A Glimpse into the Youth Buddhist Club of Keo Pagoda

By - 30/12/2016

In the ongoing expansion and development of cultural and spiritual life, and national beliefs in general, along with the growth of Buddhist culture in particular, many youth clubs have blossomed, spreading across the country to contribute to a vibrant and flourishing life. The Youth Buddhist Club of Keo Pagoda in Duy Nhất Commune, Vũ Thư District, Thai Binh Province, stands as a prime example of this movement.

The club’s predecessor was the Youth Buddhist Association of Keo Pagoda, founded by Venerable Thich Thanh Quang, the abbot of Keo Pagoda, on September 28, 2014. This unique model of activity quickly attracted many young people to participate.

Under the guidance and mentorship of Venerable Thich Thanh Quang, along with the management of Senior Leader Nguyen Quang Canh, the club has continuously developed both in terms of membership and quality. The club currently has 238 active members. Though the members come from different work and educational backgrounds and represent various age groups, when they come together at the club, they are united as one family, children of the compassionate Buddha, gathering under the roof of the pagoda.

"Different people, different places,
But once entering the Buddha's door, we are one family."

In the summer of 2016, with the support of the abbot, the club organized a 7-day retreat from July 10-16, 2016, titled "Happiness in the Present." This retreat provided an opportunity for young people to enjoy wholesome activities, engage in exchanges, study Buddhist teachings, and listen to Dharma talks that were tailored to their age group.

The club has proven its influence, not only within the realm of Buddhist teachings but also in society, through meaningful activities such as charitable work, environmental protection, and voluntary blood donation. These initiatives allow members to gain real-life experience and help shape their character and personal integrity.

Every year-end, the Youth Buddhist Club of Keo Pagoda organizes retreats to welcome the new year. Happiness is not far away; it is right here in this home, with the humble brown-robed father who has a heart full of love and passion, and with the brothers and sisters who wear the simple, pure, and elegant blue robes.

On the occasion of the 2nd anniversary of the establishment of the Youth Buddhist Club of Keo Pagoda, the club organized a football tournament between local clubs and teams from the district.

In addition, every week, under the guidance of Venerable Thich Thanh Quang, the club members have meaningful lessons on Buddhist teachings.

Learn to know, learn to do, learn to live together, and learn to affirm oneself.

In the future, the club will continue to build on the achievements made, address the remaining shortcomings, and actively promote a beneficial lifestyle, living with filial piety, doing good and avoiding evil, diligently practicing the Dharma, and purifying body and mind to become devoted Buddhists, following the principle: "Living a good life beautifies the path of Dharma."