Peace Praying Ceremony in the Lunar New Year

On Feb. 24th, 2024 (Jan. 15th, LC), Hoang Phap Pagoda solemnly celebrated the Great Ceremony of Praying for Peace at the lunar new year, thousands of Buddhists came to attend.

On the important moments of the first days of the new year, we may go to the pagoda to attend the rite praying for good things to the whole family. This not only shows the beauty of Buddhist culture, but also the spirit, as well as the influence of compassion, wisdom of Buddhism on human life.

At 9 am, a solemn rite to welcome respected monks and nuns was taken at the lecture hall 1 of the Dharma-Wheel Building. Before the official rite opened, Junior Abbot Thich Tam Truong had some dharma words to all participants.

It is legitimate for people to go to the pagoda at the beginning of the year to worship Buddha, pray for health and peace for themselves, their families and society.

To achieve those wishes, each person needs to make efforts to create peace for ourselves and others:

1. Be conscious of protecting our health, cherishing life, being moderate in eating, sleeping, etc.

2. Strive to create genuine assets, cultivate blessings: give alms according to our ability, do good deeds, help and benefit everyone; after our best efforts, we need to know how to be content with what we have, and spend wisely.

3. Practice the spirit: cultivate compassion, follow Buddha's teachings in life by five basic precepts: do not kill, do not steal, do not commit adultery, do not lie, do not drink alcohol and are addicted.

After the talk, the ceremony officially took place. The mass respectfully recites sutras, prays for a happy new year, and hopes all people will return to rely on the Three Jewels, practice the Buddha's teachings. Finally, prayers for peace and delight come to the nation; people are wealthy and happy in the new year.

On the occasion, Hoang Phap Pagoda gave dharma gifts to all the participants.

Some photos recorded: