Inspirational Quotes by Thich Thanh Tu (Vietnamese Zen Monk)

Thích Thanh Từ (b.1924,) originally Trạn Hửu Phước, is a Vietnamese Thiền (Zen) Buddhist monk known for reviving traditional Vietnamese Zen Buddhism and establishing monasteries across Vietnam.

Born in Cạn Thơ, Vietnam, he was raised in a Cao Đài family but later embraced Buddhism. At 25, he became a monk, dedicating himself to meditation and Buddhist teachings. In 1966, he secluded himself in meditation, developing his philosophy of Nothingness. His teachings emphasize recognizing false thoughts without attachment, a core principle of Vietnamese Zen.

Thích Thanh Từ founded several monasteries, including Thường ChiẾu Monastery (1974,) which became his organization’s headquarters in 1986. His revival of the Trúc Lâm Zen sect, originally established by King Trạn Nhân Tông (1258–1308,) has significantly influenced Vietnamese Buddhism.

Notable works include Bước Đạu Học Phật (2004; Beginning to Learn Buddhism,) introducing Buddhist principles; Keys to Buddhism (2011,) exploring Zen teachings; and Kinh Kim Cang Giảng Giải, a commentary on the Diamond Sutra.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Thich Thanh Tu