One-Day Retreat for Students

The practice schedule began with a walking and sitting meditation session. Afterwards, the students listened to a Dharma talk titled “There Are No Dead Ends, Only Boundaries,” delivered by Junior Ven. Thich Chon Khanh, Monks of Duc Phu Pagoda (HCMC).

"Life springs from death; happiness takes shape out of sacrifice and hardship. In this life, there are no dead ends, only boundaries; the essential thing is to have the strength to step across those boundaries." — (Excerpted from the short story "Mùa Lạc" [The Peanut Season] by Nguyễn Khải).

When faced with life’s conflicts, we often react with anger, hatred, or sorrow—states that lead us into a cycle of mistakes, causing suffering for both ourselves and others. To address this, the monk introduced the practice of "deep, slow, mindful breathing" as a remedy, helping young people safeguard their inner peace and spiritual well-being. He emphasized that just a few mindful breaths can cut feelings of anger in half. This practice requires daily cultivation, serving as an essential tool that empowers us to remain composed when faced with the unpredictable "winds" of life.

At 2:00 p.m., following the midday break, a Q&A session titled "Cherishing the Blossoms of Life" took place. Under the guidance and encouragement offered by the temple’s monks, the young participants found clarity for their thoughtful inquiries, discovering ways to address the deep-seated concerns within their hearts. This Q&A session closed a meaningful day of practice for the students.

___________

Hoang Phap Pagoda Address:

188/8 Hamlet 23, Hoc Mon Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Temple Office Phone: 02837130002.

Email: chuahoangphapvietnam@gmail.com

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/vietnamchuahoangphap

Website: https://chuahoangphap.com.vn.

Photos recorded: