The 2nd Three-Jewel Refuge Ceremony in 2023

On July 30th, 2023 (June 13th, Year of the Cat), over 1600 followers over the country returned to Hoang Phap Pagoda to attend the 2nd 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, all participants came to the lecture halls to learn the 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 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.

The ceremony officially took place in the presence of all Sangha at the pagoda in the afternoon.  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, 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. 

Bloodline and spirituality are two sources that are imprinted on each of us. Thus, Buddhism is the ancient Vietnamese s’ spiritual cradle, we should not betray our own spiritual roots because of the threat of force, or the pursuit of fame and profit, love. 

People often have the concept that "any religion is good"; we need to look back at the historical periods, whether this is true or not? the Master pointed out the historical evidence of religious persecutions by various stages in a number of countries including Vietnam. In order to propagate and attract followers, some religions have tried to suppress by force, doing persecutions, monk massacres, Buddhist followers in particular and non-religious people in general. Historically, when Buddhism almost perished in India, many Vietnamese monks sacrificed themselves by persecution. In fact, we need to have the right view, be clear, have the right opinion before the temptations (love, money) and the forces of paganism to avoid going the wrong way, firmly on the noble path towards the truth.

Being a Buddhist disciple, the monk recommends followers reading books about the Buddha's life such as:  Old Path White Clouds, A Brief History of Shakyamuni Buddha, etc, to better understand the Buddha life, the Guru to whom we return to rely on. Each person should arrange time to go to the temple during Buddhist holidays, religious days, repentance, listen to the dharma, fast vegetable, comply precepts, practice Buddha's teachings to have a peaceful and happy life; the future will not fall into three-path evil, then be reborn in a peaceful realm. 

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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