state of spirit.

• Increases thinking and creative capacity.

• Enhances critical thinking skills.

• Gains mastery over emotions, clarity in thoughts, and intentionality in all actions.

• Becomes more sensitive and profound.

• Nourishes compassion and empathy, stemming from a deep understanding of oneself and those around them.

It’s worth noting that while some studies highlight the benefits of meditation, other research suggests that claims like “meditation can reduce stress, anxiety, and pressure” still lack sufficient data for definitive confirmation. Similarly, the notion that “meditation helps improve physical and emotional health” remains introductory evidence.

Listen meditation 'SELF COMPASSION'

LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES OF MEDITATION

• The Escape Mechanism: If meditation is employed as a tool to “achieve a state” of mental tranquility while ignoring reality, it can become a means to avoid confronting undesirable situations and lead to an attachment to what one merely wishes or desires.

• Transcendent Experiences: If one considers their own experiences during meditation to be “transcendent,” it is possible that the ego is leading them, which can ultimately lead to a heavier sense of disappointment on many levels.

• Resurfacing of Wounded Emotions: Painful memories, emotional scars, and feelings of grief may arise during meditation. By simply accepting these memories and emotions, and learning the lesson they carry, you can gradually gain a more balanced view of the nature of things and adjust your behavior toward greater harmony through subsequent practice sessions.

• Health Barriers: There is no specific measure for the amount of time required for meditation, and you must remain aware of your body’s physical health. Maintaining one posture for too long while sitting in meditation can affect musculoskeletal health. Any effort that exceeds your body’s capacity will create an imbalance within you, affecting your thoughts, emotions, and physical state.

POPULAR MEDITATION METHODS TODAY

Depending on each person’s personality and lifestyle, they will discover the meditation method that is suitable for them through practice, experience, and careful selection..

The popular meditation methods available today include:

• Loving-kindness meditation

• Progressive muscle relaxation

• Mindfulness meditation

• Breath awareness meditation

• Mantra-based meditation

• Transcendental meditation

• Mindfulness-based stress reduction

• Guided meditation

Loving-Kindness Meditation

Also known as Kindness Meditation or Compassion Meditation, this practice helps to cultivate gratitude, kindness, and love toward all things.

With every deep breath, the meditator opens their heart to receive love and extends their compassion to the world around them.

Guided Meditation

The meditation guide, combining their voice, music, and spoken instructions, helps the practitioner gradually ease into a state of focus. This can be done either directly in person or indirectly through recordings.

The practitioner is prompted to awaken deep mental associations by engaging their physical senses to perceive images and scenarios that facilitate maximum relaxation.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation helps the practitioner return to themselves, living within each moment of the present, instead of regretting the past or worrying about the future.

The core principle of Mindfulness Meditation is non-judgment and non-criticism. Rooted in Buddhist philosophy, it involves understanding the constant, ceaseless change of the universe and accepting the nature of “impermanence” in life.

The present moment is, in fact, the happiest and most perfect moment of every person’s life.

Mantra-Based Meditation

This is also known as Mantra or True Sound Meditation. Mantra is a Sanskrit term where “man” means “mind” and “tra” means “to free” or “to release.”

The practitioner repeats a syllable or phrase, either internally or spoken aloud. These sounds, which may carry specific meaning, are viewed as a means to connect with the mind, keep the mind focused, and transform negative thoughts and emotions into positive ones. (Examples of Mantras include chanting or recitation in Buddhism, or reciting sacred texts in Catholic communities, etc.).

This method is also closely related to the Affirmation technique in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), which helps to re-establish positive language for oneself.

Breath Awareness Meditation

This involves focusing on the breath, taking a deep inhale and a slow, completely natural exhale while the body is in a relaxed state.

The gentle release of the breath helps the body relax, gradually reducing the distraction caused by streams of anxious thoughts.

Transcendental Meditation (TM)

This is a meditation method that uses a mantra, which is silently and repetitively recited. Each person, based on their unique individual characteristics, is assigned a different mantra.

The ultimate goal of TM is to clear away the negative thoughts, worries, and anxieties of daily life, increasing resilience and helping one find clarity and peace within the soul.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center (USA) in the 1970s by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn, MBSR is a combination of mindfulness meditation, body awareness, and yoga. Its goal is to help people become more present and attentive, thereby enabling them to gain self-mastery and regulate their emotions.

