Modernizing Zen Alternatively: Plum Village and Bamboo Grove’s Teachings of “Authentic” Buddhism

Like many Buddhists across Asia, Vietnamese Buddhists have long focused on accumulating merit and engaging in devotional practices. In present-day Vietnam, there is also a growing presence of meditation-based Buddhist schools that deserve attention in academia. This article compares two influential Vietnamese Buddhist figures, Thích Nhất Hạnh (1926−2022) and Thích Thanh Từ (1924−), and the two traditions they created. Although both grew up in Vietnam during French colonization and the conflict between the North and the South, their Buddhist paths are distinct. Làng Mai was established by Hạnh in the West and then “imported” to Vietnam, while Trúc Lâm was established by Từ in Southern Vietnam and subsequently “exported” to the West. This article primarily compares the teachings of the two traditions to demonstrate how they are similar yet distinct in many respects, despite being formed within the same religious and socio-political circumstances.