Ven. Thích Quảng Đạo Ven. Thích Trừng Sỹ
Looking back on the 37th European Buddhist Study Retreat is to reflect upon a journey of Buddhist learning, Dharma propagation, and spiritual transmission, built upon the aspirations, wisdom, and selfless dedication of the Venerable Sangha together with generations of monks, nuns, and Buddhist practitioners. It is a journey that has illuminated the enduring values of Vietnamese Buddhism in the heart of Europe.
REFLECTIONS ON THE 37TH EUROPEAN DHARMA RETREAT, MARSEILLE, FRANCE, 2026
Namo the Original Teacher, Shakyamuni Buddhaya
Most Venerable Elder Dharma Masters, the First and Second Presidents of the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation in Europe,
Most Venerable Dharma Masters, Venerable Senior and Venerable Monastics, and Dharma Brothers and Sisters serving on the Dharma Teaching Committee, the Instruction Committee, and the Organizing Committee,
Dear Buddhist practitioners and participants in the 37th European Buddhist Dharma Study and Practice Retreat, held at Aix-Marseille University, France.
Nestled in the tranquil port city of Marseille on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the 37th European Buddhist Dharma Study and Practice Retreat became a sacred spiritual gathering for monks, nuns, and Buddhist practitioners from across Europe. It was not only a valuable opportunity to study the Buddha’s teachings together, but also a precious occasion to return to our true selves, cultivating the seeds of compassion and wisdom while strengthening the bonds between teachers and students, Dharma brothers and sisters, and fellow practitioners united on the path under the light of the Three Jewels.
Thirty-seven retreats mark thirty-seven seasons of sowing Bodhi seeds across the land of Europe. From the very first foundation laid by the late Most Venerable Thích Minh Tâm, this tradition of Buddhist study and practice has been faithfully carried forward and continually nurtured through the Dharma-propagating vision and dedication of the senior Sangha and the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation in Europe. It is a continuing journey of preserving and advancing the Buddha’s teachings, safeguarding the cultural heritage of Vietnamese Buddhism, and nurturing the spiritual lives of generations of the Buddha’s followers living far from their homeland.
Dharma talks, chanting services, walking meditation, and communal practice enabled us, as practitioners, to calm both body and mind, look deeply within ourselves, transform suffering, and nurture the seeds of peace and happiness. The heartwarming sight of multiple generations studying, practicing, and living the Dharma together—joining their palms in reverence before the Buddha and listening attentively to the True Dharma—bore witness to the enduring continuity of the lifeblood of Vietnamese Buddhism in the heart of Europe.
The success of this year’s retreat is the fruit of the wholehearted dedication, wisdom, and quiet selfless sacrifices of the senior leaders of the Unified Vietnamese Buddhist Congregation in Europe, together with devoted volunteers and Buddhist practitioners from near and far. In particular, the venerable example of the two Elder Most Venerables—His Eminence the First President, Most Venerable Thích Tánh Thiệt, and His Eminence the Second President, Most Venerable Thích Như Điển—has been a constant source of inspiration, exemplifying spiritual virtue, wisdom, and the spirit of selfless service for younger generations of practitioners like ourselves to emulate.
Although this year’s retreat has come to a close, the ethical values, compassion, and wisdom that we have received and continue to nurture will continue to spread through every step of our journey of Buddhist practice and service, benefiting both ourselves and others in this very world. As the 37th European Buddhist Dharma Study and Practice Retreat concludes, each disciple of the Buddha returns to daily life carrying within a lamp of the True Dharma, illuminating the heart, building peaceful and harmonious families, and beautifying the world through the Buddha’s teachings of compassion and wisdom.
Marseille, France, the temple bells ring clear,
Calling hearts back to the realm of meditation serene.
Thirty-seven retreats through karmic ties,
Have sown seeds of wisdom beneath European skies.
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The Noble Teachers build a bridge of light,
The profound True Dharma shines ever bright.
A lifetime spreading the Dharma’s sacred sound,
Continuing the stream of Dharma nectar profound.
With pure precepts and a steadfast vow,
May the torch of wisdom shine brightly now.
The crimson lotus spreads the fragrance of the Golden Way,
May Buddha’s radiance forever illuminate Europe’s way.
Finally, with deepest reverence and gratitude, we respectfully express our heartfelt appreciation to all Most Venerable Elder Masters, Venerable Senior Monks, Venerable Monks and Nuns; Most Venerable Elder Nuns, Venerable Senior Nuns, Venerable Nuns, and Venerable Sisters who have compassionately graced
this retreat with their presence, teachings, guidance, and support, contributing to the complete success and fulfillment of this year’s European Buddhist Dharma Study and Practice Retreat.
With deepest respect, we sincerely pray for the Venerable Masters and the entire Sangha to always enjoy peaceful and harmonious health, serenity in body and mind, and the successful accomplishment of all Dharma activities.
We would like to respectfully express our sincere gratitude to the local authorities of the city of Marseille and the administration of Aix-Marseille University, France, for their gracious support and for creating all favorable conditions that enabled this Buddhist Dharma Study and Practice Retreat to be successfully accomplished.
We would also like to sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to all Dharma friends and fellow practitioners, as well as to all members of the Decoration Committee, Audio-Visual Committee, Reception Committee, Transportation Committee, Culinary Committee, Environmental Committee, and all other supporting committees and dedicated volunteers who have quietly devoted their time, effort, and heartfelt service, contributing to the complete success of this Buddhist Dharma Study and Practice Retreat.
We respectfully wish all Buddhist practitioners and students, together with their beloved families, abundant health, peace and happiness in body and mind, and a safe and peaceful journey home.
As the Head of the Organizing Committee for the 37th European Buddhist Dharma Study and Practice Retreat held in Marseille, France, if any shortcomings or oversights have occurred during the organization of this retreat, we sincerely and respectfully pray for the compassionate guidance of the Most Venerable Masters and humbly ask all participants for their understanding, forgiveness, and gracious acceptance.
We sincerely look forward to welcoming everyone again at the 38th European Buddhist Dharma Study and Practice Retreat, which will be held in Germany in 2027.
May the Most Compassionate and Joyful Treasury Bodhisattva Mahāsattva bear witness to our sincere intentions.
Thank you very much for your kind attention, compassionate presence, and patient listening.
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