TEA TALK WITH TT. THÍCH GIÁC NGUYÊN: UNVEILING THE WORD “DIỆU” FROM WITHIN

Amid the busy rhythm and constant flux of modern life, people often search for something extraordinary in distant places, sometimes forgetting that the truly wondrous is already present in each ordinary moment of everyday life.

On the afternoon of June 19, 2026 (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month), a special tea talk themed “DIỆU – TỪ TÂM KHAI MỞ” took place in the serene space of Diệu Tướng Am, featuring insights shared by Venerable Giác Nguyên (Venerable Toại Khanh).

As one of the leading scholars of Theravāda Buddhism in Vietnam, well-versed in the ancient Pāli language and a translator of numerous valuable Buddhist scriptures and treatises, Venerable Giác Nguyên has long been beloved by Buddhist followers for his simple, practical, and deeply wise way of teaching. His presence at this tea talk brought great emotional resonance and meaningful value to all who attended.

WHEN “DIỆU” IS FOUND IN THE MOST ORDINARY THINGS

Throughout the tea talk, Venerable Giác Nguyên did not approach the word “Diệu” as some distant, abstract concept, but instead opened a more intimate perspective—showing how the wondrous is already present within everyday life.

Moving from everyday stories to profound principles of the Dharma, the Venerable invited listeners to view life through the wisdom of dependent origination and impermanence. Within this very flow of existence, “Diệu” reveals itself as a deep capacity for insight into life—one that teaches us to live more lightly, to understand more deeply, and to hold greater compassion for ourselves and for others.

This theme holds special meaning for Diệu Tướng Am. Here, “Diệu” is not merely outward beauty or aesthetic value, but a beauty that arises from a sincere heart, the seed of goodness, and the innate compassion within every person.

INTIMATE INSIGHTS FOR A LIFE OF PRACTICE

Alongside these reflections on the word “Diệu,” the exchange and Q&A session between Venerable Giác Nguyên and the attendees also drew great interest.

From questions about the practice of spiritual cultivation to the ever-changing flow of life, the Venerable addressed each one in simple yet profound language. Beyond imparting Buddhist knowledge, his words offered practical guidance that attendees could carry into their daily lives.

SPREADING GOODNESS TO THE COMMUNITY

After the tea talk, guests took time to explore the space of Diệu Tướng Am and continue their conversations in an atmosphere of joy and warmth.

Notably, during the closing exchange, Venerable Giác Nguyên offered heartfelt words of recognition for the efforts of organizations such as Diệu Tướng Am—acknowledging their role as a bridge that helps spread meaningful values to the community, carried out with a spirit of care and responsibility in their craft.

The Venerable’s encouraging words were not only a cherished acknowledgment for the entire Diệu Tướng Am team, but also a source of inspiration for Diệu Tướng Am to continue steadfastly on its journey of serving the community with sincerity and dedication.

As the tea talk drew to a close, what remained was not only Buddhist teachings or thought-provoking stories, but also the gentle feeling of an afternoon spent together in listening and quiet reflection. As in the verses once written by Venerable Giác Nguyên:

"Two thousand years since the World-Honored One passed from sight,

Yet his ancient teachings still echo today.

Though but a handful of leaves in hand,

They still hold whole the wisdom-life of the Tathāgata across three lifetimes."

Perhaps it is gatherings such as this one that continue to preserve, carry forward, and spread these values into life today.

The tea talk “DIỆU – TỪ TÂM KHAI MỞ” came to a joyful close, marking the opening milestone for a series of events under the name “Diệu” by Diệu Tướng Am—a journey dedicated to connecting and spreading cultural, intellectual, and Buddhist spiritual values within contemporary life.