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Make Offerings to the Sangha
Upon arriving at the temple, we immerse ourselves in the serene atmosphere of the temple where over 260 Venerable Monks and Nuns have come from all over the world to attend the 7 days retreat. The ceremony begins with the practice of begging for alms which was carried out by all the Venerable Monks and Nuns, including Thay.
Each Venerable, walks silently and gently in mindfulness, one after another, eyes gazing straight ahead or slightly downward. Compassionate Service Society members and other lay people from the local area line up along the sidewalk to greet and make food offerings. The image of monks and nuns walking and carrying their alms bowls in front of them reminds us of the time of the Buddha and his Sangha walking into the village to practice receiving of alms, pure and majestic.
As soon as all the Venerable Monks and Nuns come back to the dining hall and sit at their designated tables and places, the Most Venerable Monks preside the ceremony to commemorate Kwan Yin Bodhisattva and the Patriarchs of Minh Dang Quang lineage.
After that, 19 Compassionate Service Society delegates, led by brother Son, bow and kneel in front of the altar to express our cause and wishes to make offerings. After the acceptance remarks given by the Most Venerable Monk, the delegates who represent all members of Compassionate Service Society deeply bow 3 times in respect then gently move into formation to present the offerings envelope to each Venerable.
The ceremony ended in the beauty of the dharma and the harmony of the sangha who embraces the simple habitation and lack of amenity to attend the retreat. We sincerely bow in respect to the Venerable Monks and Nuns and appreciate the opportunity to practice giving paramita in a very meaningful way.