Reflections on Hoằng Pháp Temple – Spring of the Year of the Fire Horse 2026

The image of Hoang Phap Temple, with its red tiled roofs, curved eaves, and wide-open Three-Gate Entrance, standing peacefully among a simple village landscape, has left a deep spiritual impression and become engraved in the hearts and minds of Buddhist followers.

Hoang Phap Temple rests peacefully along a small road in Hoc Mon, surrounded by shady green trees and many beautiful ornamental plants that add to the vibrant beauty of nature, with fragrant flowers, unique plants, and meaningful stone calligraphy works full of vitality. With its modern architecture, the temple is beautiful, harmonious, and dignified while still preserving the discipline and traditions of the meditation community. It reflects the vibrant continuation of Buddhism’s spiritual journey that has flourished for more than 2,600 years.

Days pass, the full moon becomes the waning moon, winter fades, and spring arrives, continuing the endless flow of time. Hoang Phap Temple has opened the path of Dharma, clearing the streams and channels so that rivers may flow back to their source. The temple has elevated spiritual and ethical values, protected the precepts, and created faith and support for lay Buddhists. From here, those wearing the light blue robes walk together with compassion, cleansing the body and mind of afflictions, and receiving the nectar of Dharma wisdom from the Buddhas, great Bodhisattvas, ancestors, and noble monks.

This is how the temple’s yearly activities continue. As the end of the year approaches and we prepare to welcome the new year of 2026, the atmosphere of the Year of the Fire Horse becomes even more joyful and lively. The temple is decorated to welcome spring with warmth, happiness, and sunlight. The spring scenery of Hoang Phap Temple is created by many skillful hands and the artistic wisdom of the monks and Buddhist followers. True art originates from a heart filled with love. People carefully tend to every apricot blossom branch, peach blossom branch, and flower pot. They meticulously create beautiful lanterns of many designs, gently swaying in the wind. The little garden remains with its charming hanging gourds and pumpkins. The small, thatched house still carries memories of childhood. The green bamboo, the golden apricot blossoms, and the poetic lotus pond remain as symbols of beauty and purity. The talents of the monks have brought back the beloved beauty of the countryside, reminded people of distant hometowns and loved ones who have not yet returned for reunion.

From human hearts to the earth, sky, clouds, and water, everything has entered the season of spring. Hundreds of flowers bloom with brilliant colours. Standing out among this radiant, sparkling, and magnificent scenery, as though stepping into the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, are images of beautiful white horses full of strength and dignity yet filled with deep connection and kindness toward human life. Prince Siddhartha travelled together with his beloved horse in search of truth, creating a historic moment remembered with pride for generations. This scene makes the temple landscape even more meaningful and charming.

Spring would not be complete without traditional cakes such as square glutinous rice cake and Cylindric glutinous rice cake. The monks skillfully prepare them, while dedicated volunteers carefully make the fillings, wrap the cakes, and patiently cook each fragrant piece. The media and film teams work quickly, capturing beautiful images and sharing meaningful stories through valuable recordings. The 5A team busily prepares calendars, lucky money envelopes, and New Year greeting cards. The number five represents the five blessings taught by the Buddha in the Aṅguttara Nikāya: longevity, beauty, happiness, good reputation, and heavenly rebirth. Alongside these preparations, many Dharma gifts are arranged for the Abbot and monks to share with visitors and supporters. The volunteer groups continuously clean and maintain the temple. The vegetable team works diligently preparing fresh produce. The kitchen and dishwashing teams are constantly busy. The monks in the kitchen have perhaps the most demanding role. They are the important flame that warms everyone, both literally and symbolically. Everyone in the temple is busy from morning until night, while the children simply enjoy the New Year celebrations freely, without worries.

To create such a meaningful spring celebration, every year the Abbot, the temple leaders, and the monks dedicate themselves wholeheartedly, working day and night with care and devotion. They create diverse spring landscapes with one wish: that everyone can welcome spring beautifully and meaningfully. Visitors can appreciate the beauty of art and nature while also feeling the warmth of love, protection, understanding, mindfulness, and awareness. May the spring of the Dharma always shine with the gentle light of the Buddha, continuously blossom with miracles, and bring renewed energy and vitality into life after a year of hard work.

Spring at Hoằng Pháp Temple is a sacred occasion that guides everyone toward the Three Jewels and the boat of Prajna. It is a space filled with the utmost peace and joy of spring, helping people plant wholesome seeds of kindness and happiness, and receive abundant blessings. Thank you, spring.

We express our deep gratitude to the Abbot, the temple leaders, and all the monks for allowing us to celebrate the traditional Vietnamese New Year within the peaceful environment of the meditation hall. This is a beautiful cultural and ethical tradition that Vietnamese people have preserved for generations: remembering and honouring teachers, ancestors, grandparents, parents, and the heroes who sacrificed themselves to protect our homeland and give us peaceful lives. It is also a way to remember the immeasurable kindness of the Buddha.

As the world renews itself with the changing seasons, human hearts are also nourished and transformed:

Spring blossoms adorn the colors of the season,

Heart flowers adorn the radiant beauty of the self.

(From the poetry collection “Words of Flowers” – Author: Most Venerable Thích Chân Tính)

As the new year begins, carrying many dreams and hopes for a happy future, everyone turns toward the Buddha altar and kneels before the Enlightened One with hands joined in sincere prayer. May the nation be peaceful, may people live in harmony, and may peace and happiness prevail. May everyone enjoy good health, and may life continue to become brighter, more beautiful, and more peaceful under the compassionate light of the Buddhas of the ten directions.

With sincere and respectful hearts, we express our gratitude to Hoằng Pháp Temple and all the favorable conditions and blessings that have continuously supported our spiritual lives.

Hoằng Pháp, February 15, 2026

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