New Year Praying for Peace Ceremony

On Feb. 19th, 2019 (Jan. 15th, LC), tens of thousands devout Buddhists came to Hoang Phap for taking the Praying for Peace Ceremony in the New Year.

A new year comes again carrying much joy and hopes about a peaceful and rich life. In the first days of the new year, people all wish the best things for themselves and their family, and they come early to be ready for the ceremony.

At 9 am, a solemn rite to welcome the respected monks and nuns was taken. Before the official rite happened, Ven. Thich Chan Tinh, the abbot, had some words to all the participants via a short clip sent from his retreat-room, named “Let’s take only the value things”.

First, he shared about the early time of his retreat, including both smooth and hard conditions. Then he talked about the Pāyāsi sutra (about king Pāyāsi) belong to Dīgha Nikāya. This sutra gives some needed matters for the practitioners on the way to enlightenment. (In detail, please watching from Youtube channel).

Finished the talk, the official ceremony was taken place. All the people chant the sutta and pray for peace. Then they all transfer the merit to all living beings with the hope the light of Dharma will come to them, make them awake to be free from suffering and defilements. Finally, a wishing for the peace of the nation was made to close the ceremony.

Some artists also join to refresh the atmosphere.

On the occasion of being the first Ceremony of the year, Hoang Phap sent to all the participants a Dharma gift with joy and happiness.

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