Perceptions on a visit to Truong Phap Pagoda

The cycle of life cannot avoid the complicated chaos of suffering, illness, old age and death according to the law of impermanence. Thanks to Buddhist practice, we can transform the obstacles on the path of learning and practicing the Dharma, and gain peace in life. Therefore, living a virtuous life and cultivating merit and blessings is extremely necessary. On April 7, 2025 ( March 10th lunar calendar) Hoang Phap Pagoda organized a visit to Truong Phap Pagoda in Hau Giang Province, a branch of the Hoang Phap sect, established by the wish to propagate Buddhism for the benefit of all living beings of the Senior Venerable (Venerable Thich Chan Tinh).

 

 The group of 10 cars departed at 4:15. The road to the West was beautiful, the air was cool and pleasant. The rice fields were lush green, the scent of durian wafted everywhere, and clusters of bright red Royal Poinciana flowers adorned the vibrant space. The yellow flowers on both sides of the road were charming and lovely... Everything seemed to join in the joy of our Buddhist group.

 

 At around 9 o'clock, we arrived at Truong Phap Pagoda to pay homage to the Three Jewels and visit the pagoda grounds with the guidance of the Venerable, the abbot of Hoang Phap Pagoda (Venerable Thich Tam Truong), the supervisor of Truong Phap Pagoda (Venerable Thich Tam Y) and the monks leading the group from Hoang Phap Pagoda. With steady steps, we felt the new life gradually taking root on this alluvial land.

 

 The initial steps were still rudimentary, but with the ambition and ideal of "seeking the upper to help the lower" of the Venerable and the monks. He always sacrificed to serve the benefit of Buddhism and everyone. Wherever there is a heart to share, there is the will to devote oneself to practicing the Bodhisattva path.

  

Truong Phap Pagoda was built in 2023 in an area of 40,000 m2. Until now there are a main hall, a lecture hall, a dining hall, a kitchen, guest houses, monks' quarters, and corridors. We are so happy even though the pagoda is still messy and cluttered, hoping that this ideal-scale project will receive the joint efforts of many Buddhists near and far, philanthropists, donors, the wealthy, etc., so that the pagoda can soon be formed, building a cradle of personality - dreams - ambitions, and becoming a good nursery for cultivating people, creating a healthy social environment for children to study to become good people, and live a good life.

 

Although time has passed, we always remember the profound and excellent Dharma talk of the Venerable. He has worked hard to build more than 50 pagodas, organized many retreats to let us know about Buddhism, and filled us with the affection of a period of attachment. Each journey still carries the imprint of the beloved religious days on the path of spiritual advancement and integration. How beautiful are the yellow, brown, and blue robes living together in harmony and simplicity in the peaceful, warm sunshine, filled with the color of flowers and grass.

 

 We are extremely grateful to the Buddhist layperson Ha Thi Thoai, to the Head of the Hau Giang Buddhist Executive Committee, and to Uncle My and Uncle Ly from the 108 Construction Company, who have accompanied Truong Phap Pagoda in building and developing it into a typical Buddhist study place in Hau Giang. We cannot forget Venerable Thich Tam Y and Venerable Thich Tam Nghien who have shouldered the noble and sacred mission that the Buddha taught:

Limitless sentient beings, I vow to save
Endless afflictions, I vow to end
Limitless Dharma, I vow to learn
Supreme Buddhahood, I vow to attain.

The trip ended in a joyful atmosphere full of humanistic meaning, and everyone always wished to return to Truong Phap Pagoda for the inauguration ceremony at the earliest time. All achievements are thanks to many good causes, we sincerely thank you all!

Hoang Phap, April 8, 2025