Currently, the Center For Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society (CFM) at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMASS) is regarded as the largest and oldest medical institution in the U.S. for training and treatment using MBSR. MBSR is officially incorporated into clinical teaching and practice at many Western medical schools, including several major U.S. universities such as UMass, Stanford, Duke, Virginia, and San Francisco.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is an anxiety-reduction technique that was first introduced in the 1930s by the American physician Edmund Jacobson.

The practitioner starts at the extremities of the body, usually the feet, and gradually works their way up to the entire body. This technique focuses on alternating the tensing and relaxing of all the major muscle groups in the body.

Thanks to its calming and relaxing process, many people adopt it as a form of meditation to help facilitate deep sleep.

MEDITATION IS A MIND-BODY THERAPY METHOD WITHIN THE FIELD OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

There is no single, universal method of meditation that can be applied to everyone; instead, it is up to each individual to discover the type that is suitable for them alone. Likewise, there is no universal formula for how long a meditation session should last or how frequently it should be done each week.

It can be said that meditation is an essential skill in modern life, requiring long-term practice, persistence, and perseverance to become a genuine habit and bring about balance in one’s body, mind, and spirit.

When one truly understands and feels this, sometimes imperfection is the most perfect state in the present moment. Being happy in every living instant means we are truly living in awareness and peace.

Fore your reference (hyperlink):

• What is the best type of meditation?

• Advantages of Meditation and Disadvantages of Meditation

• Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Progressive muscle relaxation

• Effects of stress and relaxation on central pain modulation in chronic whiplash and fibromyalgia patients compared to healthy control

• The UCM Teaching and Research Center

• Source Code Technology (SCT) Foundation

• The Institute For Zen Leadership

• Minnesota Aiki Shuren Dojo’s

• Canadian Aikido Association

Currently, there are no documented records regarding the exact time the Singing Bowl (Healing Bowl) was created. It is only known that the Healing Bowl originated in India, even before the birth of Yoga. From the 8th century, the Healing Bowl began to spread into the Himalayan region, accompanying the teaching journeys of Shakyamuni Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava.

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Ancient Healing Bowls possess superior sound, vibration, and therapeutic qualities compared to the newly created, modern handcrafted ones. Modern handcrafted Healing Bowls are created by artisans or craftsmen with flexible adjustments to the size, materials, and design, depending on the bowl’s specific purpose, such as deep therapy, meditation support, and so on.

The use of the Healing Bowl has become common in countries along the Himalayan range, which is why the majority of people still refer to them as “Tibetan Singing Bowls,” “Nepali Singing Bowls,” or “Himalayan Singing Bowls.”

When using Healing Bowls, one may combine several bowls simultaneously, or combine them with water or sand placed inside the bowl to create different effects and varying sound levels.

According to Alternative Medicine, Healing Bowl Therapy (often referred to as Tibetan Singing Bowl Therapy) is one of the methods used in Mind-Body Therapy.

THE MEANING OF THE METALLIC ELEMENTS IN THE HEALING BOWLS

Lead symbolizes Saturn, the god of generation, abundance, and prosperity; it corresponds to the note Do and Chakra 1.

Iron symbolizes Mars, the god of war, whose weapons and armor were all made of iron, the planet of warriors and the masculine; it corresponds to the note Re and Chakra 2.

Tin symbolizes Jupiter, the god of Thunder, representing immense strength and possessing the qualities of being rust-resistant and durable; it corresponds to the note Mi and Chakra 3.

Gold symbolizes the Sun, the God that shines and warms all of humanity, immensely intimate and crucial for the life of all beings; it corresponds to the note Fa and Chakra 4.

Copper symbolizes Venus, representing the goddess of love, possessing the qualities of flexibility and reflecting glittering light, the planet of the feminine; it corresponds to the note Sol and Chakra 5.

Silver symbolizes the Moon, the God who guards human sleep night after night, possessing the characteristic glittering and flexible qualities of silver; it corresponds to the note La and Chakra 6.

Mercury symbolizes Mercury, the god of commerce, who frequently had to travel, possessing the qualities of dynamism and adaptability; it corresponds to the note Si and Chakra 7.

A body is healthy when its energy flow is steady. The chakras spin in the correct direction, are balanced with each other, and no energy gate is either overactive or weak (according to the book Luật Tâm Thức by Ngô Sa Thạch, Dân Trí Publishing House 2021). When imbalance occurs, the energy flow becomes blocked, causing pain or discomfort in that congested area. A person’s health manifestations may then include emotional instability, irritability, anger, lack of calmness, lack of clarity, and so on.

