Repentance ceremony on (intercalary) June 29th, Year of the Snake

On Aug. 22nd, 2025 (intercalary June 29th, Year of the Snake), men and women Buddhists returned to Hoang Phap pagoda to attend a periodical penitential ceremony.

Before the rite, monks of the pagoda, Junior Thich Tam Hiep, Abbot of An Huong temple in An Giang gave a dharma talk named Don't practice by form.

 

The monk clearly explained the meaning of practice to the mass. A practitioner is not in the form of a brown robe, or a vegetarian meal, but in the heart of a person knowing to initiate compassion, let go of anger, and live with love and sincerity. Being vegetarian, chanting sutras, worshiping Buddha... although they are good and only means, not the goal. If the mind is still angry, the mouth speaks harsh words, then practice is still a formality. The practice must reduce suffering, reduce anger, and live more happily every day, not to show others that we are kind. A true practitioner is someone knowing to reflect, nurture a good heart, sow peace for itself and others, truly stepping on the path of awakening, not just being outside the appearance of the religion.

 

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

 

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