THE CONCEPT OF “NHÀN” IN LÊ HỮU TRÁC AND ITS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Hải Thượng Lãn Ông – Lê Hữu Trác is recognized not merely as a celebrated physician but also as a major thinker of the 18th century. One of the most notable viewpoints expressing his distinctive philosophy of life is the concept of “nhàn” (leisure/serenity), encompassing notions of “lãn” (laziness/indolence) and “lười” (idleness). Based on an examination of his seminal works, such as Thượng Kinh Ký Sự (Records of the Imperial Capital) and Hải Thượng Y Tông Tâm Lĩnh, this article clarifies that “nhàn” is not merely a tranquil, reclusive lifestyle, but rather a reflective philosophical choice—to abandon fame and power to preserve moral integrity, to nurture the body (dưỡng thân) for the sake of cultivating the mind (dưỡng tâm), and to practice medicine as a humanitarian mission. Utilizing a comprehensive, historically specific approach, combined with textual analysis (phương pháp văn bản học) and analysis–synthesis, this article contributes to a profound elucidation of a philosophical nucleus within the traditional Vietnamese intellectual heritage. In practical terms, Lê Hữu Trác’s concept of “nhàn” serves as an important reminder for modern individuals to slow down, maintain the balance between body and mind (thân – tâm), and return to the core values of character, ethics, and compassion.