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| A week-long retreat is a time when teenagers say no to their phones. |
Throughout the province, there are over 200 temples, serving as religious and spiritual spaces for the people, and also regularly hosting meaningful activities such as summer retreats for children and teenagers. Each year, the Provincial Buddhist Association organizes 10 to 15 summer retreats at temples such as Tang Luong Temple (Van Phu Commune), Binh Dinh Temple (La Bang Commune), Huong Temple (Linh Son Ward), Thuan Luong Temple (Bach Quang Ward), etc. These retreats are gradually becoming a special environment for character education , instilling in children the seeds of gratitude, sharing, and a virtuous way of life.
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| Nun Thich Nhuan Thuy accompanies children in summer retreats. |
In modern society, where many families face work pressures and children tend to spend more time on smartphones, social media, and online games, living in a tranquil environment at a Buddhist temple offers a completely different experience. There, children wake up early, exercise, meditate, eat mindfully, participate in group work, and take care of themselves. These seemingly simple activities are invaluable lessons in independence, discipline, and responsibility. They participate in thematic sessions on filial piety, family love, interpersonal skills, emotional control, and overcoming academic pressure. Simple yet profound stories about the gratitude owed to parents and the meaning of thankfulness deeply moved many participants.
Nun Thich Nhuan Thuy, Head of the Social Charity Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Association in Thai Nguyen province, shared: “We don't aim to train the children to become devout Buddhists, but rather to help them become filial children, good citizens, and responsible individuals. Each retreat is an opportunity for them to cultivate morality, learn to love, and live for the community.”
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| The candle-lighting ceremony evokes feelings of gratitude and filial piety in the children. |
Besides activities with a Buddhist theme, the retreat also included a variety of activities relevant to young people, such as: performing arts, group games, community service, tree planting, environmental protection, and charitable programs aimed at the community. This rich series of activities not only created a joyful and lively atmosphere but also helped the children develop life skills, foster teamwork, learn to share, live more responsibly, and gradually spread positive values to their families and society.
Nguyen Hoang Nam, from group 101, Phan Dinh Phung ward, expressed his pride after a week participating in the summer retreat at Tang Luong Pagoda, Van Phu commune: "Before, I used to use my phone a lot and rarely helped my parents with housework. At the pagoda, I learned how to live independently, wash my own clothes, clean my room, and participate in labor with my friends. What moved me most was the talk about the gratitude I owe my parents. I cried when I thought about the sacrifices my parents have made for me."
The lesson is not in the book.
In today's interconnected world, filled with countless temptations, summer retreats offer a much-needed respite for young people to reflect on themselves. Instead of spending hours browsing social media, these retreats encourage direct conversation and interaction, fostering genuine relationships. Meditation sessions under the shade of trees, moments spent listening to the temple bells, and shared experiences have helped many find inner peace.
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| Summer retreats – places where seeds of gratitude, sharing, and a virtuous way of life are sown in the hearts of children. |
In particular, programs like "A Rose Pinned to the Lapel," "Gratitude to Parents," and "Lighting Candles of Love" are always the most emotionally impactful. Many children have burst into tears when they write letters to their parents or express their gratitude to their loved ones for the first time.
Ms. Phung Thu Minh, from Tan Huong residential area, Linh Son ward, was surprised by the noticeable change in her child. She said: “After participating in the summer retreat at Binh Dinh Pagoda in La Bang commune, I noticed that my child is more well-behaved, more self-motivated to help parents with household chores, uses the phone less, and especially knows how to say thank you and sorry very naturally. The family can feel the child's maturity after only a short time participating in the summer retreat.”
Recognizing the positive changes brought about by summer retreats in recent years, the Vietnam Buddhist Association of Thai Nguyen province continues to identify this as one of the key activities in guiding young people to cultivate morality and develop life skills. In a conversation with us about the meditation retreats, Venerable Thich Chuc Tiep, a member of the Central Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Deputy Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Thai Nguyen province, said: “In the coming time, monastic institutions in the area will gradually improve the quality of their organization, innovate content in a practical direction, closer to the lives of young people, harmoniously combining study, experience, and skill development. The Thai Nguyen Provincial Buddhist Sangha also aims to expand activities connecting religion with life, strengthen charitable programs, social welfare, environmental protection, and community engagement. Through this, we will not only contribute to spreading humanitarian values but also affirm the role of Buddhism in educating the younger generation to live responsibly, to know how to love, share, and do good.”
Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202606/gieo-hat-thien-lanh-tu-nhung-khoa-tu-b6a2664/
