Dharma talk The meaning of seven-day retreat in the 101st Seven-day Retreat

On the 7th day in the 101st retreat of Dec. 29th, 2023 Most Master Thich Chan Tinh of Hoang Phap pagoda preached a dharma talk named The meaning of seven-day retreat at the Wheel Dharma Building's Main Hall.

The Master praised the spirit of practice of practitioners who have firmly maintained Bodhi mind. Many practitioners still diligently practice more than 100 seven-day retreats despite their old age.

In order to help listeners better understand the meaning of the retreat, he thoroughly explained the meaning of the words "Buddha" and "seven" in a Seven-day Retreat.

When not clearly understanding an issue in Buddhism, we should boldly answer "don't know". Absolutely, do not speak from a short-sighted opinion, distorting its meaning, unintentionally exposing a low level of the speaker's character.

Buddha taught that each person must know how to be ashamed of their own mistakes, be ashamed when others know about those mistakes, and be afraid of the consequences of being punished, then falling into a beast. In the Forty-Two Chapters Sutra, the Buddha taught that people who do not know the shame in their heart are no different from animals.

+ The reason for building a Seven-day retreat of reciting Buddha's name with one mind without disturbance; practitioners can return to the Pure Land after dying.

+ Purpose of the Seven-day retreat:

Help Buddhists cut down on mundane conditions, restrain body-mind, cultivate virtue, and recite Buddha's name single-mindedness.

He analyzed the precepts of killing, stealing, adultery, lying, and drinking alcohol committed unintentionally or intentionally so that listeners can clearly understand and comply. He also reminds practitioners to be diligent and concentrate on reciting Buddha's name. Even though Buddhists have a busy family life, they should set up a certain schedule for themselves to practice, follow the Founder's example, thereby accumulating merit and blessings for themselves, as luggage on the way back to the Pure land.

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