Buzz
By creating a wholesome and beneficial playground through retreat sessions, many temples across the country have attracted a large number of Vietnamese youth to engage in spiritual cultivation every summer.
This is considered a model of spiritual practice, a fun and beneficial activity for young people that has been of great interest to parents in recent years.
1. Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery, Vinh Phuc
Located in Dai Dinh commune, Tam Dao district, Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery is likened to a pink lotus amidst the green pine forests and bamboo groves. While during festivals and holidays, this place attracts a large number of tourists and Buddhist followers from all directions for offering incense and performing rituals, during summer vacations, the Zen Monastery becomes a common home for many young people attending retreat courses.
Participating in these 6-7 day courses, participants must strictly adhere to the monastery's regulations regarding attire, schedule, as well as rituals and etiquette. Many young people initially feel quite restricted and unfamiliar, but after a short time participating, they quickly integrate and experience positive changes in lifestyle and mindset. To get here, besides taking the national highway 2 and turning onto the road to Tam Dao, parents can also register for the Zen Monastery's shuttle service with a fare of 65,000 VND per person per trip.
2. Yen Tu Zen Monastery, Quang Ninh
For many years, Yen Tu Zen Monastery in Uong Bi city has been a trusted destination for many parents in Quang Ninh and neighboring provinces to entrust their children during every summer break. Although accustomed to various lifestyles, when participating in retreat courses at the monastery, all students must start their day anew at 4:15 a.m., engage in physical exercises, have breakfast, recite scriptures, listen to teachings, meditate, work... and lights out around 10 p.m.
Practicing a vegetarian lifestyle, discipline combined with lectures by the masters on filial piety, karmic law, the biography of Buddha, the map of the ten virtues... will help guide and change thinking as well as behavior for the students.
At the foot of the sacred Yen Tu mountain, they also participate in games aimed at fostering friendships and cultivating mindfulness, thereby becoming more alert in their studies. An outing to Dong Pagoda is also a practical and enjoyable experience for young people during summer retreats at Yen Tu Zen Monastery.
From Hanoi, you can drive over 120 km on national highway 18 to Uong Bi city, then turn onto Yen Tu road to reach the Zen Monastery.
3. Bang Pagoda, Hanoi
Bang Pagoda initiated its summer retreat program for the first time in 2011 with only 300 participants. Due to its convenient location, situated in Hoang Liet ward, Hoang Mai district, Hanoi, Bang Pagoda has now accommodated up to 500 students per session. The retreat program here usually lasts for 6 days and is designed for students aged 13 to 22.
Each session focuses on specific themes such as 'smiling for each other', 'nurturing compassion'... where participants are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of spiritual and social issues. Additionally, the spiritual experiential process helps young individuals gradually transform and improve their physical and mental well-being, finding their true goals and ideals in life.
From Ha Dong, you can take road 70 to Buou Bridge, then turn left along the To Lich river for about one km to reach Bang Pagoda.
4. Huyen Khong Pagoda, Hue
For young people in Hue and the Central region, a summer retreat organized annually at Huyen Khong Pagoda is a valuable time for beneficial training after months of stressful study at school.
Similar to Bang Pagoda in Hanoi, retreats at Huyen Khong Pagoda also have specific themes with rich and meaningful content such as chanting, meditation, Buddhist teachings, confession, offerings... As a result, hundreds of participants aged 12 to 22 in each session are nurtured with life skills, learning to be compassionate, forgiving towards friends, and showing filial piety towards grandparents, parents...
Visiting Huyen Khong Pagoda in Huong Ho ward, Huong Tra town, participants also have the opportunity to live amidst the lush greenery of trees and flowers, blending into the modern yet venerable and sacred architecture. Simply follow the direction to Linh Mu Pagoda and continue for about 3 km to reach Huyen Khong Pagoda.
5. Hoang Phap Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City
Located in Tan Hiep commune, Hoc Mon district, Hoang Phap is one of the first pagodas to organize summer retreats for young people. Every year, the pagoda attracts thousands of students to participate in meditation retreats.
During the approximately one-week participation, participants will listen to teachings, meditate, exchange knowledge about Buddhist teachings, light lotus lanterns, and engage in healthy recreational activities. This is also an opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about a temple belonging to the Northern Zen sect founded by the late Venerable Ngo Chan Tu in 1957 in a bamboo forest. From An Suong intersection, you can take national highway 22 to reach Hoang Phap Pagoda.
Things to know about summer retreats:
– Duration: Most of these retreats are organized for a specific period, lasting 6-7 days. Depending on the conditions, each temple will organize multiple sessions throughout the summer.
– Expenses: All temples do not charge any tuition fees, except for the purchase of retreat clothing as required in some places.
– Registration: All courses have age requirements. Therefore, when registering, you need to bring your ID card or student ID. Registration must be done by parents or individuals over 18 years old.
Source:VnExpress
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourJuly 10th, 2014