When a Healing Bowl is struck, it creates sound vibrations capable of resonance, which harmonize the energy flow within the body. These vibrations act directly upon various areas of the body, helping the listener achieve high concentration, regulate their breathing, and guide the body back to a state of balance, relaxation, and release, thanks to the vibrational frequency and sound that directly impact each energy center in the body.

Currently, there is insufficient scientific research on the effects of Healing Bowl Therapy. Nevertheless, before undergoing therapy with Healing Bowls, listeners need to be mindful of their current health status and may wish to consult a doctor if they have existing physical health issues such as surgical scars, open wounds, epilepsy, etc. Pregnant women should also consider carefully before exposing the fetus to the sound of the Healing Bowls. (Reference the article Dangers of Singing Bowl here).

CULTIVATING BEAUTIFUL EMOTIONS

The Healing Bowl emits incredibly unique sound waves—a persistent, deeply resonant tonal range that follows the rhythm of the practitioner. At times it rings out, urging and prompting, while at other times it is calmly slow and deliberate, carrying a source of creative energy and a sweet harmonization between the universe and all things, helping the listener’s mind become lighter and more relaxed.

The pure, pristine sound of the Healing Bowl washes away all the noise and chaos of life.

That clear, transparent sound awakens beautiful emotions within us.

Even amidst the hurried spin of life’s demanding pace, the need remains for a moment of quiet reflection to listen to the Healing Bowl and find peace in one’s heart.

For your reference (Hyperlink):

• The Rise of Alternative Medicine: How It’s Shaping Modern Healthcare

• Physiological and psychological effects of a Himalayan singing bowl in meditation practice: a quantitative analysis

• Dangers of singing bowl

• Music as medicine: the impact of healing harmony

• There is no evidence to support claim that Solfeggio frequencies remove toxins from the body

Alternative medicine has been present and practiced for hundreds, even thousands of years. The terms “alternative medicine” or “alternative therapies” are used to describe medicines or healing methods that are not conventional, mainstream treatments and have not been scientifically validated. They are all viewed as complementary and alternative therapies.

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UNDERSTANDING THE TERMINOLOGY

• Alternative medicine

• Complementary medicine

• Integrative medicine

• Holistic medicine

These terms encompass alternative treatment methods that focus on activating the body’s self-healing capabilities and balancing the elements within a person. Although there is currently insufficient scientific evidence according to the system of evidence-based medicine, the medical community today flexibly combines conventional treatments with alternative medicine, depending on the patient’s symptoms and circumstances, in order to achieve optimal effectiveness.

MIND-BODY THERAPY

Science has acknowledged the connection between the mind and the body. In the treatment process, positive mental and emotional health significantly contributes to the patient’s better recovery prospects.

Mind-Body Therapy methods include:

• Meditation

• Tibetan Singing Bowls

• Biofeedback

• Hypnosis

BODY-BASED THERAPY

Procedures that act upon a part or the whole body can help restore health and heal affected areas, as all parts of the body are intimately connected.

Body-Based Therapy methods include:

• Yoga

• Facial Diagnosis/Therapy/ Facial Accupressure

• Massage

• Reflexology (Acupressure)

• Chiropractic Therapy (Spinal Manipulation)

• Aikido or Tai Chi

BIOLOGICAL THERAPY

This involves using herbal medicines or foods to improve health or provide treatment.

Biological Therapy methods include:

• Botanical

• Nutrition Suplement

• Dietary Regimens or Diets

BIOFIELD THERAPY

Some theories suggest that external energy sources from various entities directly influence human health. This therapy supports the body in receiving external energy to aid in natural health recovery.

Biofield Therapy methods include:

• Therapeutic touch

• Electromagnetic therapy

• Reiki

• Qigong

WHOLE MEDICINE SYSTEMS

These are medical systems that have been developed over hundreds of years, based on a combination of beliefs and practices.

Whole Medicine Systems include:

• Traditional Medicine: Conventional Traditional Medicine in Vietnam includes both Vietnamese Traditional Medicine (known popularly as thuốc nam) and Chinese Traditional Medicine (known as thuốc bắc), both of which originated over 2000 years ago.

• Ayurveda (Ayurvedic medicine): This system has existed for over 3000 years in India, based on the hypothesis that every person is made up of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether (or space). The way these elements combine determines how the body functions.

• Homeopathic Medicine: Originating in Germany approximately 200 years ago.

• Naturopathic Medicine: This is a non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical therapy that combines the use of herbs, natural and organic products or nutrition, a healthy lifestyle with balanced routines, daily physical activity, and dietary adjustments.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE & EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE

Evidence-based Medicine has undergone a process of rigorous research and clinical trials, which leads to the establishment of highly effective and optimally safe treatment protocols.

