Repentance ceremony on April 14th, Year of the Snake

On May 11th, 2025 (April 14th, Year of the Snake), men and women Buddhists returned to Hoang Phap pagoda to attend a periodical penitential ceremony.

One of Monks of Hoang Phap pagoda, Junior Thich Tam Thuc gave a dharma talk to the mass before the rite. He lectured on the origin and meaning of Xá Lợi to help listeners understand more deeply on the occasion of Buddha's birthday - Vesak.

 

Relics are the crystalline part remaining after cremation. The authenticity of Buddha's relics has been confirmed by archaeologists and scientists. In terms of Dharma, relics are the quintessence crystallized from the precepts, concentration, and wisdom of the Enlightened One and the Saints. Relics are divided into three types: Relics of objects, including personal belongings or souvenirs associated with Buddha life; Relics of the physical body which are the remaining parts after cremation, such as teeth, hair, and crystallized bones; Relics of the Dharma are the teachings and doctrines for practice the Buddha left late. The Buddha’s wonderful Dharma helps sentient beings eliminate afflictions, build a peaceful and happy life. These relics are the most precious that we need to worship and practice, which is also the earnest wish of the Buddha.

 

The monk briefly outlined the Most Thích Quảng Đức’s life and the event of his self-immolation for the Belief in 1963. From this, we understand the Xá Lợi is not only an object but also a living symbol of pure practice results, a reminder anyone has the ability to attain enlightenment if they deeply believe in cause and effect, vow to practice, and persevere in transforming their consciousness.

 

Paying homage to the Buddha's relics is a way to commemorate the holy monks, should not stop at superficial respect but should become an inner motivation urging each person to return to practicing the Dharma. Gradually, believers build a strong faith in the Triple Gem, a solid refuge in a turbulent life and take our practice as the foundation for lasting peace and liberation, not only for ourselves but also to contribute to spreading the light of compassion and wisdom to everyone.

 

After the Dharma talk, the mass entered the penitential ritual as usual.

 

 Images recorded: