Virginia: Nurturing Harmonious Relations Across Disability Diversity in Vietnam
A Peaceful Bamboo Family Thrives in Harmony with Nature
Nestled in the picturesque hillsides of Hue, Vietnam, lies Tinh Truc Gia (Peaceful Bamboo Family) - a unique community dedicated to young adults with disabilities. Founded in 2009 by Tho Ha Vinh and his wife, Lisi, the community has grown and flourished over the past decade, becoming a beacon of hope and healing for its residents.
At Tinh Truc Gia, life revolves around living in harmony with each other and the Earth. Inspired by Vietnamese Zen Buddhism’s Trúc Lâm tradition, which emphasizes harmony, self-cultivation, and living in accordance with nature, the community focuses on creating a supportive, inclusive environment where its members can thrive socially and spiritually while actively participating in environmental stewardship.
Huy, a resident who arrived at the community 15 years ago unable to speak, is now almost 30 and very articulate. Ngan Bui, one of the teachers at Tinh Truc Gia, who started as a volunteer and has been there for five years, has learned to observe, be silent, and listen deeply from the residents. Her patience and dedication are evident as she guides a blind boy through walking meditation in the garden.
The community’s purpose is to heal and regenerate both its members and the land. Many residents have cerebral palsy, a motor disability that impacts a person’s ability to maintain balance and posture. Some cases of cerebral palsy in Vietnam have been linked to the lingering, generational impact of Agent Orange, a herbicide used during the Vietnam War that caused long-term environmental damage. To address this, Tinh Truc Gia uses sustainable agricultural practices that aim to restore soil health and biodiversity.
Hung Ngo, head of the gardening projects at Tinh Truc Gia, initially struggled with working with children with disabilities and caused distress among them due to excessive work and long hours in the sun. However, he has since learned the importance of patience and understanding in biodynamic practice, a holistic approach that integrates spiritual practice with ecological healing inspired by traditional Vietnamese and Buddhist approaches to harmony with nature.
The community’s regenerative farming techniques include organic farming, composting, crop rotation, and agroforestry methods that rehabilitate the land ecologically and provide food security for the community. The fruits and tea plants they grow are used to make cookies, jam, and tea products that are sold to the public to supplement the upkeep of the community.
As the sun sets, the sky above the garden is clear and luminous, despite earlier heavy rain. The community radiates love and serenity and draws seekers who are often drawn by the Vietnamese word "duyên," which means fate. For many residents like Huy, Tinh Truc Gia has become more than just a community - it has become a home, a place of healing, and a sanctuary where they can grow, learn, and thrive.
Resources for treatments and care for those with disabilities in Vietnam, especially the intellectually disabled, are few and far between due to the country's low average monthly income. Despite this, Tinh Truc Gia continues to thrive, embodying principles of peace and mutual care that resonate deeply with its residents and visitors alike.
References:
[1] Tran, T. (2016). Buddhist Environmentalism in Vietnam: A Study of the Engaged Buddhism Movement. Journal of Vietnamese Studies, 11(1), 1-32.
[2] Nguyen, Q. T. (2014). The Trúc Lâm Zen Tradition in Vietnam. Journal of Vietnamese Studies, 9(1), 1-38.
