On September 30, Rest of World published a short article about Vietnamese monk Giac Minh Luat, who has become a viral sensation on TikTok. The 32-year-old monk has gained over 3.1 million followers in just two years by sharing relatable insights on life and relationships, often using Gen Z slang.

In one of his viral clips, Giac Minh Luat uses a popular Vietnamese drink to illustrate a point about love. “If you put too much milk in your coffee, it turns into bạc xỉu,” he says, referring to a sweet Vietnamese coffee drink. “In love, if one person gives too much, it’s no longer love.”

“Sacrifice is not a responsibility,” the monk concludes. The clip, posted in May 2024, has already amassed 2.6 million views.

According to Rest of World, Giac Minh Luat’s videos on family and relationships, which incorporate Gen Z slang and references to social media trends, have resonated with young people struggling with loneliness and anxiety.

In an interview with Rest of World, the monk shared, “I never expected my channel to become so popular.” His TikTok content is supported by a group of devoted Buddhist followers, who edit and condense his longer teachings into short, engaging videos tailored for young audiences.

For over a decade, YouTube had been the go-to platform for sharing Buddhist teachings with a large audience in Vietnam. However, as Chelsea Nguyen, a Buddhist scholar, explained to Rest of World, lengthy videos filled with religious terminology failed to attract younger viewers.

Rest of World highlighted how Giac Minh Luat’s approach involves delivering his message in just one to three sentences. In one of his TikTok clips, he advises, “Don’t worry about what others think of you. They’re too busy worrying about what you think of them.”

The monk’s relatable and modern take on life has made him a popular speaker, drawing crowds of up to 6,000 people at temples and even university lecture halls. According to Rest of World, Giac Minh Luat has optimized his teachings for TikTok by using concise, trendy language.

“My students who used to be distracted during my lectures are now more engaged, listening closely when I incorporate popular phrases they see on social media,” he told the publication.

While his unconventional methods have garnered criticism, Giac Minh Luat defends his approach: “I don’t teach young people how to love; I just encourage them to embrace challenges in love.” Currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology in Thailand, he sees discussing love and relationships as a way to help young people confront and overcome negativity in their lives.

“When negative thoughts consume you, you can’t focus on important and lasting things like education and family,” Giac Minh Luat told Rest of World.

In addition to his social media fame, the monk is the head of the Nhan Sinh charity club and the author of several books, including The Little Monk Phap Dang, If You Become a Monk, and Why So Much Suffering?. His teachings often feature trendy and modern phrases that appeal to younger audiences while maintaining their core message.

Luu Dinh Long