Vegetarianism nourishes a good heart

Vegetarian restaurants often focus on creating balanced and attractive menus to attract customers.

The beauty of Vu Lan season

On the first and fifteenth day of every month and especially during the Vu Lan month (the seventh lunar month), I often visit a vegetarian restaurant or cook a few simple vegetarian dishes to calm my mind. Sitting in front of a simple vegetarian meal with green vegetables, tofu, and fresh mushrooms that are sweet on the tip of my tongue, I realize that my taste buds suddenly feel the flavors of life more clearly, gentle yet profound.

According to Buddhists, vegetarianism is a choice that comes from compassion: compassion for oneself, compassion for all living beings. By limiting meat and fish, we reduce the torment of life; by delaying harmful actions, we sow a seed of goodness in the world.

That compassion is not grand but exists in everyday life: in every bite of vegetarian food, every peaceful breath, every bit of lightness of heart. In the hustle and bustle, vegetarian restaurants open up a quiet space to feel and be grateful - grateful for the gifts of heaven and earth, grateful for the body that lives in every peaceful breath.

The seventh lunar month is considered the time to “pardon the dead and show gratitude to the living”. In Vietnamese cultural tradition, Vu Lan is an occasion to remember ancestors, pray for the deceased, and an occasion for every family to love and look back at themselves.

Being vegetarian this month is not simply about stopping eating meat and fish, but rather a journey of meditation, looking inward, and finding connection with one’s roots and the deceased. In particular, many people also choose to be vegetarian during Vu Lan season as a way to show respect.

Ms. Vu Thu Trang, in Gia Sang ward, shared: Although I am not a vegetarian, every Vu Lan season, I am urged to think about reducing meat and fish in my diet. Through being a vegetarian, I understand more deeply the meaning of gratitude towards my parents. Being a vegetarian at that time was like a promise to myself, to live a better life to repay my parents' upbringing.

During Vu Lan season, many people proactively prepare and practice vegetarianism as a way to return to their roots and remember their parents' gratitude.

Ms. Bui Thi Bich Phuong, owner of a vegetarian restaurant in Phan Dinh Phung ward, said: Normally, during Vu Lan season, the number of customers coming to the restaurant doubles compared to other months of the year. As a vegetarian, I focus on creating a balanced nutritional menu, from starch, vegetable protein, healthy fats to vegetables and fruits. The important thing is to innovate the dishes so that customers do not get bored.

More than just food

Nowadays, vegetarian dishes are often prepared quite elaborately and attractively.

Not only limited to the spiritual aspect, vegetarianism is now also seen as a healthy lifestyle trend. Many people seek out the quiet, peaceful space of vegetarian restaurants to have moments of relaxation and peace of mind. For them, vegetarianism can be a way to keep the fire in their soul bright and their mind calm. This helps many people have more inspiration for a healthy lifestyle in their journey of taking care of their health.

In recent years, in Thai Nguyen, there are many vegetarian restaurants that have been invested in, attracting many diners, from simple small corners to innovative restaurants; some vegetarian restaurants combine a light meditation space, Buddhist music , each lamp displayed on the table and the scent of incense evoking spiritual values, such as: Buong Vegan Restaurant, Chay Sen 20 Coffee, Chay Que, Vien Tam Quan...

“I go to vegetarian restaurants to rest my soul, and being vegetarian is also a way for me to balance my nutrition and ensure my health. A vegetarian meal makes my heart light, my soul relaxed, and at ease after the worries of life.” - Ms. Nguyen Thuy Hang, Quyet Thang ward shared.

Ms. Hoang Thu Hai, Phan Dinh Phung Ward, said: On the first and fifteenth of each lunar month, I often invite my children to enjoy vegetarian dishes. My children also love them. The food is not only delicious, but through vegetarianism, I want to educate my children to choose a more responsible lifestyle towards the environment.

According to our research, vegetarian restaurants are increasingly popular for many reasons, including busy and stressful lives that make many people want to find a quiet place to enjoy light, frugal food. Moreover, according to many nutritionists, a balanced vegetarian meal rich in vegetables, grains, and vegetable protein helps reduce cholesterol, stabilize blood pressure, and benefit the intestines.

Meanwhile, a compassionate vegetarian diet trains us to be patient, calm, and have a healthy attitude towards life. Some vegetarian restaurants also serve herbal teas, lotus tea, and chrysanthemum tea to help diners feel more relaxed and clear-minded.

Vegetarian restaurants today attract many young people.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, director of a small business, shared: Being vegetarian helps me digest better and sleep better, especially during times of high work pressure. I choose the restaurant not only because of the delicious food, but also because of the emotional space.

In Thai Nguyen, when vegetarian restaurants are gradually opening on many street corners, it is not only a sign of a new culinary trend, but also a manifestation of many people gradually learning to love themselves, learning to find their way back to the gentle breath of filial piety. Let each grain of vegetarian rice, each sip of lotus tea, each minute of silence at the Zen gate become a word of gratitude, a vein of gold that nourishes the soul. This Vu Lan, let's be vegetarian together, so that love can arise and filial piety can blossom in each person's heart.