Launching the Eight Precepts Meditation Retreat – A Day of Peace at the Keo Pagoda Monastery

On September 14, 2018 (the 5th day of the 8th month in the Year of the Dog), the Keo Pagoda Monastery officially launched the Eight Precepts Meditation Retreat – A Day of Peace.

Thanks to the blessings of the Three Jewels and the devoted care of Venerable Thich Thanh Quang, the abbot of Keo Pagoda Monastery in Thai Binh, in response to the spiritual needs of the Buddhist community, the "Eight Precepts" retreat with the theme "A Day of Peace" was organized at the Keo Pagoda Monastery, attracting nearly 200 participants.

Venerable Thich Thanh Thinh, abbot of Luu Phuc Pagoda in Phu Ky Village, Nghia Chau Commune, Nghia Hung District, Nam Dinh Province, came to the ceremony to give teachings and guide the lay practitioners in taking the eight precepts. The participants vowed to observe the precepts they had received, recite the mantras, and cultivate compassion during their day of practicing monastic life, maintaining the precepts in all six postures: standing, sitting, lying, and walking.

After the transmission of the precepts, the entire assembly united in chanting prayers for world peace and the well-being of all sentient beings. In the afternoon, Venerable Thich Don Hau, abbot of Phuc Lac Pagoda in Thai Binh City, gave a Dharma talk to the entire congregation on the topic: “The Buddhist View of the Past and Present.”

Throughout the retreat, the organizing committee included chanting sessions, Dharma talks, reciting the Buddha's name, and walking meditation. The esteemed monks emphasized that whether one is a new practitioner or a long-time follower, everyone must rely on the Sangha, learn the Dharma systematically, and practice according to the True Teachings. Only in this way can one achieve genuine peace and liberation. All participants were joyful.

It is known that the Eight Precepts Meditation Retreat at Keo Pagoda Monastery will continue to be held once a month, with the hope of creating auspicious conditions for the lay practitioners to plant the seeds of merit with the Three Jewels, honor their parents, eliminate greed and selfishness, cultivate compassion, and develop their own spiritual wisdom. Additionally, the retreat will provide energy to help everyone become confident, courageous, joyful, and happy.