Having Dharma Talk at Niem Phat Duong Lien Hoa (pagoda) and Visiting American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)

In the morning of Sep 28, 2016, the Venerable Thich Chan Tinh had a Dharma talk sharing his experience in practice during his visit at Niem Phat Duong Lien Hoa (pagoda), Virginia, United States.

The Abbot Venerable Thich Chuc Thien of this pagoda used to study in Taiwan and bring Tripitaka (Chinese version) back to Vietnam to donate to pagodas including Hoang Phap pagoda. The friendship has been built up between the two Venerables since then. In 1999, during the inauguration event of the “Cơ Kim” Buddha’s Relic Stupa in Taiwan, the duo met again and the Venerable Thich Chuc Thien introduced some operating retreats in Taiwan for the Venerable Thich Chan Tinh’s reference. After this trip, the Venerable Thich Chan Tinh returned to Vietnam and has successfully organized the Seven-Day Retreat since late 1999. In US, the Venerable Thich Chuc Thien was holding the Seven-Day Retreat when they met again. On this occasion, the Venerable Thich Chan Tinh recalled the story of this special relationship and encouraged participants of the retreat in practicing Buddha Amitabha’s name recitation with 3 key practice as following:

* Piety filial to parents, teachers and compassion (non-killing) to sentient beings, and the ten wholesomeness practice (daśakuśalakarmāṇi)

* Taking refuge in Triratna, preserving the morality (Precepts) without any infringement.

* Inspiring the thought of enlightenment, strong belief in cause and effect rule, cultivating the Buddha path with reading relevant sutras.

The Venerable encouraged practitioners sowing the good seeds of both merit and wisdom, creating good karma so that they could promote themselves on the way to Buddha’s land with least obstruction.

In the afternoon, the Venerable and Buddhists had a visit at American Museum of Natural History.

In the evening, the Venerable Thich Chan Tinh carried out the ritual for aspirants taking refuge in Triratna and explained participants the etiquette for Buddhist at Tinh Xa Huong Thien pagoda. After that, the Venerable expressed his gratitude to the nuns at Tinh Xa Huong Thien for all they did to support the delegation during its preaching trip in Virginia. He also sent his thanks and blessings to the audience.

Following are the recorded photographs:

BBT Website