Alternative Medicine may lack abundant or reliable data, and there is often little scientific evidence to support it. Despite this, Alternative Medicine has been applied for thousands of years in healthcare and disease treatment, bringing effective results in Asian countries like China, Japan, India, Vietnam, etc., as well as in some European nations.

Herbal medicines and botanicals can also cause side effects, drug interactions, and poisoning if the dosage is incorrect. Harmful substances like lead and mercury are sometimes not listed on the labels of certain natural products. The natural source needs third-party verification regarding its purity and consistent effectiveness.

The choice of seeking therapy with Alternative Medicine or treatment with Evidence-based Medicine should always involve professional consultation with a medical doctor. Every treatment method carries potential risks, so we still need to examine the supporting evidence, the risks, the potential side effects, as well as the ethics of the practitioner.

For your reference (hyperlink).

• What is alternative medicine, and does it work?

• What exactly is alternative medicine?

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine

• What is Naturopathic Medicine?

• Naturopathy

While researching and participating in some community activities related to mental health, people shared information about a drink called “Blue Solar Water.”

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Blue Solar Water (Thái Dương Lam Thủy) means blue solar-energized water. It is a cleansing tool used in the practice of Ho’oponopono. This is an ancient Hawaiian practice focused on self-healing and transformation, as well as the healing and reconciliation of relationships. It comprises four steps: remorse, forgiveness, gratitude, and love.

Practitioners of Ho’oponopono believe that the blue color of the water symbolically restores balance, helping to remove negative thoughts and emotions from the body and mind, thereby improving mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical health. Following this belief, they place water into a cobalt blue glass bottle, seal it tightly with a wooden lid, and expose it to direct sunlight outdoors for about 60 minutes.

According to the article “Ho’oponopono: To Make Things Right” in Psychology Today, this ancient practice can also bring certain mental benefits which, according to Alternative Medicine, could be categorized as Mind-Body Therapy. However, there is still insufficient scientific basis to confirm the “miraculous” benefits as popularized through folklore.

Furthermore, in science, there is the term pseudoscience, especially prevalent in the healthcare sector, where pseudoscientific activities create medical interventions that are ineffective and sometimes dangerous during the treatment process. We need to clearly distinguish between Medical Science and Pseudoscience when applying methods to our proactive healthcare.

For your reference (hyperlink):

• Ho’oponopono: “To Make Things Right”

• Science and Pseudo-Science

• Ranh giới giữa khoa học và giả khoa học

• Nước phơi nắng tốt cho sức khỏe?

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In 2016, my son and I arrived in Canada to study. I enrolled in International Business, and he entered Grade 7. That season of life was filled with quiet blessings—support from family and friends that gave me the strength to travel far, all the way to North America, to begin understanding myself anew.

A personal upheaval had stirred something inside me—a need to reclaim my sense of self. I wanted my loved ones to believe I hadn’t collapsed, that I was still resilient. Still worthy of the name Hải Đăng (Lighthouse) my grandfather gave me. I carried the spirit of someone who had once worked in leading Vietnamese media companies and global corporations in management roles. My professional profile was strong—enough for people to believe that after studying in Canada, a bright future awaited me.

Two friends—one I met during my time as Head of Marketing Services at Bayer CropScience, the other a partner from that same journey—became kindred spirits. Together, we quietly built EShare, hoping to create something meaningful for the world. Later, another sister from Australia joined us. The three of us shared everything: fundraising, selling, operations, communications, recruiting volunteers, and finding students in need. We worked like bees gathering nectar for life, holding onto a dream that felt both big and beautiful.

Then one day, I asked my two friends for permission to step back. Something inside me felt misaligned with the work I was doing for EShare. The years 2019–2021, marked by the global pandemic, were also years when my emotions froze. My role at EShare felt distant. The scholarship program paused—no one was there to remind students to submit their annual academic results, which were required to continue receiving support.

I kept asking myself: Why had I lost connection with EShare?

In 2022, I found the answer. It was the word “ambition”—specifically, ambition for recognition. When I founded EShare, I secretly hoped the world would honor me as a kind person. I lulled myself with the image of a Hải Đăng still shining after hardship.

Once I saw that truth, I began to shift. I adjusted my thinking, balanced my emotions, and chose to act with clarity.

There’s a saying in Eastern medicine: “Where there is flow, there is no pain. Where there is pain, there is no flow.” By the end of 2022, I had found my flow again—and the mindset to return to EShare.

