Friday, 04/17/2026
The day mother has gone...
Update: 20/05/2018
In the moment of death, Ven. Thich Chan Tinh was not in Vietnam but America for the Buddhist trip. Getting the sad news, he tried to arrange his activities and flighted back to Vietnam for timing the funeral ceremony and fulfilling the filial duty as a Buddhist monk.
On May 19th, 2018 (April 5th, LC), the monks had been present for chanting before sending her physical body to the earth. To join the ceremony, people from government and devout Buddhist from outside also came.
To repay the heart of people, Ven. Abbot Thich Chan Tinh, on behalf of the whole family, addressed some words as the highest thanks to all the sangha members from other temples and people had attended the ceremony. Then he moved to nearby the tomb and opens his heart: “Over 30 years ago when father passed away, I have no chance to see him last and chant for him. Now is your turn. At your moment of death, I also was not there to take care or take the last see you. I heartily apologize you! As a monk, I have a heavy duty in popularizing the Buddha’s word to all beings, so even knowing your health is getting weak, and trying to finish soon my activities for back to you. But impermanence never waits for anyone, it took you far away from your children. When father had gone, I thought I will be nearby you, take care you and together with you we practice. How my hurt! You now had left me forever.”
Having addressed some touching words, he turned to the whole family and reminded them should be harmony, supportive and sheltering to each other, that is the best way to repay grandmother’s wish.
The moving tomb rite was taken place after his word and everyone followed to send her last.
Photos recorded:
