A heartfelt Reflection

My name is Nguyen Thuy Tam, Dharma name Lien Tam. On Sunday, November 11, 2018, I had the blessing of attending a one-day Buddha Recitation Retreat at Hoang Phap Temple. When I listened to the Abbot answer questions during the Light of the Dharma program, my heart was filled with joy and admiration.

 

On this occasion, I humbly wish to write a sincere reflection on the Venerable’s teachings and virtues. If appropriate, I would be grateful if it could be shared on the Temple’s website, so that Buddhists near and far may also share in this joy. Whether published or not, I am deeply grateful to the monks of Hoang Phap for providing us a place of cultivation, and especially to the Abbot, who has steered the Dharma ship, bringing the Buddha’s teachings to so many.

 

First of all, I respectfully wish Venerable Thich Chan Tinh and the venerable monks of Hoang Phap Temple good health and smooth endeavors in all things.

 

It is a feeling beyond words, one that no pen could fully capture. We disciples can only bow our heads in reverence, moved with gratitude for the ocean-like compassion and wisdom of Venerable Thich Chan Tinh, Abbot of Hoang Phap Temple in Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City, who also oversees more than 30 affiliated branches across Vietnam and abroad.

 

As a lay disciple taking refuge at Hoang Phap, I have been blessed to join many one-day and week-long retreats. I have also taken part in charitable trips with the temple and learned of countless meaningful activities such as the Wisdom Nurturing Scholarship Fund, the Sangha Support Fund, the Dharma Outreach Bus, the Children’s Summer Retreat, and regular animal release programs. I feel deeply grateful to be a disciple under the Triple Gem at Hoang Phap. The more I learn, the more I come to appreciate the tireless efforts of Venerable Thich Chan Tinh, who has nurtured within us the seeds of Bodhi, and provided places of refuge, overcoming countless hardships in order to fulfill the Buddha’s vow: “to spread the Dharma and benefit all beings.”

  

Today, I felt especially fortunate to attend the 64th Light of the Dharma session.  Seeing the Venerable’s calm and dignified presence with my own eyes, and hearing his thoughtful answers, stirred deep emotions in all who were present. Each word and heartfelt sharing from the Venerable was imbued with humility, yet radiant with compassion, wisdom, and courageous strength. His presence moved the entire assembly to deep admiration and joy. Waves of applause echoed through the hall, igniting a profound sense of happiness in my heart; smiles of contentment appeared on every face with each answer he gave. With remarkable grace, he used Dharma stories, skillfully guiding and illuminating the questions presented with profound clarity, both practical and deeply rooted in the truths of human life. He led us, his disciples, from one moment of joy to another, and I found my mind completely captivated by his sharp insight and boundless compassion. Within me, a stream of serenity continued to flow, as though I had stepped into the very threshold of Nirvana.

 

Today while this joy still fills my heart, I wish to write these words as both encouragement to myself and a sharing with others. May we all walk the path of mindfulness and peace. To be guided by the Venerable’s teachings and to bring the Dharma into our daily lives is truly a precious and profound happiness.

 

By the blessings and conditions of past lives, I have been fortunate to meet the Venerable and to take refuge in the Dharma, so I may learn to cultivate and better myself. I am grateful to my parents for giving me this body. I thank the Triple Gem for lighting the way through confusion. I thank the Venerable for guiding me out of delusion and showing me the true path. I thank my fellow practitioners for inspiring me toward a life of peace. I vow to continue walking gently in peace, in the compassionate and wise light of the Buddha.

 

Lay Buddhist Liên Tâm

Translated into English by Thai Nhuoc Don