Lunar New-Year Praying for Peace Ceremony at Can Mon Pagoda - Nghe An

On Feb. 13th, 2022, Buddhists returned to An Phap Pagoda (Can Mon) in Nghe An province to attend the New Year's Prayer ceremony. Because the epidemic is still ongoing, attendees must ensure safety against epidemics, comply with the wearing of masks, vaccinate and receive take-out food.

The pagodas and temples often hold the ceremony of praying for peace at the year’s beginning, which is a traditional culture, expressing the spirit of protecting the nation and the people for thousands of years. The normal meaning is to set up rites, chant sutras toward peace of mind and body, and pray for ourself and our family to get rid of epidemics and have a peaceful and happy life.

At 9:00 am, the ceremony took place with a solemn scene. The Sangha has come to the lecture hall to demonstrate the ceremony to pray for peace in the Tiger‘s year. The rite had the presence of Junior Thich Tam Hung, Abbot of Dong Cao Pagoda; Junior Thich Tam Due, Abbot of Pagoda 4 (Tu Phap Co Tu), and monks at Hoang Phap Pagoda, HCMC.

After the statement of reasons and opening, there were Tet wishes from the monks to the mass. Next, Junior Thich Tam Hieu, Abbot of An Phap Pagoda (Can Mon Pagoda) had some dharma words to share at the beginning of new year. The monk distinguished between prayer, superstition and right faith, the effectiveness of prayer. To pray successfully, we should have precepts and blessings, as well as do merit depending on individual conditions. He reminds us about the righteous path, let's support the Three Jewels to cultivate good roots for ourselves, our families and society towards a peaceful, happy and sustainable life.

At the end offered incense to the Buddha and recited Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.

Some photos recorded: