Thiền

Thiền (Thiền Tông) is the Vietnamese form of the Chinese Chan school, known in the West as Zen.

This Buddhist tradition focuses on meditation and intuition to achieve enlightenment, being deeply influenced by Chinese roots, but developing distinctly in Vietnam, with historical schools such as Vinītaruci and Vô Ngôn Thông.

The school has evolved over the centuries, with older schools combining elements of thaumaturgy and asceticism.

Trúc Lâm. Founded by Emperor Trần Nhân Tông, this school integrated various lineages of Zen (Vinitaruci, Wu Yantong, and Tsao T'ang) and became a unique expression of Vietnamese Buddhism, emphasizing non-duality and daily life.

Thích Nhất Hạnh, a renowned Zen master, contributed significantly to popularizing mindfulness practices and "engaged Buddhism" worldwide.

Unlike other forms that may be strictly meditative, Thiền has often been described as a blend of ritual practices and engagement with the world, emphasizing that "the treasure is within."

Although Buddhism (including Thiền) is a significant religion in Vietnam, it often coexists with folk religion and ancestor worship.