Spreading the spirit of compassion during the Buddha's birthday season.

(GLO) - This year's Buddha's Birthday season, many monasteries, monks, nuns, Buddhists, and philanthropists in Gia Lai province organized charitable activities, focusing on the poor, the sick, and families receiving preferential treatment, contributing to spreading the spirit of compassion and kindness in the community.

The monasteries in Quy Nhon Nam ward and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward presented gifts to families entitled to preferential policies. Photo: Provided by the organization.

In celebration of Buddha's Birthday (Buddhist calendar 2570), on May 26th, monasteries in Quy Nhon Nam ward, in coordination with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward, organized a gift-giving event for several families of policy beneficiaries, those who have contributed to the revolution, and war invalids in the area. These gifts are a way of expressing gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices of these families to the country.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Bich, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Quy Nhon Nam Ward, said: “On this occasion, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward also presented 4 gifts to near-poor households (500,000 VND/gift); the Women's Union of the ward donated 5 health insurance cards to women in difficult circumstances and provided 2 sponsorships for children in difficult circumstances (1.2 million VND/quarter). These gifts are a connection of many compassionate hearts in the community, contributing to bringing joy to people in need during the Buddha's Birthday season.”

Earlier, a charitable group from the monasteries of Quy Nhon Nam ward also visited the Hoai Nhon Mental Health Care Center (Hoai Nhon Tay ward) to offer 550 meals and 550 gifts to patients undergoing treatment there. The hot meals, small gifts, and sincere words of encouragement brought warmth to the patients during these difficult times.

On May 28th, Tam An Pagoda (Quy Nhon ward) donated 50 gift packages to patients undergoing hemodialysis at the Provincial Central General Hospital (worth 500,000 VND each). Long Khanh Ancestral Temple (Quy Nhon ward) also distributed over 200 gift packages, including rice and cash, to disadvantaged households in Quy Nhon ward and surrounding areas, with a total support cost exceeding 50 million VND.

Venerable Thich Quang Duy, Abbot of Long Khanh Ancestral Temple, said: “This is an activity that the temple maintains every Buddha's Birthday season to share with those in difficult circumstances, contributing to spreading the spirit of compassion and alleviating suffering of Buddhism. We hope that these gifts, though small, will bring joy and encourage people to strive for a better life.”

Not only monasteries, but also many organizations and philanthropists are joining hands to spread the spirit of sharing during the Buddha's birthday season. The Provincial Association for the Support of Poor Patients, in coordination with philanthropists, distributed 50 gift packages to disadvantaged households in Quy Nhon, Quy Nhon Nam, Quy Nhon Bac, and Quy Nhon Dong wards, with a total value of approximately 20 million VND.

Long Khánh Ancestral Temple presents gifts to people in difficult circumstances on the occasion of Buddha's Birthday. Photo: Quang Tien

At the Provincial Central General Hospital, the charity kitchen has received more support than usual these days, ensuring that it continues to provide meals for poor patients.

Monks, nuns, Buddhist followers, and many individuals and families have contributed funds and necessities to maintain the operation of the charitable kitchen.

Thanks to this collective effort, approximately 1,000 free meals are delivered directly to patients every day.

What is truly admirable is that behind every gift and every meal distributed are kind and compassionate hearts. Some families are dedicating themselves to charitable acts in remembrance of deceased loved ones; others, having experienced the hardships of caring for the sick, understand the difficulties faced by patients and their families, and thus continue to share with the community.

There are also groups of friends and families who join hands to contribute, hoping to help those less fortunate. These acts of kindness have helped spread the spirit of compassion and humanity, making the Buddha's Birthday season even warmer and more meaningful.

The Buddha's Birthday season is not only an occasion for Buddhists to commemorate the birth of the Buddha, but also an opportunity to spread the spirit of love and sharing in society. From heartfelt gifts to free meals for impoverished patients, all of these contribute to enhancing the image of Buddhism accompanying the nation, living a virtuous life, and working together for the community.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/lan-toa-tinh-than-tu-bi-trong-mua-phat-dan-post588542.html