Opening the Summer Retreat 2025 in the afternoon

Continuing the retreat program in the afternoon of July 10th, 2025, Junior Thich Tam Truong, Abbot of Hoang Phap Pagoda, Head of the Organizers of the retreat had a dharma talk to all the attendees.

He gave a lecture on the topic The Good Mind Youth to all young participants. Today’s youth face many ethical challenges due to the negative influence of social media and modern lifestyle. In the digital age, many young people are caught up in false values, losing their inherent good qualities. Therefore, young people need to cultivate and nurture the seeds of morality and holiness to build a sustainable, humane and loving society.

 

The retreat is an ideal environment to care for and develop these good seeds. Here, attendees will temporarily leave behind the noise and temptations outside, return to themselves to practice mindfulness, love and awareness. With the simple but profound words of Discourse on the Greatest Blessings (Mahamangala Sutta), listeners will receive core moral values, properly orienting their inner life and daily behavior. Summarizing the valuable lessons of the sutra, it is not only knowledge but also moral teachings, a source of blessings for listeners to carry throughout the retreat journey. The holy and good seeds in the mind of the youth will be cared for and grow in the awareness at seven-day practice. These seeds when properly cared for will bear fruit, become a solid foundation, a support to help young people progress on the path of study and work, bringing peace and lasting happiness in life.

 

Then, he addressed some necessary rules for young practitioners to properly implement, and help them have a benefit and meaningful retreat. In the evening, all attendees joined in activities, practiced together, and learned a main song in the retreat.

 

Students practice meditation - listening to the Buddha teachings, calming their bodies and minds after a long day of activities before going to bed.

 

 

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