Vietnam, the simple joy of the moment

Under the conical hat, the olive face was smiling softly, and her hands were stubborn to hide her trembling. Only the eyes, still wet, spoke without words about the lesson of survival, managing to convey emotions without the look being accompanied by voice ... The basket slid on the channels bounded by a dense coconut forest, while we were experiencing simple but intense joy.

When I was planning a trip to Vietnam, I knew very little about the culture, way of life or pre-war history. Instead, I knew about war, about people sent to re-education camps, about beaten, tortured and imprisoned activists, about strongly restricted religious freedom. Today, we know that Vietnam is a country, not just a war, a quiet place where calm, joy, compassion and solidarity reign. We are still practicing the simple, but profound, teachings of the most influential Buddhist monk after the Dalai Lama- Thich Nhat Hanh, who played an active role in promoting peace in the war years, and now, at the age of 93, spends his last years. years of his life in the pagoda in Vietnam where he was ordained almost eight decades ago. Combining mindfulness with social change, the monk who has attracted attention in the West encourages us to live today and teaches us how important it is to be positive and optimistic, giving your daily activities a cheerful note.

We watched the daily activities of the Vietnamese discreetly and found that they are always present, focusing on each activity, however insignificant it seems to be. We walked for hours among the rice fields of bright green, through the markets or on the streets, following the conical hats of the locals. They are extremely hardworking and benevolent!

We watched them as they spread offerings on the river because they do not need sumptuous holidays to express their gratitude. Other times, attracted by the swirls of scented smoke, we surprised them as they lit the incense, always an odd number, millennial, sacred, practiced both at home and in temples or pagodas. Next to incense, a few fresh flowers or fruits are more than enough. For the Vietnamese, the incense connects the earth and the sky. What could be more mystical than the swirls of scented smoke lifting prayers to heights?

In Vietnam, we understood what it means to be truly hospitable. The Vietnamese chose to be friendly, which is due to the way they greet and treat their friends and visitors. Whether they were taxi drivers, street vendors or hotel managers, we enjoyed a warm welcome and a good stay as nowhere else.

The Vietnamese have great national pride. For them, nothing is more valuable than independence and freedom. The war did not make them brutal and combative, but friendly and hospitable, because they understand the value of peace. In fact, they are really warriors in wars, but extremely gentle and peaceful citizens in peacetime. They are willing to fight any enemy, but they can make friends when the wars are over. Friendship is highly appreciated. Therefore, in Vietnam there is a popular claim that neighbors are far more important than distant relatives.

If Vietnam is not the definition of perfection, then I don't know what it is.

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