Dharma talk Should revenge or forgive the enemy? in the 100th Seven-Day Retreat

On the seventh day in the 100th Seven-Day Retreat of Sep. 12th, 2023 Junior Thich Tam Tri, Vice Abbot of Hoang Phap pagoda came to the main hall of Wheel Dharma Building and had a dharma Talk named Should revenge or forgive enemies?

Never here by enmity

are those with enmity allayed,

they are allayed by amity,

this is the timeless Truth.

By illustrating stories of the Buddha during His lifetime, stories in practical life, the monk clearly analyzed the suffering of holding grudges between children and parents, between husband and wife, between family members, between relationships in society...

Next, he showed that the solution is to cultivate loving-kindness, compassion, and equanimity without thinking, without directing thoughts. Understanding karma and its results is the master of each person to diligently practice:

+ Contemplate karma, and its retributions to stop revenges.

+ Practice loving kindness towards yourself and practice loving others.

+ Transform and eliminate greed, anger, ignorance...

Then, the monk reminded Buddhists that they should not be superstitious, worshiping stars to relieve suffering. He told the story of Buddha's previous life so that listeners can clearly understand cause and effect. Observe sentient beings who are all our relatives and friends to know how to love and forgive. Among the eight sufferings taught by the Buddha, facing and living together with enemies is a great suffering.

Finally, he hoped that the attendees will wake up, comply with the precepts, and transform foes to have a happy life not only in this life but also in the next lives.

Photos recorded: