The young-seed grower

On that day, it was Mom who took her to visit Hoang Phap Pagoda. Unexpectedly, that was also the causal condition that led her to the path of Buddhism up to now.

The first impression of a girl from a rural province was "How vast and  solemn the temple is!" and at that time, it was equipped with such various facilities as Dharma robe room, the distribution room, ect. so   that Buddhists had the opportunity   to  ask for books, CDs, prayer beads, and even robes or monk's outfits,...   Twenty years ago was a time when   everything was scarce and difficult, but the venerables and monks at   the temple, especially the abbot, devised means for Buddhists everywhere  to connect and study. Thinking about it, it's truly admirable! But to truly admire it, one must mention the compassionate  heart of the venerable monks themselves. Despite challenging conditions at that time, whenever delegations visited the temple, the monks and Buddhists always warmly welcomed them, serving delicious and fulfilling meals from noodles to   rice,which are completely FREE. The first time she, who came from the countryside to the city, encountered such gracious treatment, was greatly impressed, "These monks are so strange, aren't they?".

As time passed, the girl grew older   and wiser. Then, fate led her back to  theHoang Phap temple to contribute and practice. It's strange, there are many temples in the countryside, why did this one shine in the city? It's   true! Because the Hoang Phap temple, under the leadership of the  abbot, organized numerous retreats  such as: Seven-Day Retreat, summer retreats, Vesak Day, Ullambana   Festival, Amitabha Buddha's birthday, one-dayBuddha recitation retreat... Oh! There are many more, she couldn't remember them all. And the abbot also facilitated Buddhists everywhere to come to the temple for spiritual practice. Thanks to the   compassionate heart of the abbot, she found a place to practice at her own pace. The initial days at the temple felt strange, but luckily there were venerable monks and inner   Buddhists who were always friendly and ready to help, so she quickly integrated. Remembering this, she   couldn't help but smile.

During her time practicing and   contributing at the temple, she encountered one surprise after  another, from meticulous practice,  meals, chores, tomeditation sessions, all conducted very seriously   by the monks and Buddhists. It seemed strange to her! Why are the schedules so specific and clear  now? Then,  after a few days, she realized: "Ah, it's because the abbot   has established regulations to guide everyone in their work and practice." 

Not stopping there, every morning   after breakfast, she also got to hear the abbot give short Dharma talks.   She found them very insightful and enjoyable! Unlike other temples near her home where Dharma talks were only given during major   ceremonies, here it was every day. What's more special is that the abbot allowed  Buddhists to dine with the monks and listen to Dharma talks alongside them - this is truly rare and unique!

A few months after returning to the   temple, there was a Seven-Day Retreat organized. This was also the first retreat she participated in as a server. The first time in her life she saw so many people! The temple was packed! Everyone's faces were radiant.The elderly, the middle-aged, the young... Some carried, some dragged, some pushed their luggage to register for the retreat. How joyful it was! With over three thousand participants, the retreat was  meticulously arranged from sleeping arrangements, practice locations, bathing areas, meals, medicine,leaving nothing lacking. She observed the venerable monks and  pioneering Buddhists working hard yet everyone's faces showed merry joy. How marvelous, Buddha! Each day of the retreat was a surprise for her because from the first to the   last day, there were Dharma teachings by respected venerables, as well as guidance and sharing of meditation experiences by the monks, attracting everyone's   attention. What's even more enticing is that at the end of the retreat, Everyone received a "huge" gift to   take home. "Huge" represents the  boundless compassionate hearts of   the Buddha's messengers. "Huge" means embracing everyone. The venerable monks offered everything   from material to spiritual goods without discrimination, giving with all their hearts. She felt it!

 For someone in her twenties, the   summer retreat at Hoang Phap temple was the most attractive.   Every year when summer comes, the temple organizes retreats for students. Each retreat had nearly   four thousand young participants,   the temple brimming with laughter, very systematic along with traditional games, cultural   performances, bonfires... which allowed her to recall her childhood. The young participants were taught   in a very systematic  manner. From   meals, study, entertainment, to   physical exercises, the abbot organizes everything perfectly to help everyone adapt and integrate according to the retreat schedule.  For the first time, she saw so many   young people crying and laughing together during the lectures by the teachers. She listened to their tearful confessions that were only made when they felt the sincerity and love from   the venerable monks and nuns, so that those grievances wouldn't be buried for a lifetime. The abbot truly is a "Seeder of Green Seeds''!

