78th Dharma Light Program

On March 10th, 2024 (Feb. 01st, Year of the Dragon) devout Buddhists from inside and outside HCMC came to Hoang Phap pagoda to join the One-day practice. This opportunity, the Organizers continued the 78th Dharma Light Program.

After having breakfast, Buddhists gathered in the lecture halls to join the session of reciting the Buddha's name, walking and chanting precepts.

In response to the organizers’ invitation, Senior Thich Tri Hue, standing member of Central Propagation Board, Abbot of Phap Tang pagoda came to the ashram to answer Buddhists' questions.

Following are the questions in the program:

Question 1:

Dear Venerable! We often organize charity trips in different places and really enjoy doing this because we think this is also a practice among all practices. Lately, I've heard many people say: Doing charity is not sure of cultivation, because while doing charity, if facing some unsatisfied things, the givers will become angry and ignorant, thus losing all merit. I don't know what to do right? I hope Venerable will teach us.

Question 2:

Dear Venerable! I see many people choose a good day to depart and open at the beginning of the year. So, should Buddhists follow this custom? I hope you will be happy to let me know the Buddhist view on this issue.

Question 3:

Dear Venerable! My family lives in an apartment building, and there is no Buddhist altar. So, should I set up a Buddha altar or not? (Because in an apartment there are people on the floor above me walking back and forth, afraid that setting up a Buddha table would be a crime of disrespect). Please teach me how should I sit and practice in the correct posture if there is no Buddha altar?

Question 4:

Dear Venerable! I am an unlucky person, born with an ugly and fierce face. I know that a person's appearance is born of the mind, so if I try to correct my mentality, study diligently, and cultivate merit, will my appearance change? I hope the monk will teach me.

Question 5:

Dear Venerable! There are comments from PhD A online with the general idea: now the monks have a lot of money, big temples, big Buddhas, just shopping and entertainment, but not about practicing. This opinion has caused many non-devout Buddhists to lose faith in Buddhism and at the same time gave others the opportunity to attack and criticize Buddhism. How about the monk's opinions on this issue?

After reciting the Buddha name in the afternoon, Buddhists practiced sitting meditation quietly.

The practice day ended in the joy of the mass.

Some images recorded: