Fourth day closing the Retreat "Establishing communication in the family - Solving knots, reconnecting deep love" of Plum Village.

On March 25th, 2023 entered the 4th day of Retreat "Establishing communication in the family - Solving knots, reconnecting deep love".

At 05:00 in the morning, realizing the miracle of the awakening path after three days of studying, 150 good men and women wished to take refuge in the Three Jewels and receive precious Five Precepts. The representatives of precept receivers with fervent desire for the Dharma dignified and reverently in front of Three Jewels offered a request to the monks to transmit Precepts.

In response to the followers' request, all monks performed the ritual of Three Refuges and Five Precepts. The ceremony took place in a solemn atmosphere under the witness of Plum Village monks.

Monks offer incense to the Buddha, perform rituals of taking refuge; the disciples pay homage to Four Graces.

Then, the precepts’ receivers in front of Three Jewels recited the vows:

1. I take refuge in the Buddha, who gained enlightenment, guided and showed deliverance in life.

2. I take refuge in the Dharma, which is the teachings of love and understanding.

3. I take refuge in the Sangha, a team of people who vowed to live a life of awakening.

Receiving Three Refuges to become Buddha's disciples, new Buddhists vowed to keep Five Precepts of lay people:

- The first precept: rescuing lives (not killing)

- The second precept: true happiness (not stealing)

- The third precept: true love (not adultery)

- The fourth precept: loving speech and listening (not lying)

- The fifth precept: nourishment and therapy (do not drink alcohol and intoxicants)

The ceremony took place in a dignified and pure atmosphere, complete with the joy of the mass.

After the ritual, the participants have breakfast in mindfulness, and work.

The retreat continued with meditation songs, and a Q & A program at 09:00 am. The practitioners were answered by monks and nuns about matters of study, attachments in practice, or communication, dissolving family knots, etc.

Being present in the afternoon, the mass opens mind to sharing, as well as connecting with love after four days of cultivating.

All days of practice closed, ending the retreat in awareness and love.

Before leaving, the attendees received gifts from Hoang Phap Pagoda, including books: Lessons of Buddhists, Whole mind to the Dharma, Practice at home, Buddhadharma saved my life, Mouth Karma, A lesson in gratitude were written by Most Thich Chan Tinh.

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