Amidst the scorching May sun of Central Vietnam, beside the unfinished main hall of Vinh Pagoda (Lien Tan village, Dong Loc commune, Ha Tinh province ), the joyful laughter of 22 underprivileged children resounds. There, a young monk has decided to temporarily set aside his work of building bricks and stones to choose a difficult but quiet journey: nurturing young minds and erecting a stupa of compassion.
The young monk we met at Vinh Pagoda was Venerable Thich Dong Phap, the abbot of the pagoda. Venerable Thich Dong Phap's secular name is Phan Danh Manh, born in 1991 in K130 village (Can Loc commune), into a family with a tradition of devotion to Buddhism.
As the second of three sons, the monk's childhood was filled with chanting of scriptures and pilgrimages to Huong Tich Pagoda on Hong Linh Mountain or Ha Linh Pagoda in the village. Family tradition nurtured the virtuous spirit of the young Phan Danh Manh. Following the course of life, this student from a purely agricultural village grew up with his friends, pursuing a career through education.
In 2012, after graduating from the Vietnam-Germany Technical College (Ha Tinh), instead of venturing out into the world to make a living, the young student chose an unexpected path: becoming a monk to pursue spiritual studies.
“It was a choice of the heart. The idea of becoming a monk wasn't sudden; it had been nurtured for a long time. Because I always wondered about the meaning of life, about what I was born to do, what benefit I could bring to this life and to those around me? When reading books on Buddhism, especially 'The Old Path, White Clouds' by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, I realized there was a path to answer the questions in my heart,” said Venerable Thich Dong Phap.
After leaving his hometown, young Phan Danh Manh sought refuge at An Lac Monastery (B'Lao Ward, Lam Dong Province) to learn from a master. There, he was accepted as a disciple by Venerable Thich Duc Nghi, the abbot of An Lac Monastery, who shaved his head, ordained him as a novice monk, and gave him the Dharma name Thich Dong Phap. He then studied Buddhist doctrine at the Binh Dinh Buddhist College. In 2017, after graduating, he returned to An Lac Monastery to continue his practice.
In early 2019, recognizing that his disciple had completed his monastic training, Venerable Thich Duc Nghi encouraged Thich Dong Phap to find a suitable temple to dedicate himself to propagating the Dharma, spreading compassionate teachings and philosophies that benefit all beings.
Obeying his teacher's instructions, Venerable Thich Dong Phap packed his bags and traveled from the South to the North, visiting rural areas where many temples lacked abbots. Through the "Letter of Introduction" from the Buddhist Sangha and his spiritual teacher, the young monk visited many well-maintained temples in prosperous rural areas, and received invitations from local authorities to spread the Dharma. However, his journey ultimately ended in the impoverished Dong Loc district at the end of 2019.
“Although it was an ancient temple, at that time Vinh Pagoda was just a plot of land overgrown with trees, a dilapidated relic, with only the foundation of the old pagoda remaining. I built a small hut to shelter from the rain and sun to begin the restoration work. When I reported to Venerable Thich Duc Nghi, I bowed my head and said: 'I feel a connection with that land, I am not afraid of hardship, I see it as something I need to do.' He nodded and advised: 'Life is full of temptations and hardships, you must be steadfast in your resolve, cultivate your character, and maintain the virtues of a monk,'" - Venerable Thich Dong Phap recalled emotionally.
Regarding Vinh Pagoda, Venerable Thich Dong Phap gradually mobilized and appealed to local people and benefactors to join hands in its restoration. During those difficult times, the people of Lien Tan village always saw the image of the young monk, regardless of rain or shine, diligently clearing bushes and laying the first shovelfuls of earth to reshape the foundation.
The monk's actions moved the local people, who joined forces and generous donors contributed support. As a result, nearly a year later, the foundation was built and a small temporary structure erected to serve as a place for Buddhist worship. The aspiration to rebuild the ancient temple, which had fallen into disrepair due to time, was progressing according to plan when a turning point occurred, completely altering the initial direction of Venerable Thich Dong Phap.
