Sunday, 12/08/2024
News
One-day Retreat at Phap Minh pagoda, Long An province
Update: 17/08/2015
Phap Minh pagoda is an ancient one, which was restored in 2014. At present Junior Venerable Thich Quang Lam, abbot of this pagoda is the one instructing the local Buddhist to cultivate. This is the first time the pagoda held the retreat course to the young. Their expectation is to create a wholesome environment to learn right things, life’s experiences, etc, to the local people so that they will become good one in their family, school, and furthermore, their society and country. With this vow, the Junior Venerable tried to hold this retreat course.
In the morning of the course, after enrolling proceduce, the young were informed some necessary regulations such as correct form of address, bowing, etc. Then a civilizing ceremony happened solemnly with the witness of all ranking Venerables of Administrative Council of the Central Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation, Administrative Board of the Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Long An province, Duc Hoa District, Ben Luc District, etc.; especially, there were present of the national chairman’s wife, donators, and local young people.
At the beginning, on behalf of the organization, Junior Ven. Thich Quang Lam had a speech to begin the ceremony. After that, Most Venerable Thich Minh Thien, chief of Administrative Board of the Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation of Long An province had a short talk. On this occation, the organization versus donators, Anathapindika offered gifts to encourage their spirit in the coming school year of 2015-2016. Therefore, after his instruction, the gifts were offered to the young.
In the afternoon, vice abbot of Hoang Phap pagoda, Junior Ven. Thich Tam Dao had a short talk about parents’ kindness. By meaningful stories, especially “mad lady†and “Little Thu†of “The mad motherâ€, he implied the kind heart of parents and responsibilities of children to their parents by doing realy actions.
Ending the dharma, the organization offered the gifts to all people.
Although it was the first time they had held the retreat, it was truly sucessful in the joy of all people.
Below are some taken photo
Translated into English by Cam Nhung - Hikaru