The journey back to the Ngoa Van Patriarchal Land has officially concluded in peace and joy. From the eager footsteps at departure to the lingering moment of farewell, every meditator has brought back for themselves a "lamp" illuminating their inner self. The meditation retreat was not just hours of sitting in silence, but also a series of profound spiritual and cultural experiences, helping us rediscover ourselves amidst the vast cloud-covered mountains.
Panoramic view of the sacred space at Ngoa Van Zen Village
PAYING HOMAGE TO THE BUDDHA AT NGOA VAN HERMITAGE - A RETURN TO THE ROOTS
Offering incense to revere the Buddha on the Ancestors' Commemoration Day
On the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, as the whole country looked towards the Ancestors' Commemoration Day, the Sangha at the Ngoa Van Meditation Retreat had a special affinity to return and offer incense at Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda - the sacred patriarchal land where the Buddhist Emperor attained Buddhahood. Amidst the vast mountains and clouds, every stick of incense offered was not only a sincere reverence directed towards the Buddhas of the ten directions but also a pride in the nation's roots and the Dharma.
Meditators respectfully offering incense in front of the cloud-covered Ngoa Van Hermitage
Early morning sitting meditation on Ban Co Tien Peak
After offering incense and paying homage to the Buddha, in the tranquil space of the early morning, the Sangha moved together to the Ban Co Tien (Fairy Chess Board) peak to practice sitting meditation. Standing amidst the myriad clouds and mountain winds, every meditator slowed down a beat to listen to their breath, bowed in reverence to the predecessors, and felt the pure energy of heaven and earth. Sitting meditation at this peak on the Ancestors' Commemoration Day is a return to the ancestral roots, simultaneously rekindling the "mind's lamp" within each person.
Early morning sitting meditation on Ban Co Tien Peak
TEA MEDITATION AND DHARMA TALK: LOOKING AT LIFE WITH EYES OF COMPASSION
The message "Living in the world - Rejoicing in the Way"
Experiencing the profound melodies of Zen songs and moments of respectful incense offering, we learned together to appreciate the readily available conditions for happiness. The message "Living in the world - Rejoicing in the Way" from Venerable Tinh Khoi served as a reminder for the Sangha to live fully, act according to conditions, and always maintain tranquility amidst the ever-changing stream of life.
A profound Dharma talk session with Venerable Tinh Khoi in the serene space of the Meditation Hall
Nurturing tolerant eyes
The most profound impression was the Dharma talk "Looking at life with eyes of compassion". The Venerable guided the Sangha to understand that when the mind's lamp is lit, its light will illuminate for us to see all things with empathy. When knowing how to look with "eyes of compassion", resentments dissipate, pressures become light, and everyone around becomes a precious affinity to practice love.
Profound tea meditation program at Ngoa Van meditation retreat
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY - WRAPPING DONG TRIEU'S ROM CAKE
Amidst the serene space of the Zen Village, the Sangha stepped together into a warm cultural experience: Wrapping Rom cake (sticky rice cake) - a specialty gift deeply imbued with the love for the land and people of the Dong Trieu region.
Meditators excitedly participating in the experience of wrapping Dong Trieu's Rom cake
WORDS OF GRATITUDE AND END OF THE JOURNEY
The end of the meditation retreat is also when the journey of awakening truly begins. The Organizing Committee would like to express our gratitude to Venerable Tinh Khoi and all the meditators who together created a wholesome and warm energy across the sacred peak.
Bidding farewell to Ngoa Van, we hope you return to your daily pace of life while keeping your inner lamp always bright, and your eyes always filled with sympathy and affection.