Mindful Morning – Happiness is the Way

Happiness is the Way: Cultivating Inner Joy and Outer Harmony with Tho Ha Vinh

In this Dharma talk, we will explore Thay’s profound teaching: There is no way to happiness — happiness is the way

We’ll reflect on how chasing happiness as a future goal often leads to suffering, while mindfulness helps us touch happiness in the present moment — through our breath, our presence, and our awareness.

Drawing on both Buddhist wisdom and the Gross National Happiness (GNH) perspective, we’ll explore happiness not only as an inner capacity but also as something supported by the conditions around us.

True well-being arises when there is balance between inner transformation — mindfulness, compassion, gratitude — and outer conditions — supportive relationships, meaningful work, and harmony with nature.

From a GNH view, happiness is a deep sense of connection: to oneself, to others, and to the Earth.

Through stories, reflection, and simple practices, this talk invites us to walk the path of happiness — not as a distant goal, but as a way of living, moment by moment.

On the first Sunday of every month, we offer a Morning of Mindfulness led by UK Lay Dharma Teachers, Members of the Order of Interbeing, Monastic Dharma Teachers and special guests.

The morning will typically include a guided meditation, followed by a talk or panel. After a short break, there will be an opportunity for Dharma sharing in groups.

Main image by Maria Baltazzi on Unsplash

Tho Ha Vinh

Dr Tho Ha Vinh is founder of the Eurasia Foundation and former Program Director of the GNH Centre Bhutan. He helped implement Gross National Happiness (GNH) globally and co-founded Tinh Truc Gia, an inclusive community in Vietnam.

A former ICRC trainer, he worked in conflict zones and developed GNH-based curricula. A Dharma Teacher in Thich Nhat Hanh’s tradition, he holds a PhD in Psychology and Education. His books include A Culture of Happiness.

Detailed Bio