The 1st Three-Jewel Refuge Ceremony in 2023

On March 12th, 2023 (Feb. 21st, Year of Cat), nearly 800 followers over the country returned to Hoang Phap Pagoda to attend the 1st Three-Jewel Refuge Ceremony in 2023.

Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is extremely important, marking the time a person officially becomes a Buddhist. From now, all attendees have entered a dharma house, getting a good spiritual path for their life. Therefore, the Refuge Ceremony was held very seriously and took place all day.

After registering in the morning, participants came to the lecture halls to learn right demeanor when coming to the pagoda, such as the manner of clasping their hands, greeting, prostrating, etc,... .these are very necessary and important rules, because not everyone has also conditions to learn these rules. Next, Junior Thich Tam Truong explained thoroughly the purpose, meaning of Three Refuge and Five precepts, the necessary knowledge to become a Buddhist.

In the afternoon, the ceremony officially took place under the witness of all Sangha at the pagoda.  From beginningless eons, drifting in six realms, covered by ignorance, no one avoids making mistakes and sinful things. Therefore, each of us should recognize our mistakes and vow not to repeat them. On this occasion, the Master created conditions for the disciples to repent and help purify three karmas before entering the sacred moment, officially becoming a Buddhist. On behalf of the monks, Most Master Thich Chan Tinh transferred Three refuge and Five Precepts for all attendees. Next, the Most had some instruction, and encouragement words to new Buddhists.

The Master clearly analyzed the benefits of taking refuge and keeping Five precepts. Buddhists must have the right faith, should not believe heresy, leading to superstition, loss of money. No god, or saint blesses - harms anyone; disaster - blessing is caused by each person's cause and effect; sowing the cause, and also picking the fruit by himself. As a result, we have a more correct view, master ourselves, and avoid sinful things. Buddhists need to deeply believe in cause and effect, spend time going to pagodas to study Dharma, practice vegetarianism, keep precepts, and practice the Buddha's teachings in order to gain a peaceful and happy life, not fall into three evil realms, as well as be born in a peaceful land in the future.

Only in this way, we could develop the personality of a true Buddhist, contributing to building a better society.

The ceremony ended in joy for everyone. Before leaving, Buddhists were given books, such as A brief Introduction of Hoang Phap monastery, Summary of the story of Shakyamuni Buddha, Lessons for Buddhists, Buddha Dharma Saving My Destiny, Three Refuge and Five Precepts, Most Thich Chan Tinh’s advice.

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