About Hau
Born in Vietnam during the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Hau witnessed firsthand the suffering caused by injuries and illnesses, which sparked his lifelong commitment to helping others through medicine. His family's immigration to Boston during his teenage years led him to pursue higher education at Boston University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. With his love for fixing broken things, either toys or bicycles, or patching up some clothes, coupled with his passion for science, Hau gravitated toward surgery despite initially considering psychiatry during his medical school rotations. Beyond his medical interests, Hau has always been fascinated by the workings of the mind, dedicating his spare time to studying psychology, philosophy, and religion—a practice he continues today.
After completing his training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Hau pursued a pediatric surgery fellowship at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). He subsequently relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, joining the University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty, where he focused on pediatric cancer clinical work while developing novel cancer therapies in his laboratory research.
Despite achieving professional success on the academic path, Hau experienced a growing sense of dissatisfaction. Even with a rewarding career, engaging research, healthy lifestyle, and loving family, he felt an inexplicable emptiness that deepened over time. Initially dismissing these feelings as normal life stress, he eventually recognized a deeper underlying cause that required attention. Drawing on his scientific background and interest in psychology and spirituality, Hau embarked on a journey of self-discovery, committing himself to thorough investigation, extensive reading, and personal re-education focused on understanding the mind and its relationship with the body and society.
Hau integrated meditation into his daily routine, approaching mental and spiritual wellness with the same discipline he applied in laboratory research. By testing various meditation techniques and teachings in his everyday life, he gradually developed deeper insight into his mind's workings, identifying the sources of his emotions and seeing the role of the mind in this universe. This practice, combined with his broad experience in life, his dedication to physical health, and expertise in medical research and practice, transformed all aspects of his life—from professional interactions to family relationships—while helping him discover his true purpose. He learned to be free from material, social, and even spiritual attachments, finding clarity that brought joy, happiness, and renewed energy.
Recognizing the profound interconnection between mind, body, and our relationships with others and the world, Hau developed what he calls "the foundation of happiness"—a framework for building a happy and fulfilling life. Having witnessed its positive impact on himself, his family, students, friends, and anyone he interacts with, he now feels compelled to share his experiences and teachings with a broader audience, hoping to help others find their happiness.