Repentance Ceremony on Dec 17, 2017

In the evening of December 17, 2017 (Oct 30, lunar calendar), devout Buddhists from HCMC and other regions came to Hoang Phap pagoda for regular repentant ceremony.

This time, Venerable Thich Tam Phung from Hoang Phap sangha delivered Dharma talk on the topic "Speech Karma".

Speech karma made by verbalism can be either good or bad. Kind speech bringing happiness and good things to others creates good karma while evil/rude speech causing unhappiness/suffering to others creates bad karma. Hence, we should take consideration when using words to benefit ourselves/others and avoid sowing bad deeds. Following are some suggestions:

1. Do not use negative words depressing others

In life, we sometimes use depressive words that may discourage others and cause disheartenment. No matter how strong and who people are, everyone in life needs encouragement and supports from others. Desperate people do not respect life. They easily fall into despair and ruin their lives.

2. Do not say angry words

Angry people cannot control his/her mood. In such situations, it is easy for them to utter rude words hurting/harming him/herself and others. Therefore, it is best for us to control our speech to avoid evil words that may stay in the mind of listeners in long term.

3. Do not complaints

When unsatisfactoriness, people often complain or grumble. Others may base on that to create topics for gossip. After all, complainer is the one tasting bitter.

4. Do not say hurting words

When we use disrespectful, intolerant or rude words hurting others, our personality and nobleness will be damaged first. Such bad words make us mediocre in the eyes of others.

5. Avoid boasting words

Self-showing-off does not bring us benefit but harm. We should live and work with our true nature and capability. Based on that, people will have their own valuation. Modest is one of the most precious and important characteristics.

6. Do not lie

Lying is one of forbidden factors in five precepts for Buddhists. Telling lies not only brings damages to others but also triggers calamity to liars. Lying people ruin trust and creditworthiness of others on him/herself.

After more than an hour of sharing, the Venerable helped the mass understanding more about speech karma. From that point of view, practitioner could avoid evil deeds and promote on the path to liberation.

After the Dharma talk, the schedule kept on with penitent rite and precept restatement as usual.

Following are recorded photographs: