One - Day Retreat at Dong Cao pagoda

After nearly a year of suspending the retreats due to the epidemic, Dong Cao pagoda continued to organize a One-day Retreat for Buddhists to offer to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas on the anniversary of Avalokitesvara on March 20th, 2020 (Feb. 19th, LC).

First, the Abbot of Dong Cao pagoda instructed Buddhists meditative walking and awakeness in moments at present. Next, the mass chanted the ritual of six-sense repentance, reminded five precepts, performing the rite freeing creatures.

 At 9:30 a.m., the monks came to the lecture hall and had a Dharma talk to the mass: "Ceremony praying for Peace – Ceremony praying for Requiem in the spirit of Buddhism".

Nearly two hours preaching by simple language and practical experiences, Junior Thich Tam Khoi and the Abbot pointed out the dharma is the means to help sentient beings come to Buddhism. He emphasized that the preacher is a guide to help sentient beings cultivate the Buddha's teachings. These must be based on the principles of Causation, Precepts – Concentration - Wisdom as the means of helping sentient beings to create merit, so that the dead relatives can enjoy and the living people will benefit. Thanks to this, the mass has more profound wisdom to be more stable on the path of deliverance.

The talk ended in everyone's happiness. After that, the mass initially chanted prayers for the souls of Nguyen Van Khoang (Tri Tinh Hung) and Bang Thi Ngu (Tue Lien Nga). Next, the practitioners ate lunch in mindfulness.

After an afternoon nap, the Abbot instructed meditative sitting which feels happiness in the present moment and recites the sutra of Noble Eightfold Path. At 14h30, Junior Thich Tam Khoi instructed the mass to recite the Buddha’s name and walk in meditation

At the end of the retreat, it’s the moment for all participants to sit down to share their cultivation experiences together and receive dharma gifts.

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