One-Day Retreat at Minh Chat ashram in Can Tho

Junior Thich Tam Hue and devout Buddhists of Hoang Phap pagoda returned to Minh Chat retreat in Can Tho on June 16th, 2024 to attend the 5th One-Day Retreat.

Attending the practice were the presence of monks, Buddhists at Minh Chat ashram in Can Tho and Hau giang, as well as Buddhists at Hoang Phap pagoda in HCMC.

After breakfast, the monks guided Buddhists in the demeanor to fold hands, prostrate; how to walk, recite Buddha's name and raise a bow to offer food. Then, the mass had the time of reciting the Buddha's name, and chanted the precepts.

Responding to the Organizers’ invitation, Nun PhD Thich Nu Hue Hoa, Member of Information and Communication Department of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Binh Duong province, Deputy Faculty of Buddhist English came to the ashram to share a Dharma talk named Sutra of Plowing the Field (Kasībhāradvāja).

The Buddha preached this Sutta at Magadha in a Brahmin village called Ekanala. The Buddha transformed Brahman Baharadvaja in the planting ceremony by explaining the "plowing fields" of the Buddha and His disciples from the example of Brahman Baharadvaja's plowing. By faith is the seed, asceticism is the rain, wisdom is the plow and yoke, knowing shame is the plow handle, intention is the rope, mindfulness is the plowshare and stick; three-karma control is to control a pulling animal, uproot all evil is to weed and pests, be diligent is ability to bear the yoke.

Brahman Baharadvaja was extremely happy and confirmed the Buddha was a farmer, His plowing the fields led to immortality, the Ultimate fruition. This Brahmin praised the Buddha and asked to take refuge in the Three Jewels for the rest of his life.

The monks gave opportunities for Buddhists to ask matters they did not understand in the Dharma talk.

Over an hour sharing Buddhism, all listeners felt very peaceful, and took it as extremely valuable knowledge on their path of practice.

Next, the Junior, monks and Buddhists buy some perch and chant sutras, recite Buddha's name, take refuge and release all of them at Hau Giang River in Can Tho.

The group also bought 8 turtles and 3 pet birds and handed them over to Hue Nghiem Pagoda, Quarter 2 Do Nang Te, An Lac A, Binh Tan, City. HCM.

The day of practice ended with the joy of the attendees.

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