NGOA VAN ZEN RETREAT: ILLUMINATING THE INNER LIGHT

"There are lamps that light the way, but there are also lamps that need to be lit to illuminate our own souls..."
Amidst the hustle and bustle of April days, when crowds are absorbed in lively travel plans, a quiet yet profound invitation awaits you. It is a journey back to yourself, back to the thousand-year sacred energy at the Ngoa Van Sanctuary in the special meditation retreat: "Lighting the Mind's Lamp".

Ngoa Van - Where the Light of Awakening Begins

In the consciousness of Vietnamese Buddhists, if Yen Tu is honored as the source of sacred energy, where Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong began his path of asceticism and seeking the Way; then Ngoa Van is the Sanctuary of ultimate fulfillment. This is the place marking the sacred moment when He entered Nirvana and attained Buddhahood.

Returning to Ngoa Van is not just a pilgrimage, but a return to a solid spiritual root. Standing amidst the myriad clouds of the sacred peak, you will feel the protective energy from our Ancestors, finding your heart remarkably light and peaceful.

Panoramic view of Ngoa Van Sanctuary hidden amidst the vast cloud-covered mountains

What you will receive on this "Return" journey

Touching the "Fulcrum" of Fulfillment

If Yen Tu is the starting point, then Ngoa Van is the destination of completeness - where Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong entered Nirvana and attained Buddhahood. Returning to Ngoa Van is not just for pilgrimage, but for you to bathe in the sacred energy of the Patriarchal Land, rediscovering a solid spiritual "root". When we have roots, our minds will naturally be at peace amidst the storms.

To light the "Mind's Lamp" yourself

We often seek external comfort, but the "Lighting the Mind's Lamp" meditation retreat helps you realize: The light of awakening is already within you. Under the guidance of Venerable Thich Chan Troi Tinh Khoi, through hours of sitting meditation amidst the clouds or warm cups of tea in the vast forest, you will learn how to kindle your inner light to illuminate and soothe long-held wounds.

The warm and solemn space of the meditation hall

Looking at life with eyes of compassion

The greatest reason for you to participate is transformation. You will not only bring home beautiful photos, but also "new eyes". Eyes that know how to look at life with tolerance, knowing how to love yourself and empathize with those around you. That is indeed the most sustainable healing medicine for daily life.

2-Day 1-Night Experience Schedule (April 25 - 26, 2026)

The journey is harmoniously designed between practice sessions and mindful rest:
- SATURDAY (APRIL 25) - Kindling the Mind's Lamp

• 06:00: Bus departs (Gathering point: No. 2 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi)
• 09:30 – 11:30: Dharma talk: "Kindling the Mind's Lamp"
• 11:30 – 12:30: Mindful macrobiotic lunch
• 12:30 – 13:30: Deep relaxation meditation (Lunch break)
• 14:00 – 15:00: Meditation practice
• 15:00 – 16:00: Q&A session
• 18:00: Dinner
• 19:30 – 21:00: Tea meditation (Connection and sharing)
• 21:30: Noble silence (Resting time) 

- SUNDAY (APRIL 26) - Looking at Life with Eyes of Compassion 

• 05:00: Waking the Sangha
• 05:30 – 07:00: Moving by cable car to pay homage to the Buddha – Sitting meditation on the sacred peak
• 07:30: Breakfast on the mountain – Sightseeing at Ngoa Van Sanctuary 
• 08:30: Descending the mountain
• 09:30: Dharma talk: "Looking at life with eyes of compassion"
• 10:30: Sharing and closing the meditation retreat
• 11:30 – 12:30: Lunch
• 13:00: Check-out – Ending the journey and returning

Venerable Thich Chan Troi Tinh Khoi leading the Dharma talk and guiding meditation 

Cost Information & Facilitation Policy

The Organizing Committee (OC) wishes to provide the best support for meditators through a transparent cost policy:
Retreat fee for 1 person (Including 8% VAT, accommodation, macrobiotic vegetarian meals, and operations):

• Full Package (2 days 1 night): 1,480,000 VND (with shuttle bus) | 980,000 VND (self-transport).
• Experience Package (1 day): 300,000 VND (one-way bus) | 200,000 VND (self-transport).

Registration

Because the accommodation space at the Zen Village is limited to ensure absolute tranquility, the OC will close the application once the quota of meditators is reached. If you have the affinity, please register using the information below:

• Official registration link: https://forms.gle/94wY2npRFnK44swM9
• Support hotline: 0333 191 080 - 0961 184 389 - 0937 641 080

The Organizing Committee respectfully invites you to temporarily put aside your busy life and return under the shade of the Ngoa Van Patriarchal Land to light the lamp of peace and relaxation.
See you at the sacred Sanctuary!