Buddhist Moral Education Through Retreat Programs and Lifestyle Awareness Among University Students in Hanoi

Abstract

Vietnamese university students are experiencing profound moral and psychological challenges amid rapid urbanization, globalization, and digital transformation. While higher education institutions increasingly prioritize technical competencies and employability, moral education and character formation remain underdeveloped. In response, Buddhist institutions across Vietnam have expanded retreat programs designed specifically for young people, offering a form of non-formal moral education grounded in Buddhist ethical philosophy and contemplative practice. This study examines how Buddhist moral education delivered through retreat programs influences lifestyle awareness among university students in Hanoi. Using a mixed-methods design combining survey data (N = 200) and in-depth interviews, the research analyzes the relationships between core Buddhist ethical dimensions (mindfulness, compassion, non-harming, ethical reflection, and filial piety) and students’ lifestyle orientations, including self-discipline, emotional regulation, sustainable consumption, and social responsibility. Findings indicate that participation in retreats significantly enhances students’ ethical awareness and contributes to positive lifestyle transformation. Compassion is the strongest predictor of prosocial behavior, while mindfulness serves as a key regulatory mechanism shaping ethical decision-making. The study conceptualizes Buddhist retreats as an effective model of non-formal moral education and contributes empirical evidence to interdisciplinary scholarship on religion, education, and youth development in contemporary Vietnam.