“Return to Buddha Land” Retreat of Hoa Phuc Pagoda – Hanoi

The journey back to the Indian Buddhist Holy Land is a good chance to review Shakyamuni Buddha’s life, and practice; Hoa Phuc Pagoda in Quoc Oai, Hanoi accompanying with Kim Cuong Travel Company organized the "Return to Buddha land" Retreat for nearly 70 man and woman Buddhists to participate in the 9 day-night journey from March 7th-16th, 2023.

Departing from Noi Bai International Airport to Kolkata International Airport, India, the group took a domestic flight to Lucknow, and moved by tourist car to Ky Vien Monastery. All joyfully enjoyed the peaceful energy on each step of awakening in the dawn of a new day in the ashram of the Buddha.

The weather is pleasant, people's minds are at peace, each route is a challenge, experience and deposition. The bus turned into a mobile temple, the Holy Land became closer, the cultivation energy accumulated at the relic increased day by day:

⁃ Lumbini Garden is the place where His first steps on the globe, bringing good message to mankind.

⁃ Kapilavastu Citadel is the place where the Buddha appeared, enjoying five worldly desires, but still remembering the aspiration to leave home.

⁃ Buddhagaya is the place where the Buddha realized Supreme Enlightenment; the dharma's cradle was proclaimed.

⁃ Mrgadava (Deer Park) is the place where Buddhist Order was laid, transformed disciples, and established the Sangha of Arhats, as well as motioning of the Wheel of the Law.

⁃ Kusinagara is the place where the Buddha, the Omniscient One, appeared into Nirvana, reminding Gods and humans of impermanence.

In particular, at Grdhrakuta (Vulture Peak) is the place where the Buddha preached the Mahayana sutras, marking His last footprints on the path of preaching Dharma;14 Buddhists took a vow of temporary ordination, and over 50 Buddhists cut hair, then made offerings to the Three Jewels. All of them had a vow to uphold the Dharma and protect the monks.

In the retreat’s last days, the mass diligently practiced to transform body-mind.  Quietly, all spent deep moments contemplating and practicing the Buddha's teachings, as a priceless gift to offer to the Holy Land, and also a spiritual gift that each member wants to bring to home for loved ones.

Efforts to move towards the destination of liberation is a very miraculous "mantra" whereby each member will overcome old age, illness, boredom, fatigue... the obstacles in the mind comparing good and bad; clean - dirty; rich - poor ... to learn patience, perseverance, let go of thoughts and desires of oneself, and move towards the path of happiness despite having to face the "suffering".

Nostalgia and regret are certain things for those who are determined to practice diligently. That was also the general feeling of the group when they had to leave the Holy Land, ending the retreat.

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