Coffee Meetup and Dialogue: Ecological Mindfulness - A Buddhist Approach to Environmental Protection

On the afternoon of October 25, 2026, the program Coffee Meetup and Dialogue - Ly-Tran Culture Topic will take place in Hanoi with the theme "Ecological Mindfulness: A Buddhist Approach to Environmental Protection," offering an interdisciplinary perspective on the relationship between human awareness, behavior, and environmental responsibility.

When awareness of environmental crisis grows, yet behavioral change remains slow

Climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and resource crises are increasingly evident through scientific data and daily life practices. However, a question remains: Why do people have more and more information about environmental issues, yet changes in awareness and behavior happen slowly?

This is also the central question of the talk "Ecological Mindfulness: A Buddhist Approach to Environmental Protection," shared by Dr. Bui Thi Thanh Huong and moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Thi Thu Ha.

Instead of approaching environmental issues solely from a technological or policy perspective, the topic expands the discussion to human awareness and psychology—factors that can determine how each individual perceives and acts in the face of ecological issues.

Three perspectives on the relationship between humans and the environment

The content of the sharing session focuses on three analytical frameworks.

First is the philosophy of Dependent Origination, through which the relationship between humans and nature is viewed in terms of interdependence. Humans do not exist separately from the ecosystem; rather, they are constantly influenced by and simultaneously impact their living environment.

Second is Consciousness-Only (Vijnaptimatra), used to gain a deeper understanding of how awareness is formed and transformed into behavior. From this perspective, changing behavior regarding environmental issues is not merely a matter of providing more information, but is also related to habits, perceptions, and patterns formed within each individual.

Finally, the image of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong and the spirit of "living in the secular world while finding joy in the Way" (cu tran lac dao). This serves as a connection to Vietnamese cultural heritage, suggesting a perspective on a mindful life that remains fully engaged with society and practical reality.

From these three perspectives, the topic raises a question for environmental protection: sustainable change does not only begin with external solutions, but can also start from a shift in awareness and how humans live with their surrounding environment.

From environmental education to "ecological mindfulness"

The speaker of the program, Dr. Bui Thi Thanh Huong, is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Vietnam National University - Interdisciplinary Science and Arts, and the Founder/CEO of VNU Greentech Spin-off.

Dr. Thanh Huong specializes in environmental education and communication, with research focused on waste management and the circular economy. Alongside research, she also participates in innovation activities and the development of solutions related to green technology and ecological education.

A recurring question throughout her research and practical journey is: How can humans genuinely change their awareness and behavior in the face of environmental crisis, rather than just knowing more about the problem?

From this very question, interdisciplinary perspectives such as philosophy and Buddhism are introduced into the dialogue as a complementary approach to environmental science.

Program Information

Coffee Meetup and Dialogue – Ly-Tran Culture Topic

Theme: Ecological Mindfulness: A Buddhist Approach to Environmental Protection
Speaker: Dr. Bui Thi Thanh Huong
Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Thi Thu Ha
Time: Sunday afternoon, 25/10/2026

• 14:00: Welcoming guests
• 15:00: Program begins

Location: Hanoi Saturday Coffee Event Room, Shophouse 09 Park 1, Times City, 458 Minh Khai, Vinh Tuy Ward, Hanoi.

The program is part of the activities of Saturday Coffee, a non-profit project founded and operated by musician Duong Thu in cooperation with Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee Group.

Saturday Coffee programs are ticket-free and free to attend. Attendees are kindly requested to order and pay for beverages according to the cafe's menu before entering the event.

Attendance Guide

Motorbikes can be parked in the Park 2 basement, floor B1; cars in basement B2. Then proceed to column C09, next to door sign P01 (Zone A, apartment 10-17), where cafe staff will guide guests to the event area.

Support Hotline: 0346 426 899 / 0917 584 638

Interested guests can join the Hanoi Saturday Coffee Zalo group to stay updated on upcoming programs:   Here 

An environmental dialogue starting from humanity itself

Environmental protection is often discussed in terms of emission figures, new technologies, or carbon reduction targets. But behind every solution remain humans—the creators of the problem, the choosers of behaviors, and the decision-makers on whether changes will be sustained.

With an approach connecting environmental science, education, philosophy, and Buddhist thought, "Ecological Mindfulness" opens up a conversation on a familiar yet challenging question: To change how we treat the environment, must we begin with how we perceive ourselves in relationship with nature?