Spread the good teachings of Buddhism

Every year in the fourth lunar month, when the lotus flowers begin to bloom, the hearts of Buddhists are moved towards the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni to remember, to show gratitude and to follow his practice to have a peaceful and happy life; at the same time, pagodas and monasteries in the province have many practical activities towards the community to spread and shine the values of Buddha's teachings.

"Exchange books for trees" program at Khanh Nguyen pagoda, An My commune (Quynh Phu).

Like many other Buddhists of Thien Phuc Pagoda, Quynh Hai Commune (Quynh Phu), Mr. Nguyen Huu Tuyen, Doan Xa Village and his family members did not mind the hot summer weather to come and help the pagoda organize the Buddha's Birthday. He shared: Every Buddha's Birthday is an opportunity for us to remember the day Buddha was born and to save all living beings. On this occasion, we, along with monks, nuns and Buddhists, often pray for a peaceful Buddha's Birthday for everyone, every family; at the same time, we remind ourselves to strive to practice according to Buddha's teachings, live honestly, and aim for a peaceful life.

Sharing the same thoughts and feelings, hundreds of Buddhists of Thien Phuc Pagoda gathered at the pagoda on the day of the Buddha's Birthday. After chanting Buddha's name to pray for blessings and listening to the Dharma Master's message, monks, nuns and Buddhists performed the Buddha bathing ceremony.

Ms. Hoang Thi Nu, Quynh Hai commune said: Every time I participate in the Buddha bathing ritual, I remind myself to get rid of all worries, greed, anger, jealousy, frustration, competition, envy... to have a pure mind andeducate my children and grandchildren in the family to always live a good life, actively do good deeds, try my best to help anyone I can, and stay away from evil.

According to Venerable Thich Tri Su, Deputy Head of the Provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Committee, abbot of Sung Nghiem Pagoda, Thai Binh City: Joining the atmosphere of celebrating Buddha's birthday of monks, nuns, and Buddhists nationwide, from the beginning of the fourth lunar month, pagodas and monasteries in the province have solemnly set up their grounds and stages, and conducted ceremonies to create a joyful and exciting atmosphere to celebrate Buddha's birthday. The Buddhist Sangha Executive Committees of districts, cities, and many pagodas have organized the Buddha's birthday and solemnly performed the Buddha bathing ceremony. Party committees and authorities at all levels from the province to the grassroots have paid attention and created favorable conditions to support the executive committees and pagodas to organize Buddhist spiritual ceremonies in accordance with the Dharma, and at the same time visited, presented flowers, and gifts of congratulations. Thereby, demonstrating the attention of local Party committees and authorities to Buddhism, contributing to strengthening the solidarity between religions and the secular world, and the harmonious connection between religion and life.

Nun Thich Nu Nhu Hieu, abbot of Khanh Nguyen Pagoda, An My Commune (Quynh Phu) gives gifts to people in difficult circumstances on the occasion of Buddha's Birthday.

In addition to the central ritual of bathing the Buddha, with the spirit of "Propagating Buddhism, benefiting all living beings", bringing joy and relieving suffering, on the occasion of Buddha's birthday, the management boards and abbots of pagodas organized activities to teach sutras and give sermons on Buddha's birthday; release birds and fish to protect the environment; give charity gifts to poor households and students in difficult circumstances...

Nun Thich Nu Nhu Hieu, abbot of Khanh Nguyen Pagoda, An My Commune (Quynh Phu) said: On this year's Buddha's Birthday, the pagoda coordinated with units to give 50 gifts (each worth 500,000 VND) to people in difficult circumstances in the district; donated 5 million VND to the "Fostering the Future" fund. In addition, the pagoda also launched the "Exchange books for trees" program to enrich the pagoda's bookshelf so that people can come to learn, research, update knowledge and spread the message of environmental protection.

Dinh Lan Huong, class 10A6B, Phu Duc High School shared: I find the activity "Exchange books for trees" very meaningful. After the ceremony, I will actively promote and mobilize my classmates and schoolmates to actively participate in helping the nun build a bookshelf, thereby helping disadvantaged children with a passion for reading come here to read and learn, acquire more knowledge to serve their studies in class and in life.

Mr. Pham Duc Co, An My commune (Quynh Phu), who received a gift from the temple, emotionally shared: Not as lucky as his peers, my grandchild has been disabled since birth, and his family is in difficult circumstances; today, attending the Buddha's Birthday Ceremony, the temple gave him a gift, I am very touched; this is an encouragement for him as well as the whole family.

In recent times, monks, nuns and Buddhists in the province have followed in the footsteps of the Buddha, spreading and shining the values of the Buddha's teachings such as living a good life, actively participating in building new rural areas, local movements and activities... Along with the success of this year's Buddha's birthday season combined with promoting the spirit of solidarity, patriotism, nurturing the religious mind, and solemnity of the church, Buddhist activities in the province will continue to achieve complete achievements, contributing to building a strong and progressive Buddhist Church, contributing more and more to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.