One-Day Retreat

On Dec 24, 2017 (Nov 07, lunar calendar), thousands of devout Buddhists from regions came to Hoang Phap pagoda for the 11th One-Day Retreat of 2017.

After breakfast, participants gathered at lecture halls for the Dharma talk from Senior Venerable Thich Chan Tinh, head of retreat organizing department, Abbot of Hoang Phap pagoda, on the topic: "Nāthakarana Dhamma"

Things and beings in this world, including Buddhism practitioners, are formed and develop based on compounded conditions. Hence, starter should acknowledge his/her beginning stage sowing dhamma seeds. We need to rely on Triratna - Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha - to have right view and right understanding when practicing to attain peaceful life and liberation.

In order to support Buddhists learning Buddha Dhamma, during the talk, the Senior Venerable shared about "Nāthakarana Dhamma" (ten Dhamma for Buddhist to abide) in Anguttara Nikaya. They are:moral conduct (SÄ«la), profound knowledge/great learning (Bāhusacca),having virtuous friend (Kalyāṇamittatā), capable of working (Kiá¹…karaṇīyesu dakkhatā), obedience (Sovacassatā), adoration of Dhamma (Dhammakāmatā), application of exertion (Viriyārambha), satisfaction within one’s mean (Saṇṭuá¹­á¹­hÄ«), mindfulness(Sati), and wisdom (Paññā). Practicing "Nāthakarana dhamma" helps generate benefits to practitioner and others.

·Moral conduct helps prevent evils and grow good deeds.

·Profound knowledge/great learning gives practitioner right understanding to avoid wrong thought.

·Virtuous friend supports us on the Path to liberation.

·Seniors are happy and ready to guide/teach obedient juniors.

·Capable of working helps us the Attainment on the Path.

·Adoration of Dhamma helps development of mindfulness, concentration and wisdom

·Application of exertion helps get achievement

·Satisfaction within one’s mean helps practitioner have free and blissful life without any burden or worry

·Mindfulness helps control body, speech, mind, and desire of the five senses.

·Wisdom helps practitioner see the true nature of things, overcome sufferings/ obstacles and get liberation (Nirvana).

After the Dhamma talk, the retreat kept on with Buddha name recitation as usual.

In the afternoon, after chanting session, Buddhists listened to the re-statement of precepts for lay members and practiced sitting meditation. One-Day Retreat closed in the joys of all.

In another event at Hoang Phap pagoda, Venerable Thich Tri Minh had a talk with members of Dhammapala group in the afternoon.

Following are recorded photographs:

BBT Website