After   each retreat, countless lives had   changed for the better and more virtuous. And those people would   become missioners of the Dharma, extending compassionate arms   to help even more people.

Then came the season of filial piety! The abbot solemnly organized   the Ullambana. The festival for those  with wandering hearts to find refuge:

"In July, autumn leaves turn golden.

The season of humanity welcomes Ullambana."

How beautiful it is to pass down   traditions of gratitude and reciprocation! Reminding all of us, whether Buddhists or not, to turn our   hearts towards our parents. The festival was attended by more than   ten thousand people returning   home.Children held their parents' hands, grandparents held their grandchildren's hands, everyone   dressed in traditional robes, the  temple crowded like a festival. 

During the reading of the meaningful passages and the ritual of  tying   roses,tears streamed down many   faces from parents, children, grandchildren, joyful or sad. She felt   moved too.

"Joyful, reverent to mother,

Joyful, reverent to father,

Joyful, reverent to the Triple Gem,

Joyful,   reverent   to   the virtuous."

(The   Dharma   Verse  –  Verse 332)

In addition, every month the temple would organize a one-day Buddha recitation retreat. Because it only lasted for a day and fell on Sundays, many people returned to the temple   for practice. Despite preparing over  twenty thousand food boxes, they still ran out. She couldn't have imagined such a thing in her hometown!Everyone practiced   diligently and earnestly! Perhaps due to the busy life, there wasn't much time, so this was an opportunity for Buddhists to come to the temple. Although it's called a one-day   retreat, the schedule was very comprehensive: from reciting sutras,  reciting  the  Buddha's name, Dharmatalks, lunch, meditation, to   mindfulness exercises, ... In general, it was beyond wonderful! She felt it, and so did everyone else!

 After a year of practicing and contributing at Hoang Phap temple, she received the abbot, Most Venerable Senior or Junior, as her Masters. How affectionate those   one word "Master" were! She saw the Buddha's heart through the image of the abbot and the senior monks - she saw the real image of the Buddha's messengers. She believed in the Buddha, in genuine   practitioners. She was grateful to the abbot for organizing retreats, ceremonies, and practical programs   for everyone to have the opportunity to return to their spiritual home.

Now, after more than twenty years since she first knew the temple and  practiced there, she saw her Master   with boundless love opening up new retreats suitable for the times and the needs of many people, such as: 'Retreat To Return to the Buddha', 'Sunflower Festival', 'regular ceremonies', 'student retreats focused on Buddhist teachings', ect. The abbot built the   Dharma Hall to create opportunities   for study and Dharma teachings for   all monks, nuns, and Buddhists from afar, as well as offering resources for practice such as: 'Giac Minh Luat   Master', purification of body and mind retreat, insight meditation retreats (Master Tam Thanh), Nikaya   retreat organized by Master Minh Thanh,...

The abbot made the temple become close and intimate with   everyone, justas the saying:

"The temple shelters the nation's soul, 

As eternal generations   of   ancestral lives."

Thank you for being on behalf of the Buddha, bringing the light of wisdom   and boundless compassion to sentient beings. No obstacle can hinder the abbot's steps. Despite old age and declining health, with  extraordinary willpower and endurance, the abbot has done extraordinary things for sentient   beings. Only those who truly practice and learn can be like that! She   witnessed countless deeds over that time, and she truly reveres the Buddha's Messenger - Master  - Venerable Thich Chan Tinh.

The fragrance of agarwood, the aroma of incense,
The fragrance doesn't fly against the wind,

The fragrance of a virtuous  person goes straight,

Spreading far against the  wind, remaining fragrant day after day.

Amidst the dirt on the  roadside,

There's the scent of lotus blossoms.

Amidst the mundane life's hustle and bustle,

There are those with wisdom, shining with love."

(The Dharma Verses – Verses  54, 58)

Phước Huệ

Translated into English by Nguyen Thi Mai Thao