Repentance ceremony on June 29th, Year of the Cat

On Aug. 18th, 2023 (June 29th, Year of the Cat), good men and believing women inside and outside HCMC returned to Hoang Phap pagoda to attend the periodical penitential ceremony.

Before the rite, Junior Thich Tam Man, monks of Hoang Phap pagoda gave a dharma talk named People who want to live in peace.

First, the monk reviewed the Three refuge of Buddhists in the Buddha-Dharma-Sangha.

Thus, when having a body is unable to avoid suffering of physical suffering, mental suffering, external influences, etc.

When with wisdom one discerns

the dukkha of conditioned things

one wearily from dukkha turns

treading the Path to purity

From simple, practical stories in everyday life, he clearly pointed to the impermanence of all things. As a Buddhist learner, we need to feel deeply to transform our body and mind, making our life lighter and more peaceful.

Then, he mentioned the strong willpower required of each practitioner to overcome afflictions and obstacles; learn as the mind of children: live carefree, pure and know how to share the suffering, pain and unhappiness of others. All that being temporary, unstable, we should practice letting go, not holding on. Learn tolerance, forgiveness, and apply the Buddha's teachings to everyday life.

Thanks to the teaching, the monk helped listeners gain insight into impermanence. Since then, practitioners diligently study, equip themselves with calm knowledge; now be peaceful and happy, be born in a glad realm in the future.

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

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