The abbot of Cam Phong Pagoda expressed his gratitude to the benefactors who have shown concern for the care and support of the elderly and children.
Bringing warmth to the lives of the unfortunate.
In Tay Ninh , almost everyone knows about Cam Phong Pagoda (Thanh Duc commune), not only because of its rich history but also because it is home to an abbot who has dedicated his life to caring for the less fortunate. That abbot is Venerable Thich Dinh Tanh (whose secular name is Le Minh Duc). At the age of 15, he became a monk, seeking refuge in Buddhism. That was also when young Le Minh Duc deeply understood the meaning of "compassion." From then on, he was always deeply concerned about the unfortunate. To help, he sought work in various companies and factories. He didn't use the money he earned for himself, but instead donated it to those in need around him.
In 1992, when he was appointed abbot of Cam Phong Pagoda by the Provincial Buddhist Association, Venerable Thich Dinh Tanh began building a shelter for the homeless and destitute. “I personally bought each pillar and plank to build a house right next to the Vam Co Dong River, providing accommodation for 50 homeless people with no relatives. I single-handedly carried the paralyzed, changed diapers, and fed milk to abandoned newborn babies. At that time, I was young, so I didn't feel tired even after doing all sorts of work all day,” Venerable Thich Dinh Tanh recalled.
At this time, the responsibility became even heavier. To earn money to support his "large family," the monk had to do many things at once. At night, he stayed up preparing vegetarian food to sell at markets in the morning. Then, he went to Ho Chi Minh City, specifically to the Cau Muoi wholesale market, to peel garlic and onions to earn money. The compassion of this virtuous monk touched other kind hearts. Gradually, small traders at Cau Muoi Market, Cau Ong Lanh Market, and people in the surrounding area... supported him with a small amount of money each month to care for the elderly and children. Then, the story of the monk's compassion became known to many other philanthropists. The number of unfortunate and underprivileged people he helped also increased day by day.
The adopted children of Venerable Thich Dinh Tanh
In 2016, to provide sufficient housing for the elderly and children in the area, Venerable Thich Dinh Tanh began construction of the May Ngan Orphanage on a 4-hectare plot of land. Currently, it houses and cares for over 200 orphaned children and elderly people without family support. For the children, Venerable Thich Dinh Tanh registers their births and provides for their education according to each child's ability. Even now, he doesn't remember exactly how many orphaned children he has registered under his name.
“I’ve named over 100 children already. My name is Le Minh Duc, so they will take the surname Le Minh followed by their given name. Two years ago, I organized a wedding for one of them. I told them that whoever got married should take care of the money for the wedding gold themselves, while I would provide the money for the reception. Many of them have grown up, found jobs, and are able to support their families. Although I’m not rich, I’m very happy that they are doing well,” shared Venerable Thich Dinh Tanh.
Committed to helping those in need.
“In the face of difficult circumstances, as a businesswoman, I wish to share some of my good fortune to contribute to the local community's efforts in implementing social welfare programs in line with the government's call to ‘leave no one behind’.” This is the sentiment of Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, owner of the Vinh Phuc - Hai Trang lottery ticket agency in Long Hoa ward.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang (on the left) has always been a partner with the local government in many social welfare activities.
When it comes to volunteering, Ms. Trang doesn't remember exactly when she started because she's always quietly helped and shared with others. Whenever she hears about someone in need, she helps. To help people in the simplest and most consistent way, Ms. Trang often organizes rice and essential goods distribution events right at her home. Each gift package contains 10kg of rice, sugar, salt, MSG, etc. The first packages were given to lottery ticket vendors. Word spread, and she helped anyone in need. Each person had a different situation, but most were struggling and living alone.
"I just announce it to everyone, and whoever needs it comes and I give it to them," she said. To this day, she can't remember how many donation drives she's taken or how many people have received gifts. She only knows that with each gift she gives, she feels happier because she's been able to share some of the daily burden of providing for those in need.
Ms. Trang also prioritizes supporting education. Every new school year, she consistently provides support to local communities and schools by donating notebooks. In the 2024-2025 school year alone, she donated over 1,000 notebooks to children. She also supports schools with facilities such as a sound system for Nguyen Dinh Chieu Primary School and scholarships for children in Hoa Thanh ward (Long Hoa ward)... Ms. Trang is also readily available to assist those in need.
"Once, upon hearing that a family's house had burned down, I went there and couldn't hold back my tears at the sight of the devastation and chaos. I gave the homeowner 5 million VND to help cover the immediate expenses of buying back essential items," Trang shared.
Ms. Trang has also participated in the "Rice of Compassion" program organized by the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Long Hoa Ward for nearly four years now. Each month, she regularly donates 150kg of rice to the local community to help disadvantaged households. She has provided interest-free loans totaling 100 million VND to vulnerable and reformed women since 2022; and has supported local social welfare work in her sister communes, such as building solidarity houses in An Co commune and donating gifts to the poor in the former border commune.
"Compared to many others, my contributions to social welfare may not be substantial, but I always try my best to work with the government to care for people in need. In the future, I will continue to join hands with the community to effectively care for the poor and create jobs for local workers," Ms. Trang shared.
For her contributions, in 2023, Ms. Trang received a Certificate of Commendation from the People's Committee of Tay Ninh province for her outstanding achievements in mass mobilization work in 2023; she was awarded the title of "Outstanding Woman" in 2024 by the Provincial Women's Union and, above all, she has earned the love and respect of many people.
Volunteer activities not only help those in need overcome adversity but also spread humanitarian values in society, making life warmer and more beautiful.
Khai Tuong
Source: https://baolongan.vn/hanh-trinh-gieo-mam-tu-te-a203913.html
Comment (0)