Penitent Course on May 09, 2017

On May 09, 2017 (on 14/04 Dinh Dau), many Buddhists came to join the regular penitent course at Hoang Phap Pagoda.

This time, Venerable Thich Tam Trong, deputy abbot of Hoang Phap pagoda gave the Dharma talk with the topic: "Teacher’s Merit".

In Buddhism, Triratna (Buddha – Dharma – Sangha) is very important for every practitioner. Nowadays, Buddha has been Parinirvana (passed away). Dharma is in scriptures and the most important one that can guide us the right path to liberation is Sangha, the clergy teacher.

We all know that people need boats to cross the rivers of life and cope with the sea of ​​misery. It is necessary for us to have good teachers who give us knowledge to pass such rivers. We also need spiritual teachers helping us overcome the vast ocean of sufferings.

In any society/aspect, teacher always take an important role regardless whatever subject or field (s)he teaches. The spiritual teacher, who can teach us the Path to liberation, is even more important.

Therefore, during his talk, the Venerable shared many meaningful issues, advised participants listening to teachers’ guides in studying and practicing. This is the vital thing that can release us from the samsara cycle. This is also the thankful response to the great merit of our Teacher.

Via the Dharma talk, the mass could acknowledge the duty and responsibility of a student for his/her teachers, including the secular and spiritual ones who devoted the whole life guiding us the right path.

The course continued with the repentant rites and Five-Precept statement for lay Buddhists as usual.

Following are the recorded photographs: