The 5th "I have returned" Retreat at Dong Cao Pagoda, Thanh Hoa

Dong Cao Pagoda (Nga Yen, Nga Son, Thanh Hoa) organized the 5th "I have returned" Retreat (from Sep 19th, to 20 th, 2020) for nearly 100 Buddhists at the locals to attend.

After the procedure for entering retreat in the morning, Junior Ven. Thich Tam Hung, Abbot of Dong Cao pagoda, chief of the Organizers had a brief talk about rules and cultivating time.

Then, the mass began chanting the sutra Turning Dharma Wheel (Dhamma - cakka - pavattana) and were transferred Eight precepts from the Monks. The special thing is to be recited the Sutta of Transforming teaching which is the Buddha’s last teaching when He was entering into Nirvana. Next, compassionate water's repentance dharma of sutra was practiced in meditation of walking, sitting and reciting the Buddha names that bring peace to the present moment.

In the afternoon, Abbot Ven. instructed the mass to walk meditation around the pagoda which harmonizes with peaceful and positive energy in every step, connecting to nature.

After the meditation course, Junior Ven. Thich Tam Tuy, the monk of Long Son pagoda came to the main hall and taught a Dharma talk with the topic Practice and Repentance. By this way, He told familiar stories and his own experiences that increased the understanding and steadfastness in the Bodhicitta, deserving to be effective protectors of the Three Jewels.

Due to weather reasons, Junior Ven. Thich Tam Tuy has guided Qigong exercises to help the body become more and more healthy. After that, the mass initially started practice time as usual on the morning of Sep. 20, 2020 (Aug. 4th, Year of Mouse).

After chanting sessions, worshiping of the last sutra of The compassionate water repentance dharma and leaving eight precepts in the afternoon, the participants sat down to share together their experiences. At the end of the retreat, monks gave the Buddhists dharma gifts.

Some images recorded: