The 2nd Refuge Taking 2014

On July 6th , 2014 (June 10th in Horse Year), almost 3,000 Buddhists everywhere came to Hoang Phap pagoda for Triratna Refuge and keeping Five Precepts.

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Taking Refuge in Three Treasures is a starting point which\r\nmarks a change in mind to good deeds, after which, they became the Buddhists.\r\nTherefore, The Taking Refuge ceremony is very important. At Hoang Phap pagoda,\r\nBuddhists must spend one day to join The Taking Refuge ceremony.

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 In the morning, on behalf of Monks, Junior Venerable\r\nThich Tam Dao – the vice abbot of Hoang Phap pagoda explained basic concepts in\r\nBuddhism such as: taking refuge, triratna, repentance, five precepts, etc.\r\nThose who join in the taking refuge ceremony were almost beginners, so the\r\nJunior Vegetable’s explanations seemed to be simple but they were very\r\nimportant and necessary to a Buddha’s children.

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 In the same evening, Senior Venerable Thich Chan Tinh\r\n– the Abbot of Hoang Phap pagoda and the chief of organization board presented\r\nat the preaching hall to perform transmission of Triratna Refuge. In the\r\nceremony, the Senior Venerable had a few words to Buddhists at home.

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Buddha taught that being human is difficult. It is harder to\r\nmeet an honorable master, listen to the  Dharma, and  take refuge in\r\nthree treasures; therefore, those  who were present attained good karma\r\nand good merits. Not any religion is completely good. Some religions lead to\r\nerroneous way, spheres of hell, hungry devils, or animals. Thus, Triratna\r\nrefuge is the lucid and sound choice.

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 Every country, every nation has its own religion.\r\nVietnam nation chooses Buddhism because it has been existing in our country\r\nalmost 2000 years and always attaches to nation’ decadence and prosperity.\r\n Hence, we should honor it. Do not leave our ideals, our root of spirit\r\nowing to love, money or any reason.

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 A true Buddhist has to perceive such five precepts as\r\nno killing, no stealing, no illegal sex, no lying and no drinking alcohol. They\r\nare the basic morality as a human. A Buddhist who leads a moral life must keep\r\nfive precepts. After taking refuge, Buddhists should attach to the Triratna to\r\ncultivate Dharma. If we cultivate and make good karma in the present life, we\r\nwill have a chance to reborn in good sphere. Therefore, our life will be good\r\nin the present and in future.

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 After the ceremony, Buddhists received a Dharmaratna\r\ngift including the book “Summary story of Sakyamuni Buddha’s life”, “Taking\r\nRefuge of Three Treasures”, a VCD “Solemn behavior from the one who attends\r\nseven-day retreat” and “ A piece of advice”

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Following are some taken photos:

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