That was also when my grandfather left behind a quiet wish: to help children in our hometown pursue education, using the savings he had gathered over a lifetime as a traditional healer. His fund could support 30–50 students each year.

The universe also sent me a passionate volunteer. And I finally completed a rigorous management process so EShare could grow and reach even more students.

In the first half of 2023, the EShare team resolved all pending scholarship cases from 2019–2022. We resumed annual sponsorships for students until they graduate from high school. One sweet milestone in 2025: a student who received EShare support since Grade 9 in 2017 graduated from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City—with a degree in Nutrition.

Now, I continue to serve EShare with a clear and gentle heart. My wish is to support even more students—so they can stand strong, strive forward, and embrace the beautiful experiences life has to offer.

Reference (hyperlink):

• EShare Scholarship

• List of students

I’ve eaten all kinds of mushrooms before — termite mushrooms, shiitake, straw mushrooms, king oyster, enoki, button, wood ear, and even the fancy ones from Ashima hotpot 😆.

I remember a scene from a martial arts film where a warrior warned a princess: “The more colorful and vibrant a mushroom looks, the more poisonous it is.” (From the film Thuyết Đường – Hoàng Hà Đại Phong Vân, starring Tony Leung and Cherie Chung.)

We trekked across half of a 13-hectare hill and gathered just enough to fill a conical hat. Side note: I didn’t pick them — my teammates did. At first, the mushroom looked as cute as an egg. But an hour after being plucked, it bloomed into a flamboyant display.

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We Googled to be sure — it was Caesar’s mushroom, also nicknamed “Egg mushroom.” The woman who left the city to care for this hill sautéed it with garlic and onions, serving it to the whole crew. The ride back from Định Quán to Saigon was filled with suspense. Everyone kept checking in: “Any symptoms yet?”

After 48 hours, the whole team was still alive and well — relieved and laughing. It was part of a field trip to improve our career exploration program for students.

A deep breath. All is well.

Reference (hyperlink):

• Stone Hill Farm (Đôi đá, Đồng Nai)

For the first time in my life, I tasted fresh cacao fruit — not the boxed chocolate we’re used to. But let me be clear: I still love chocolate. Firmly stated.

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There’s a place where people brought in 180 ten-ton trucks to enrich a hill stripped bare by erosion. There, they combine reforestation with cacao cultivation to build a sustainable economy — one that doesn’t require replanting forests after harvesting. Banana trees protect young cacao plants, then become organic fertilizer for the soil. Cacao husks feed the goats, and goat manure nourishes the land. Waste from one stage becomes input for the next. It’s a cycle — much like the traditional Vietnamese VACR model (Garden–Pond–Livestock–Field).

Listening to their story, I was moved by the dedication of the professor and the young team working there every day — in a place where standing still during daylight means catching a basketful of mosquitoes.

Give the green back — to me, to us, to the birds and the wild creatures.

Reference (hyperlink):

• Stone Hill Farm (Đồi đá ở Đồng Nai)

• Vườn Ao Chuồng Ruộng

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Each child carries a unique story — lives that many might label as “unfortunate.” But to me, I think more about karma and the idea that every soul here is present to learn their own life lesson. The village manager I met shared that he loves this work, believing that in a past life he had a “debt,” and now he’s here to learn alongside his extended family.

There are many sweet fruits in this village. Each one is built as a cluster of 15–20 airy homes surrounded by gardens. A typical house includes a living room that doubles as a communal space, a kitchen, and three bedrooms — one for the mother, one for the girls, and one for the boys. Every home is a warm shelter where the mother and children care for and love one another.

Most villages have their own school, welcoming both children from the village and those from nearby communities. The children learn life skills through extracurricular activities and cultural exchanges. Many grow up and go on to work around the world. Some return to contribute to the village that raised them.

Beyond the financial challenges — as the global organization no longer receives abundant sponsorship — the managers also face deep psychological wounds carried by the children from their past families. The mental health of the volunteer mothers also needs care and support. There are still many difficult issues in the village: harsh words, early sexual experiences, violence… and the global organization continues to seek ways to address them.

I only spent about 180 minutes in the village, yet I felt a heavy weight in my heart — sensing how deeply I resonated with the energy of this place.

Leaving the village, I felt truly moved by the generosity of the people working there. Day after day, they face the deep emotional scars of each resident, yet remain committed to nurturing life in the village.

Sending blessings to everyone in the village. A new week has begun.

Photo: Nguyễn Vũ Nhất Huy