On a summer morning, just before Buddha's Birthday in 2026, as we passed through the gate of Vinh Pagoda, we were greeted by a lush green garden transformed from what was once barren land. Amidst the rows of corn in full bloom, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and cosmos flowers shone brightly in the May sunshine.
Venerable Thich Dong Phap was bending down to pick corn, surrounded by children aged 3-5 years old, clutching small plastic baskets and chattering excitedly: "Teacher, pick some for me!", "Teacher, give some to me!". The young monk just smiled gently, bending down to put corn into one child's basket, then turning to pat another on the head. After a while, he sat down beside the flower bushes and told stories to the children, their innocent laughter echoing in the small garden, making the atmosphere of the monastery unusually warm.
At the end of 2020, after a hard day's work in the temple garden, Venerable Thich Dong Phap dozed off in his small thatched hut. As dawn broke, he awoke to the sound of a newborn baby crying somewhere. Following the sound to the temple gate, he saw a baby wrapped in an old cloth. He looked around; the village road was deserted, not a soul in sight. He quickly picked up the baby and comforted it. The baby was thirsty for milk, its skin turning blue from hunger and cold...
Immediately afterwards, the monk reported the incident to the local authorities in accordance with regulations. After a period of searching for the child's relatives without anyone coming to claim her, the monk decided to take her in and care for her. The authorities at all levels also quickly coordinated and assisted the temple in completing the legal procedures to establish the monk's legal guardianship.
From then on, the work of building the temple became even more arduous as the monk had to be both a father and a laborer. Then, five months later, another child appeared. “The woman came with her child, tears streaming down her face, recounting her illness, lack of support, and difficulty raising the child. Seeing the child, hungry, pale, and thin at three years old, I couldn’t refuse,” recounted Venerable Thich Dong Phap.
The challenges seem to grow bigger every day. By the end of 2022, 10 children had been brought in, and to date, that number has reached 22 lives entrusted to the care of Vinh Pagoda.
Venerable Thich Dong Phap shared: “At this time, the temple has already erected the pillars and roof tiles, the four sides do not yet have walls, but the main hall for worshipping Buddha is basically solemn. I decided to temporarily stop construction to dedicate all resources to taking care of the children.”
So, next to the main temple, which is breezy all year round, a small, well-built house was erected, becoming a warm and sheltering home for 22 underprivileged children. Many years have passed, and the monk has endured countless hardships, yet his face always radiates joy, serenity, and compassion. Few know that behind the children's laughter each morning in the courtyard of Vinh Pagoda, this "father" has to struggle daily to provide for their food and clothing.
Of the 22 children being cared for at the temple, most arrived as infants. Some were abandoned and don't know who their parents are, some are orphans, some have physical disabilities and have been rejected by their families. Each child represents a life of hardship and presents a significant challenge for the young monk.
Venerable Thich Dong Phap shared that in the early days of adopting the children, he had to seek out the women and mothers in the village to learn how to change diapers and care for newborns, and then search online for more knowledge. During outbreaks of disease, 7-10 children would fall ill with fever at the same time; some children suffered from hemiplegia, and he had to patiently treat them for many years before they gradually recovered.
The difficulties also stem from the cost of raising and educating the children. Currently, 18 out of 22 children are attending school, and most expenses rely on the support of philanthropists, including a monthly donation of 8 million VND from the Vingroup Charitable Foundation. Despite the numerous hardships, the young monk remains steadfast in his chosen aspiration, because for him, there is no greater joy than seeing underprivileged children grow up in love and care.
“I remember in the Lotus Sutra there was the Bodhisattva Never-Disrespectful, who would respectfully bow to anyone he met, rich or poor, and say: ‘Reverend Sir/Madam! I do not despise you, for you will become a Buddha.’ And Shakyamuni Buddha taught that all sentient beings have Buddha-nature, are all equal, and saving one life is better than building seven pagodas. In his life, President Ho Chi Minh was also a shining example of compassion, wholeheartedly dedicated to children. Therefore, at that time, I thought that caring for the children was an urgent matter. The temple could be built gradually, but saving lives could not wait,” Venerable Thich Dong Phap confided.
