BIG TEMPLE – BIG BUDDHA

One peaceful afternoon, August 14th, 2024

Lately, she’s been frequently visiting the hospital to "consult" with the doctor, and I can’t help recalling a verse from the Dhammapada that I once heard:

 

"Evil deeds done by the fool,

Like milk, do not turn right away,

But smolder and burn deep within,

Like fire buried under ashes"

(Dhammapada - The Fool, verse 71)

 

 

But what’s more intriguing is the story she shared while at the hospital. As she was sitting, waiting for her turn, she overheard a man complaining, “Temples nowadays are so wealthy, they build big, make big Buddhas.” And then a stream of negativity poured out from him like a flood. She took a deep breath and gently responded, "Uncle, I heard you mention that temples are rich now, especially how Hoang Pháp Temple has grown so big and wealthy. But have you seen everything in its entirety, objectively? Because I myself work in the medical field, and being a ‘materialist type,’ I want to share my objective perspective on this topic of ‘Big Temples – Big Buddhas.’”

 

 

"For instance, Hoang Phap Temple, when I first visited it more than 20 years ago with my mom, it wasn’t built with as many facilities as it is now. But as I understand, due to the increasing number of people wanting to study Buddhism, the temple had to expand to accommodate everyone. Back then, the summer retreat was organized twice a year, with over 4,000 participants per session, and the temple couldn’t take in any more due to lack of space. The One-Week Retreats attract thousands of practitioners four or five times annually. The One-Day retreats each month absorb several thousand participants. There are countless retreats and ceremonies that I can’t even list them all. That’s why there is so much construction. Additionally, all these retreats are completely free of charge—no fees for parking or sanitation, and free meals for thousands of people. Books, scriptures, and pictures are given away at no cost. Everything is free. The canteen and other services the temple provides are just to meet the needs of Buddhists, and the reasonable prices or any profits go into funds that support the education of monks and nuns, as well as help underprivileged students.”

 

 

At this point, she felt her heart tighten. She didn’t believe that anyone could be so generous without expecting something in return. But after spending time learning at Hoang Phap Temple and witnessing firsthand, hearing, and feeling the immense benefits, she realized how real it was—100% true from an objective point of view. Buddhism is a path of truth.

 

 

“There’s so much more; for example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the temple bought hundreds of tons of rice, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and fruits to donate to local communes in Hoc Mon district. Even more significantly, they risked their lives to deliver these gifts to homes and quarantine zones. If you were in this area, you would have met those who received these gifts. After the pandemic, the temple didn’t rest; it continued organizing retreats and propagating the Dharma. Hundreds of thousands of gifts were sent to children during the Mid-Autumn Festival and to areas affected by storms and floods. They also supported rice and spices for the Green Summer volunteer campaigns. There’s so much more I can’t even recount.

 

 

And as for the temple's vehicles, Sir, let me tell you—there are a few old cars nearing the end of their life. Sitting in them feels like riding a horse over the highlands—quite an experience! I’ve ridden in one while delivering gifts. As for the food at the temple, it’s simple and humble. Every morning, it’s just boiled vegetables and a stewed dish. Occasionally, we’re treated to noodles or banh canh, which is a real treat. Anyone who’s ever stayed overnight or volunteered at the temple would know. Even when there’s a special offering, the food is only a bit nicer, nothing fancy.”

 

 

She paused her story and said goodbye to the man to go see the doctor. It wasn’t about defending the temple, but simply sharing what she knew to help the man see things more clearly. Because when we don’t understand something well but speak from our subjective view, we inadvertently cause harm to ourselves and others, potentially destroying the virtuous seeds within beings. Oh, the karma from this—this is worse than raising a person! Just teaching someone wrongly harms a generation, but in this case, it leads to endless suffering across lifetimes.

 

"The night is long for the sleepless,

The road is long for the weary,

Samsara is endless for the foolish,

Who do not know the true Dharma"

(Dhammapada - The Fool, verse 60)

 

 

I hope everyone takes responsibility for their words, actions, and maintains an objective view in all matters.

Respectfully

Phước Huệ 

Translated into English by Nguyen Thi Mai Thao