DT translated into English

“Hằng Thuận” defines as Living in Harmony Forever - A Wonder in the life of a Buddhist Matrimony Held in the Buddhist Temple

(Giác Ngộ) – The wedding ceremony being held at the pagoda where the Buddhist rituals had been demonstrated was called "Hằng Thuận Festival."  The founder of Hằng Thuận Festival is Mr. Đỗ Nam Tử.  Đỗ Nam Tử was born under the name Nguyễn Trọng Thuật in 1883 and died in 1940.  He came from Hải Dương Province.  He was raised in the Confucian principles but later converted to Buddhism.  He was a strong supporter of the Buddhist renaissance in his motherland.

Mr. Đỗ Nam Tử strongly believed that Buddhism beliefs should be spread and practiced by all human races.  In 1930, a profound philosopher named Tâm Minh – Lê Đình Thám was one of the greatest pioneers in the renaissance movement of Buddhism.  Lê Đình Thám also was the founder of ‘Đức Dục”, a Buddhist youth group, “Phật Hóa Phổ” Organization (founded 1940), and the “Family Organization of Buddha Reincarnation” in 1951.  The wedding ceremony of Mr. Le Đinh Tham’s eldest daughter, Ms. Lê Thị Hoành to Mr. Hoàng Văn Tâm, was held in the Từ Đàm Temple (Huế).  It was believed that was the first wedding ceremony ever demonstrated in a Buddhist Temple.  Response to the beliefs implanted by Mr. Đỗ Nam Tử earlier, in 1971 Ven. Thích Thiện Hoa came up with “Hang Thuan”, a terminology to described the temple marriage ceremony.

Hằng defines as eternity, thuận means unity.  If a married couple wants an eternal unity, they should learn how to respect one another.  This is the real meaning of a wedding ring passed down by our ancestors.  If Buddhist devotees want a peaceful environment where can be viewed as home, there is no place better than the temple, where the love and warmth of other fellow believers are always present.

That being said, a wedding ceremony being performed in the temple will help to build the couple’s spiritual life in their future married life.

The couple's family and friends are gathered to witness their union ceremony.  They have been given blessings by the Three Precious Ones known as Buddha, Dhama & Sangha.  The couple is encouraged to listen to the marriage messages drawn from the prayer book named "Thiện Sanh", which was written and preached by the Buddha.  These messages are being delivered by the monks and nuns.  From this day forward, today's preaching ceremony shall leave an everlasting impression in their lives--and most importantly, the profound meaning of their wedding rings.

When the bride and groom exchange of rings, that moment represents the love and respect that one has towards the other.  If their future life lack respect, then it will be impossible for building a long lasting marriage. Thus, when the Three Precious Ones:  Buddha, Dhama & Sangha, family and friends witness the couple’s exchange of wedding ring vows, it shall send the strong message to the couple.  Therefore, the ring ceremony is also called “Hằng Thuận Festival.”

Even though this wedding ritual has been arranged rather simple in the Buddhist temple, and by no means a traditional Buddhist wedding, but it has given a significant message to the couple on how to build good family values by showing love and tranquility from one to another by practicing Buddhist beliefs.  When the couple exchanges wedding vows in front of the Three Precious Ones:  Buddha, Dhama & Sangha, it will leave a big impact on their future spiritual life. Therefore, the ceremony performed in the temple helps bring long lasting meaning and purpose into their lives.

Hằng Thuận delivers beautiful meaning in a married life.  While holding hands, they say their vows out loud before the Three Precious Ones:  Buddha, Dhama & Sangha and promise under oath to build strong family life by adopting five basic moral principles of Buddhism.  On the other hand, Hằng Thuận also symbolizes “promise”, which says before the Three Precious Ones:  Buddha, Dhama & Sangha will help the couple overcome the obstacles that they may have faced along the way in their journey. 

Another perspective on the same subject, Hằng Thuận should be encouraged to other Buddhist followers and make this practice more easily to access by all.  The spirit-filled life has given the couple the preservation of morals and civilization.  It also helps balance the spiritual beings and gives life guidance.  If a family is a cell in society – a healthy body requires a good cell in order to function properly.

However, Hằng Thuận holds true only when the young couple is dedicated to each other, to move forward together for the rest of their lives. With love, sense of responsibility, having the same purpose throughout their lives, and with a strong foundation of Buddhist ethics the couple will build a home filled with happiness.

Hằng Thuận ceremony has delivered such great message.  It’s the bridge that connects a common life of the Buddhist monks and followers to the spiritual life, liberates our souls and gives us desire to be good citizens in our society.

http://www.giacngo.vn/phathoc/2009/11/26/5BD600/