One Day Retreat for Children “Come to Buddha”

On Dec 17, 2017 (Oct 30, lunar calendar) Hoang Phap pagoda formally launches the retreat “Come to Buddha” for children.

The program is held once a month on Sunday for children from 6 to 12 years old. This time, there are totally more than 300 young participants joining the retreat. It is the chance for them going to pagoda to study, access with the Dharma, and learn from monks. Besides studying Buddhism Dharma and etiquette, children have got many funny activities as team building, games, singing, story-telling. This is such a joyful, helpful and friendly playground for children to grow.

After registration in the morning, children gather at the main hall for orientation session and listening to Dharma talk from Senior Venerable Thich Chan Tinh, head of organizing department. He explains the meaning of the retreat name: “Come to Buddha”, reminds everyone to purify body, speech, and mind. In terms of body, we should shy away from evils, and do good deeds. For pure speech, we should not ignore the advice or instructions from parents/teachers, lie or say rude words, ... but listen, follow the teachings from parents, grandparents and teachers, say good/gentle words instead. To have pure mind, we should avoid bad, greedy or hateful thoughts, ... When practicing Buddha's teachings into daily life, kids will become good children, good pupils and engaged citizen building better society, as a thankful response to the cares and commitment of everyone.

After the talk, children join activities as team building, skill-building and have lunch.

In the afternoon, participants chant verse “Nho On” and have few minutes for meditation. Then it comes a play on topics of filial piety, how to be a good child in the family, cause and effect rule, social matter as game addiction.

The day of the retreat closes in the joys of all.

Following are recorded photographs:

BBT Website