The lantern-flower night commemorating to Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara at Tay Khanh Pagoda.

On the morning of March 24th, 2019 (lunar Feb. 19th, the Year of the Pig) of the Zen-Buddha reciting retreat of the 3rd day, the mass was heard a Dharma talk by Junior Ven. Thich Tam Dao, a monk from Hoang Phap Pagoda.

During a dharma speech, Junior Ven. told the Buddhists how to cherish and be happy with what we are, do not seek happiness in a far away place. Happiness in Buddhism is the renunciation of "craving, attachment" that means no holding anything in any situation, or in suffering still finds happiness, delight. We could be calm and happy in life, although our surroundings are five turbidity, paining, injustice, or five desires, charming:

 "Happiness is tranquil middle of suffering

  Liberation is cavalier in binding.” 

In the evening the same day, in order to commemorate the merit of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara for giving happiness and helping suffering, monks and Buddhists to celebrate the lantern flower night to commemorate on Her birthday.

At exactly 19h 00, the monks and nuns were welcomed to celebrate the great ceremony. Immediately after the opening speech of Junior Ven. Thich Tam Kinh, monks and nuns offered incense to the Buddha, praying for a peaceful world, happy beings. The most sacred moment of the ceremony came when the Junior Abbot Ven. received the light from the Buddha's altar and passed it on to the proving monks and nuns to with over 200 Buddhists attending.

Next, it is the rite of chanting the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvar's names by Junior Ven. Thich Tam Dao. At the end of the ceremony is a dharma talk by Junior Ven. Thich Tam Phong, he preached about the meaning to save suffering and reincarnations of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara:

 Cultivating and studying according to the wishes of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is a bridge to connect love of sharing in life. That one always helps connect people together. They will love and understand, engage and serve. They will be tolerance and generosity, empathy and forgiveness, sharing and helping, so, one has no any enemy, if having, because ones have not sympathized with each other. Bodhisattva’s images of thousand hands symbolize serving tirelessly, not knowing boring for the benefit of sentient beings. The eyes in each hand represent the wisdom that knows the truth. Therefore, Bodhisattva  understands, loves and helps equality living beings, without distinguishing relatives or enemies.

The ceremony ended in joyful filled atmosphere of the Buddha disciples.

The following is the recorded images: