The Ceremony of an Abbot Appointment at Dong Cao Pagoda in Thanh Hoa Province

On August 8th, 2017 (lunar intercalary June of Rooster Year), Senior Ven. Thich Chan Tinh accompanying with the monks of Hoang Phap Pagoda arrived at Dong Cao Pagoda in Nga Yen Commune, Nga Son District, Thanh Hoa Province to witness and support for the ceremony proclaiming the appointed abbot.

According to the written history on the stone-stele which had put at pagoda, this is a spirit’s cultural relic that lasted over the 300 hundred years. The pagoda remains its anciently simple and typical shape at the northern in spite of being rebuilt and constructed many times. Over many up-and-down periods, the pagoda was still lack of an abbot ’s nun or monk. However, the old one has still sounded its sutra chanting in the morning and evening.

Years ago, the pagoda had no abbot, then a group of Buddhists at Dong Cao pagoda had returned Hoang Phap pagoda to invite a monk who would come Dong Cao pagoda to instruct with their cultivation. Junior Ven. Thich Tam Hung had recently finished his Buddhist program at that time; therefore, he has accepted this responsibility which begins his Dharma Buddha propagation’s work.

Up to now being the pagoda has had enough of condition with an enthusiastic, young monk’s instruction. Receiving the support from the director board, local authority and Buddhist’s heart, Junior Ven. Thich Tam Hung had formally been appointed to be the abbot at Dong Cao pagoda.

Coming to witness and attend on the ceremony, there were deputies such as Senior Ven. Thich Tam Dinh – a committee of charity board of the Vietnamese Buddhist’s Center (the V.B.C), Vice of Director Board (D.B) of Vietnamese Buddhist’ Associastion (V.B.A) in Thanh Hoa Province; Nun Ven. Thich Dam Loan – an alternate member of Director Council of the V.B.C, the Vice of D.B of V.B.A in Thanh Hoa Province; Junior Ven. Thich Tam Chinh – the main secretary of V.B.A in Thanh Hoa Province; Junior Ven. Thich Tam Hien – a committee of the Central’s Rite Board, the Chief of Ritual Board of D.B of V.B.A, the Chief of D.B in Thanh Hoa Province, Abbot of Dai Bi pagoda; Junior Ven. Thich Tam Minh - a Commitee of the Young’s Graduation Board of the V.B.A’s Central and the local authorities who attended the ceremony.

In the ceremony, Senior Ven. Thich Chan Tinh had some words to remind his disciples about the propagation’s method in the future.

The abbot’s role is very important in the existence and perishment of a pagoda. The abbot’s word means “staying home of dharma King and practicing the Buddha’s teaching”. Thus, a cultivator, who ought to know to abandon his/her body or fortune with the aim of his/ her enlightenment fruit, as a leaving-home person who cut all their hairs, therefore, will absorb their vows: “changing their figure, giving up their love and fortune, propagating the Buddha’s teaching, vowing to support all humans.

The cultivator’s goal and willing is receiving the Buddha’s dharma first, then rescue human as well”. He/ she is affected by religious affairs and never forgets all its meaning. An abbot to be known as a rower who ferries across a river, neither to be attached, nor to be missed on any things as well as to be freed between two banks of delusion and awareness. The cultivator’s contamination is arrogant and presumptuous, therefore, as knowing of modesty and respect to others, the cultivator will have love from co-cultivator’s supports and Buddhists as well. The Senior also praised the Junior Abbot Venerable because of his practical activities during the past time.

Following are some recorded photographs:

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