The one who sows green seeds on coastal land.

For nearly 20 years, Phat Quang Pagoda in Xom Lam hamlet, Hiep Thanh commune, Bac Lieu city, Bac Lieu province (now Hiep Thanh ward, Ca Mau province) has not only been a place of religious worship for the people but has also spread many charitable activities, helping those in difficult circumstances.

Báo Thanh niên•09/06/2026

With a spirit of compassion and love as its foundation, for nearly 20 years, Phat Quang Pagoda has not only been a place of religious activity for local people but also a common home for many generations of poor students, orphans, disadvantaged children, and those lacking the care and protection of their families. Some grew up with separated parents, some were orphaned at a young age, and others had to seek refuge at the pagoda because of their extremely difficult lives. With a compassionate heart, Venerable Thich Thien Phuc has extended his arms to welcome, love, and support these less fortunate lives.

Người gieo mầm xanh trên đất biển- Ảnh 1. — The young monks meditate after school.

With the desire to provide underprivileged children with a true home, in 2010, Venerable Thich Thien Phuc established the Buddhist Quang Temple's School Shelter. From the 15 children initially taken in, the shelter gradually became a refuge for many in difficult circumstances. Besides caring for their daily lives, the Venerable monk, along with Buddhist followers, teaches literacy and nurtures the children's character.

Despite the hardships of life at the orphanage, Venerable Thich Thien Phuc steadfastly accompanies the children with love and dedication. Besides teaching literacy, he also teaches them how to be good people, how to live kindly, nurture their dreams, and maintain their faith to overcome adversity and write their own future.

Người gieo mầm xanh trên đất biển- Ảnh 2. — The young monks in front of their master's classroom.

The small temple, located far from the town center, has limited resources, making the journey of maintaining the shelter never easy. To supplement the expenses, Venerable Thich Thien Phuc prepares vegetarian food himself and hires Buddha paintings, statues, and scriptures. Yet, amidst the many worries, he perseveres in sharing with the children he cares for and those in difficult circumstances in this coastal village.

Người gieo mầm xanh trên đất biển- Ảnh 3. — Receiving gifts from the charity group.

From just 15 children in its early days, the Buddhist Quang Temple's Shelter for Children has now become a shared home for 35 children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Along with this, the burden of providing for the family has also grown heavier for Venerable Thich Thien Phuc. Besides attending to his studies and maintaining the temple's rituals, he also has to care for the children and those practicing Buddhism at the temple.

To maintain the orphanage, the monk accepts invitations from Buddhist followers to perform religious ceremonies and cook vegetarian meals. He also learns to bake cakes and pickle vegetables, then supplies them to shops and stalls in the market. He tries to do anything he can to earn extra income. All he hopes is for the children to have a more stable life and for the small seaside temple to be gradually renovated and improved.

Người gieo mầm xanh trên đất biển- Ảnh 4.

Người gieo mầm xanh trên đất biển- Ảnh 5.

The saplings that the teacher sowed long ago on the coastal land of Bac Lieu have now grown and spread their shade.

PHOTO: TGCC

After more than 15 years, from that humble little Buddhist temple, many of the children he taught their first letters have grown up. They can all read and write fluently, have professions; some have gone on to school and become doctors, engineers, teachers… and some are even studying abroad.

For nearly two decades, from a small temple in a coastal area, Venerable Thich Thien Phuc has quietly sheltered and supported countless unfortunate lives. These children, once deprived of love, have grown up, becoming beautiful testaments to the journey of sowing seeds of love by this compassionate monk in his brown robes.

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Entering its sixth season with the theme " Journey Without Limits ," the "Living Beautifully" contest organized by Thanh Nien Newspaper continues to expand its scope in seeking and honoring positive values in daily life. The contest includes a Writing category (essays, reports, notes) and a Photo category, with a total prize value of 400 million VND.

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United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and the United States.On July 3rd, as part of the Pacific Partnership - Friends of the Pacific 2026 program, the U.S. Army Pacific delegation, led by Lieutenant General Joel Vowell, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Pacific, paid a courtesy visit to the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command.

The U.S. Army Pacific delegation visits the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command.2026 marks the first time the Pacific Partnership-Friends of the Pacific program will be jointly organized in Quang Tri, creating a large-scale cooperation framework with 25 activities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a copy of the Letter of Credence for the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam.On the afternoon of July 2nd, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, Mr. Le Cong Dung, Director of the State Protocol and Foreign Interpretation Department, received a copy of the Letter of Credence from Ms. Jennifer Wicks, Ambassador of the United States of America to Vietnam.

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