There is a memory that the young monk always cherishes in his heart as a precious gift, a source of encouragement on his path of spiritual practice: the advice of his teacher, Venerable Thich Duc Nghi, during a visit to Ha Tinh to see his student and the charitable shelter at Vinh Pagoda at the end of 2022. The Venerable Abbot affectionately advised: “The Dharma is also life, and life is also the Dharma. Throughout history, Buddhism has always been intertwined with the nation. Since you have chosen to immerse yourself in life and dedicate yourself to service, you must remain steadfast and resolute to the very end. You must ensure that every child grows up with good morals and becomes a useful member of society.” This was also the last visit of his esteemed teacher before the Venerable Abbot passed away in 2024, leaving profound teachings for the path of spiritual practice of Venerable Thich Dong Phap.
A temple made of brick and tile cannot create a human being, but a human being, when the time is right, can build hundreds of temples. The temple in a person's heart is the true pagoda.
Venerable Thich Dong Phap
When asked why he chose this arduous journey of "engagement with the world" instead of the peaceful path of Zen Buddhism, Venerable Thich Dong Phap smiled gently, looking towards the main hall: "Each person has their own destiny and their own path. Like me, following the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, the patriarchs, and my teachers, I find this path meaningful for practitioners. As for choosing to care for these children, I believe that a temple made of bricks and tiles cannot create a human being, but a person, when the conditions are right, can build hundreds of temples. The temple in a person's heart is the true treasure."
In his story, Venerable Thich Dong Phap repeatedly mentioned the role of the government at all levels, the collective efforts of the community, philanthropists, and especially the people of Lien Tan village. Without their support, he alone could not have been able to care for 22 children who are at a crucial age for growth and development. "What warms my heart is that this home was built by society, the government, organizations, generous donors, and the local people," said Venerable Thich Dong Phap.
The work of Venerable Thich Dong Phap has spread the spirit of compassion, loving-kindness, joy, and equanimity of Buddhism into life. For many years, the people of Lien Tan village have regarded Vinh Pagoda as a place of love, and many have volunteered to help the Venerable care for the children and beautify the pagoda garden with joyful hearts.
Ms. Dang Thi Nguyet (Lien Tan village) said: “We are deeply impressed by Venerable Dong Phap's kindness and his dedication to Buddhism, and his vows as practitioners. What makes us appreciate him is not just the temple construction, but his compassionate care for the children. Seeing the children have a place to live and be loved, everyone is moved. Therefore, my husband and I regularly volunteer at the temple, helping the Venerable take care of the children and look after the grounds...”
Over the past period, the local authorities and organizations in Dong Loc commune have also shown great interest. Above all, everyone recognizes that the work of Teacher Dong Phap has contributed to building a spirit of great unity and enhancing the moral and religious values in social life.
Ms. Tran Thi Huong, Vice Chairwoman of the Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Loc commune and Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Dong Loc commune, expressed: "The actions of Venerable Thich Dong Phap clearly demonstrate the compassionate spirit of Buddhism and the benevolent tradition of the nation. This is something truly commendable. We will continue to support him so that the Vinh Pagoda's shelter becomes increasingly spacious, creating the best conditions for the children to grow up and study in a stable environment."
Farewell to Vinh Pagoda, farewell to Venerable Thich Dong Phap - a monk who is daily dedicating himself to the path of virtue and serving humanity. The small village gradually recedes on the road to the city, but in the last rays of the setting sun, our minds still resonate with the sound of the pagoda bells mingled with the giggling laughter of the children. And we believe that with each new day, the bells will ring even louder, multiplying the happiness of those lives being nurtured by the milk of compassion... And that is the most beautiful stupa in the journey of serving humanity of this young Venerable.
CONTENT: THIEN VY
DESIGN: HUY QUAN
Source: https://baohatinh.vn/tam-dung-xay-thap-gach-lo-dung-bao-thap-long-nguoi-post311441.html
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