The 43rd Practical Dharma Program in 107th Seven-day Retreat

Monks of Hoang Phap Pagoda, Junior Thich Tam Duoc had a Dharma talk to Buddhists attending the 107th Seven-day Retreat on Dec. 29th, 2025 at Dharma Hall 1 of the Dharma-wheel building.

 In a solemn and serene atmosphere, he preached a dharma talk on the topic: “Overcoming Ups and Downs.” 

He explained that the eight winds of life represent “Ups and Downs,” categorized into four opposing categories: gain and loss, praise and blame, honor and disgrace, happiness and suffering.

 

In studying Buddhist teachings, learners should be aware of the eight-wind ups and downs so they will be less attached to and entangled in the fluctuating emotions of life when facing obstacles. This helps practitioners maintain mental balance in the face of greed and anger. When greed and anger arise, practitioners should pay attention, observe, and recognize them so as not to be swayed by worldly circumstances.

 

When we believe in cause and effect, everything that comes to us, whether gain or loss, praise or criticism, will be recognized as merely states operating according to the cause-effect process, worthy of acceptance, and all good conditions for our practice. When facing joy or sorrow, practitioners should contemplate the Buddha grace, the Dharma, and the Sangha – as the Buddha taught in the Dhammapada, verse 296:

 

 “Well awakened the disciples of Gotama ever arise

- they who by day and night

always contemplate the Dhamma.”

 

Buddhists will have enough compassion and wisdom to overcome the ups and downs of life by studying Buddhist teachings every day, whether joyful or sorrowful, is subject to impermanence and non-self – knowing  about that, we can skillfully overcome these challenges.

 

The Dharma talk ended in joy for all attendees.

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Hoang Phap Pagoda Address:

188/8 Hamlet 8, Hoc Mon Commune, Hcmc

Pagoda office phone: 02837130002

Email: chuhoangphapvietnam@gmal.com

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/Vietnamchuahoangphap

Website: https://chuahoangphap.com.vn/

 

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