Happiness is Here and Now was the theme for the 24 hour Retreat held for about 20 local American Buddhists at the Dong Hung Temple from 9am, July 18 to 9am, July 19, 2009.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted warmly at the Temple entrance. After introductions and an overview of the agenda for the day the visitors began a day filled with chanting, meditation, and dharma talk. The monks, Chuc Thanh and Chuc Do were excellent teachers and taught the lessons of the Buddha with great intelligence and humor. 

There was meditation throughout the day and evening, with the recitation of the A Di Da Buddha name. One of the highlights of the retreat was a Tai Chi lesson on Sandbridge Beach while listening to the sounds of the ocean. There was also walking meditation along the shoreline and dharma talk underneath the boardwalk. It was relaxing and fun.

After the beach, the American Buddhist guests were provided with a delicious Pho soup for dinner. No one will forget how good the food tasted!

With their hearts open and honest, the group experience and atmosphere was perfect for Dharma discussions. The entire group also practiced and sang a song together called  “Happiness is Here and Now” whenever they finished meditation or discussion. The song was a reminder to be more aware, to practice letting go and live without being in a hurry.

This was the first retreat at the Temple. In the future the Temple will have regular events like this so they can share these wonderful experiences and introduce the wisdom of Buddhism to everyone.

Kathy Manzella

What could be better than 24 hours of chanting, meditation meditative walks laughter, loving & caring people?  More. Which is why after we got home this morning and took care of our responsibilities we turned around and went back to the temple.  Thank you so much for being there and providing so lovingly for all of us, for the loving community who attend the temple, and for all of us who were able to attend the retreat.  It was a combination of all that made the retreat what it was.  I am very thankful that I was able to attend and look forward to more.  A DI DA PHAT
PEACE

Bonnie Osborn

 “I had a very relaxing and uplifting experience at the Dong Hung Buddhist Center Retreat. Chuc Thanh and Chuc Do are excellent teachers and we all learned a great deal from our Dharma talks together. I also enjoyed our walking meditation on the beach and doing Tai Chi. Being together and the sounds of the ocean made it a beautiful experience! The temple made a special effort to prepare a Vietnamese lunch and dinner. It was delicious and eating in silence made me more aware of the tastes and smells of the food. I look forward to attending future retreats and, hopefully can assist Dong Hung Temple in the best way I can.”  - Kathy

Good Day and Brightest Blessings to all ~

As I commented to my companions as we drove home last night - I felt that the experience was very rewarding and that the group of people that were there were precious.

The Temple community opened their hearts and facilities to us and I am grateful for them as I am for having had the opportunity to meet others. I look forward to sharing with each and humbly offer myself in what ever manner I may be needed as it is in my ability to provide to each of you and the Temple.

On the other matter that Chuc Thanh makes reference to - Each of us are on a journey and I support each as they discover that truth which leads to their enlightenment.

If I have been an obstacle and have created any offense to anyone in what ever manner real or perceived I humbly apologize.

It is always my intent to offer myself in whatever capacity I may to help, for in helping others I help myself and the merit obtained helps to heal the world with love and compassion.

For me, my practice is like a great garden. In order for Garden to have beauty one must work and cultivate the flowers and plants, and till the soil. It is hard work, but the result is a splendid oasis of inner nourishment that words can not express.

If I have impended the cultivation of anyone's garden please forgive me -

As one of my teachers the Venerable Wu Ling said to me some years ago when I asked her how best to be a Buddhist - she simply said "Take care of each Other" - I hope to have the opportunity to do so with each as I endeavor to do so in my daily life.

May the joy and peach of the Triple Gem nourish your garden always!

Namo Amitabha

AL

On the first  morning of the retreat  the ceremony for Taking Refuge and the Five Mindfulness Trainings was held.  This beautiful ceremony is the first two steps in becoming a lay disciple of the Buddha. 

For many of those in attendance at the retreat this was their first experience with what becoming a Buddhist involves.

For the two women taking Refuge and receiving the Precepts, this was an auspicious occasion. 

They had previously indicated to the monk, their desire to commit to follow the Buddha Way, and had spent some time in special preparation for this day that they would present them selves at the Temple, before their follow retreatants, to acknowledge their commitment to accept the Triple Gems - the Buddha, the Dharma,and the Sangha - as the guiding ideal in each of their lives, and by the Mindfulness Trainings to express determination to bring their action into harmony with these ideals through right conduct.

At the conclusion of the ordination ceremony the new lay disciples received their Buddhist names, thus connecting them with the lineage of the Buddha and of their teacher Thich Chuc Thanh.  They also received a gift of Mala beads from the temple and a certificate to commemorate this very special day.

Metta,

Cynthia – Thánh Tâm