Repentance ceremony on Jan. 14th, Year of the Snake at Suoi Phap Pagoda, Tay Ninh

On Feb. 11th, 2025 (Jan. 14th, Year of the Snake), good men and believing women returned to Suoi Phap pagoda in Tay Ninh province (belonging to Hoang Phap pagoda ‘s Sect) to attend the periodic penance rite.

Junior Thich Tam Huong, Abbot of Suoi Phap Pagoda had a dharma talk titled “Blessing luck, and fortune on me, please!” before the rite.

 

Returning to the series of affairs of a living after Tet, everyone hopes for themselves and their families to have good health, and prosper for business in the new year. Folklore believes in the day of Wealth God of lunar Jan. 10th, worshiping this God, one will gain wealth and prosperity. Therefore, believers kill chickens, pigs, fish, and buy gold to pray for their wishes coming true. In fact, this action is against the cause-effect law, creating bad karma and hatred towards living beings. The ancient Saint taught, we reap as we sow, meanwhile, people kill creatures, and then pray for God to give them wealth. Let's use our wisdom to contemplate and see if it is possible? This is like planting a lemon seed, taking care of it and hoping that seed will grow and bloom a sweet jackfruit, surely it is not in the world. Killing creatures is an evil cause that brings bad results such as illness, debt, and everything not going as planned.

 

It is not an individual or God that bestows blessings, but each one itself is the god bestowing blessings and fortunes upon itself. Thus, we are our heirs of karma, so, blessings come from a good heart, virtue comes from cultivation, wealth comes from diligence… do not be blind, do evil and dream of reaping sweet fruits. Each person should have a clear view of karma and cause-effect, so that having a living is honest, accumulating blessings in a correct and sustainable way.

 

After the Dharma session, the mass entered the Repentance Ceremony.

 

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