Repentant Ceremony, Taking Three-Jewel Refuge, commemoration of Shakyamuni Buddha of entering Nirvana at Dong Cao pagoda, Thanh Hoa

On March 23rd, 2024 (Feb. 14th, Year of the Dragon), good men and believing women everywhere returned to Dong Cao Pagoda (belonging to Hoang Phap pagoda’s sect) in Thanh Hoa to attend a periodic penance rite.

After stabilizing the ashram, the mass began a rite to repent six senses, chanted mantra, and review five precepts of lay people.

Junior Abbot Thich Tam Hung encouraged all listeners diligent cultivation and announced the Retreat to remind the last teachings when Shakyamuni Buddha leaving the World on lunar Feb. 15th; motivated the mass to do meaningful deeds in their ability to offer the Buddha.

On March 24th, 2024 in commemoration of the Buddha Nirvana on lunar Feb. 15th, Dong Cao Pagoda organized a one-day retreat and transmitted Three Refuge-Five Precepts to many believers; a large number of followers returned to the temple to attend.

All attendees and Junior Abbot Thich Tam Hung gathered in front of the main hall, prayed and released creatures to spread love and sow conditions for believers attending. At the same time, he gave fruits and vegetables to create connections, encouraging people to become vegetarian.

Then, the mass returned to Ngo Chan Tu's lecture hall to recite the sutra of Noble Eightfold Path and offer almsgiving to the Three Jewels in ten directions.

The mass and Buddhist Youth donated more than 200 vegetarian meals at Nga Son district General Hospital.

Junior Thich Tam Hung came to the main hall to transmit Three Refuge-Five Precepts to nearly 100 good men and believing women who wish to become lay Buddhists.

The monk led the mass to recite sutra-mantra and repente before receiving Three Refuge-Five Precepts. He thoroughly explains about repentance, taking  Three-Jewel refuge, Buddhists...so that the mass can clearly understand the necessary rules when coming to the temple.

He also gave dharma gift portions to all attendees at the end of the ritual.

Dong Cao Pagoda solemnly held a Great Ceremony commemorating the Buddha Shakyamuni entered Nirvana, reviewing His life on the evening of March 24th, 2024.

After welcoming the monks, all attendees offered incense, worshiped Buddha and recited The Buddha's brief Sutra at the time of Nirvana.

The mass sat in meditation, listened to the Abbot's words, offered fresh flowers to the Buddha, meditated walking and recited the Buddha's name.

During the ritual, all participants recited the vows and listened to Junior Thich Tam Hung's sharing about the meaning of the Buddha's Nirvana.

Last, the participants together bowed to Four Grace.

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