The retreat "Lotus Seeds' Sowing " at Dong Cao Pagoda - Thanh Hoa

Children are the future of family, country and future of Buddhism.They need to be fully cared for not only physically but also intellectually and spiritually to have resistance to bad things and evils, to sow Bodhi seeds and belief in the Three Jewels towards core values of traditional education, to lead a Holiness life according to the Buddha's teaching.

Responding to the wishes children and their parents, with the desire to create a healthy playground for them cultivate morality, especially to be close to the good and the Buddha's teachings, on Jan. 01th,  2019 (lunar Nov. 26th, the year of Dog), overcoming weather’s harshness and facilities’ inadequacy, Abbot Master, Buddhists and the Youth Club’s members of Dong Cao Pagoda held the first time of the retreat “Sowing lotus seeds” for children from 7 - 13 years old, there were nearly 200 children in and out of the district returned to attend.

Due to the harsh atmosphere, the club’s youth of Dong Cao Pagoda instructed games for children in order to reduce to the weather's chill after completing register. Right 8h30', Venerable Thich Tam Hung - Chief of the Organizing board taught them walking meditation in mindfulness. After that, Buddhist Ms. Dieu Tam instructed children necessary postures for newcomers to the pagoda. At 9h 30', children started the game of statues' coloring.

Especially lunchtime, the children took their own food without any support. When finishing eating, they have to wash their own bowls. So, this helps them to become independent and close to people.

In the afternoon, the Abbot Master preached the meaning of the New Year and reminded necessary things on during the Tet's holidays. After that, they started into the meditative sitting time then read the "Gratitude" poem to help remember the merit they received. Next, it is the joyful time to play with them outdoor programs and  clever puzzles.

Ending of cultivating day, children and their parents were heard a sincere message by the Abbot Venerable displayed the dharma propagating spirit to benefit for beings as well as wished everyone joining together to build for children a meaningful playground, usefulness and full of educational characteristic.

The following is the recorded images: