The 7-days Nhu Khong workshop, created and facilitated by Phan Y Ly using improvisational games, stands out as an innovative and transformative approach for individuals seeking to observe the formation of their body, mind, and emotions. This workshop provides a unique opportunity for participants to discover, in real time, the profound nature of emptiness, impermanence, nonself, and interdependence, ultimately leading to personal realization and liberation.

1. Innovation in Practice

Nhu Khong program is centered around spiritual practices and meditation training. However, instead of following traditional methods of teaching and practicing spirituality and meditation, which often involve more structured and formalized routines, Nhu Khong workshop integrates improvisational games.

Improvisational games are activities where participants must respond spontaneously and creatively to unexpected situations. These games can foster a sense of playfulness and creativity, and because they are often unpredictable, they can help individuals become more comfortable with uncertainty and change.

In the context of the Nhu Khong workshop, these games are used as tools to help participants observe and understand their internal states—thoughts, emotions, and reactions—in real-time. This novel approach adds a level of dynamism and engagement to the workshop that may not be present in more traditional spiritual or meditation practices.

This innovative method encourages participants to be more present and aware of their internal states, potentially leading to greater self-discovery and liberation. By using improvisational games, the Nhu Khong workshop is trying to make the process of spiritual practice and meditation more engaging, interactive, and dynamic, appealing to those who may not connect with more conventional methods.

2. Embracing the Emptiness Nature of the Mind:

One distinguishing feature of the workshop is its emphasis on embracing the emptiness nature of the mind while remaining fully engaged in completing tasks. This innovative approach challenges the dichotomy often perceived between mindfulness and external action. By integrating awareness of the mind’s emptiness within the context of active participation, participants can cultivate a profound understanding of the interplay between their inner experiences and external engagements.

In the workshop, participants have the opportunity to experientially discover that the mind is not inherently solid, fixed, or substantial. Through engaging in various games and activities, participants learn to embrace the empty nature of the mind. They come to recognize and accept the inherent openness and absence of a fixed identity within their mental experiences.

Meditation practices are often associated with being present and aware in a contemplative or focused state, detached from external activities. However, this workshop challenges the perception that meditation and external action are mutually exclusive or contradictory. It suggests that meditation can be integrated into daily activities, including work and tasks, without compromising deeper awareness.

The workshop aims to help participants cultivate an understanding of the interplay between their inner experiences (mindfulness, awareness) and their external engagements (tasks, actions). By integrating the recognition of the mind’s emptiness into their activities, participants can develop a profound understanding of how their inner state influences their external actions and vice versa.

3. Real-Time Discovery:

Through the improvisational games, participants have the opportunity to observe the formation and transformation of their body, mind, and emotions in real time. This direct experiential exploration enables them to see the impermanence, nonself, and interdependence of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.

They become aware of the continuous process of their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations unfolding moment by moment.

Such observations offer a deeper insight into the transient nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all things.

Through direct experiential exploration, participants gain insights into three fundamental aspects of their experiences:

   a. Impermanence: They come to understand that their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations are not fixed or permanent entities. Instead, they arise, change, and eventually pass away. This recognition of impermanence helps participants develop a more fluid and non-attached relationship with their experiences.

   b. Nonself: Participants also realize that their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations are not inherently owned or controlled by a fixed and separate self. They observe how these experiences arise due to various causes and conditions, without being under the control of a permanent and independent “self.”

   c. Interdependence: The observations made during the improvisational games highlight the interconnectedness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. They recognize that these aspects of their experience are deeply intertwined and influenced by each other, as well as by external factors. This understanding fosters a sense of interconnectedness with others and the world around them.

The insights gained from the real-time observations offer participants a deeper understanding of the temporary and ever-changing nature of existence. They realize that everything is in a constant state of flux, and there is an interplay between their internal experiences and the external world. This realization can lead to a greater sense of mindfulness, compassion, and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things.

Participants learn through direct action how to let go of rigid self-identities and attachments as they become aware of the impermanence and interdependence of their experiences. This process of self-realization can lead to a sense of liberation, freeing individuals from limiting beliefs and opening pathways to personal realisation and fulfillment.

4. Embodied experience:

The Nhu Khong workshop aims to provide participants with a direct, experiential understanding of the insights gained through the practices and activities. Rather than merely discussing or conceptualizing these insights, the workshop offers tangible and embodied experiences that allow participants to deeply feel and internalize the teachings.

Throughout the workshop, participants are actively engaged in various practices, games, and activities that allow them to directly experience the principles and concepts being taught. Instead of relying solely on intellectual understanding, the emphasis is placed on creating opportunities for participants to engage their senses, emotions, and physical bodies in the learning process.

By engaging in these tangible and embodied experiences, participants have the chance to develop a more holistic understanding of the teachings. They can feel the impact of these insights on a visceral level, rather than solely relying on conceptual comprehension. This experiential approach helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing participants to integrate the teachings into their daily lives in a more natural and transformative way.

Reviews from participants showed that the workshop cultivates a profound and lasting impact, enabling participants to embody and apply these teachings in their personal lives beyond the workshop setting.

5. Authentically personalised

The Nhu Khong workshop is designed to provide an authentic and personalized experience for each participant.

One of the defining features of the Nhu Khong workshop is its ability to create a safe and inclusive space. This environment allows participants to explore and express themselves authentically without fear of judgment or criticism. The facilitators skillfully guide the workshop, adapting the activities and practices to accommodate the diverse backgrounds, intentions, and levels of experience within the group.

Recognizing that each participant has their own unique starting point, challenges, and aspirations, the Nhu Khong workshop tailors its content to meet individual needs. The facilitators offer personalized guidance and support, ensuring that everyone can engage meaningfully with the material and make progress on their spiritual journey.

The workshop also encourages participants to reflect on their personal experiences and insights. Through introspective practices and thoughtful discussions, individuals have the opportunity to delve into their own spiritual exploration and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. This reflective aspect of the workshop allows for customization, as participants can focus on the areas that resonate most with their individual journeys.

Furthermore, improvisational games integrated into the Nhu Khong workshop provide a playful and interactive platform for participants to tap into their creativity, intuition, and inner wisdom. By engaging in these games, individuals can explore different perspectives, experiment with new ways of thinking and being, and adapt the experience to their unique needs.

6. Universal Accessibility:

Nhu Khong workshop is a highly inclusive and suitable approach for individuals of different ages, genders, and belief systems. Its adaptability and universal nature make it accessible to a wide range of participants.

Regardless of age, the workshop offers a transformative learning experience. For younger participants, it provides a playful and interactive platform for self-discovery and personal growth. They can explore the concepts of impermanence, nonself, and interdependence in a dynamic and engaging manner, fostering creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking skills.

Similarly, for adults of all genders, the workshop offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection, introspection, and applied mindfulness. The improvisational games act as catalysts for deep insights and self-awareness, allowing participants to observe their thoughts and mental processes irrespective of their gender identity. This inclusive environment encourages individuals to embrace their authentic selves and develop a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings.

The concepts explored, such as impermanence, nonself, and interdependence, resonate with various spiritual and philosophical traditions. The experiential nature of the workshop enables participants to relate these concepts to their own belief systems, fostering a deeper connection to their spiritual practices or personal philosophies. The emphasis on observing the mind and embracing emptiness transcends specific religious or cultural backgrounds, making it accessible to individuals with different faiths.

The adaptability and universal nature of the approach ensure that everyone can benefit from the transformative experience it offers. By participating in this workshop, different individuals can deepen their understanding of themselves, their relationships, and the profound truths that underpin human existence.

If you are interested in organizing or participating in the workshop, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to us via email at lienhe.la@gmail.com. Whether you have questions about the workshop, want to inquire about available dates and locations, or would like to discuss specific details, our team is ready to assist you.