Rite to become a disciple of Buddhism at Dong Cao Pagoda

In order to sow faith for followers in study and cultivate blessings to offer the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, Dong Cao pagoda in Thanh Hoa province solemnly held a ceremony on March 13th, 2022 to transmit Three Refuges and Five Precepts for good men and believing women everywhere becoming disciples of Buddhism.

Having a human body is difficult, meeting Buddha Dharma is even more difficult, but having good conditions of studying with gentle monks and good friends are the most difficult. Taking refuge in the Three Jewels will help us not to be disoriented in a life of hardships. This is the first step for a practitioner to learn about the Buddha. We should not wait until we are old to practice or take refuge, because life is impermanent, and taking refuge at a young age is lucky in Buddhism, what a blessing no one can equal. With the spirit of praying for morality and harmony, the refuge ceremony is the promise of eternal vows for enlightenment, liberation and happiness in this life and forever.

The mass recited the Ksitigarbha sutra and performed the ritual of creatures releasing, instructed by Junior Thich Tam Hung, Abbot of Dong Cao Pagoda, Thanh Hoa.

At 9a.m, representatives of Buddhists taking refuge in the Three Jewels invited the monks to transmit Three Refuges and Five Precepts. After the Abbot offered incense to the Buddha, the Buddhists offered their speech to the Sangha to spread their precepts.

On behalf of witness monks, Junior Thich Tam Hung preached about Three Jewels' meaning, why do we take refuge in the Triple Gem? Then, Junior Thich Tam Khoi explained about repentance, five precepts, guiding the mass to repent and necessary rules of Buddhists when coming to the temple.

At the end of the Three Refuge transmission, on behalf of the organizers, the monks sent refuge Certificates and gifts of dharma to the participants.

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