The 6th One-Day Retreat, and Celebrating the Longevity at Minh Chat Ashram in Can Tho

Junior Thich Tam Hue and devout Buddhists of Hoang Phap pagoda returned to Minh Chat retreat in Can Tho on Aug. 06th, 2023 (June 20th, LC) to attend the 6th One-Day Retreat. In this retreat, there is a ceremony to celebrate the longevity of Buddhist Dieu Tanh and release fish on the Hau Giang River.

Attending the practice were the presence of Buddhists at Minh Chat ashram, Can Tho, as well as Buddhists at Hoang Phap pagoda, HCMC, 15 kids residing in Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho.

First, At 5:00 am, the mass chanted the Shurangama mantra, recited the Buddha's name and offered a meal to lonely souls.

After breakfast, the monks guided Buddhists in the demeanor to fold hands, prostrate; how to walk, recite Buddha's, and offer a meal for lunch.

After that, the mass had the time of reciting the Buddha's name, and chanted all the precepts.

In response to the organizers’ invitation, Junior Thich Minh Dinh, Abbot of Ngoc Trung ashram, shared the topic named Vows. In the "Example of the Dhammapada Sutra", volume 1 contains a story about the Buddha's past life. He explained about cause and effect, bad behavior, and evil words will lead to terrible retribution.

With nearly an hour preaching, the monk explained more clearly about Cause and Effect, Vow; practitioners took it as an extremely valuable knowledge in the study of Buddhism.

Then, practitioners watched the documentary clips of Hoang Phap Pagoda Charity Board, offering to Rain-retreat Schools and 10 computers to Khome Theravada Buddhist University

Next, the mass had an offering of a meal, had lunch, and walked in reciting the Buddha's name.

After taking a rest, the mass sat in meditation, and walked in reciting the Buddha's name.

Last, the Celebration of Longevity (Birthday) Buddhist Dieu Tanh, 70 years old Ngo Thi Tuyet, was solemnly held in the witness of Three Jewels and the monks. The Longevity Wishing Ceremony is a long-standing cultural beauty of Vietnamese people. On this occasion, children and grandchildren have the opportunity to show their filial piety, gratitude to their grandparents and parents in order to bring some joy and happiness to their parents in their old age. Hopefully, this will be a motivation for parents to live a long and healthy life with their children.

Junior Thich Tam Hue has a few words to share, praising the spirit of gratitude and repayment of Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Director of Trang Nguyen Co., Ltd. in Hoc Mon - a filial, virtuous child.

Before leaving, the monk gave some books named Retribution for killing creatures, A unpious son, Lessons of Gratitude, Cultivation at home, etc, composed by Most Thich Chan Tinh.

The cultivation day ended in the joy of the mass.

At the end of the ritual, all monks and Buddhists went to Hau Giang River to have the release of fish.

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