DHARMA PROPAGATION DURING THE 2026 AUTUMN RETREAT AT VIETNAM TEMPLE IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Venerable Thích Trừng Sỹ: Guiding Buddhists at Vietnam Temple and throughout the Greater Seattle Area in Learning and Practicing the Buddha Dharma and Cultivating Mindful Living.
During the Dharma propagation visit to Vietnam Temple in Seattle, Washington, USA, Venerable Thích Trừng Sỹ shared practical teachings of the Buddha, guiding Buddhists in learning, practicing, and applying the True Dharma in their daily lives. The topics included the significance of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara’s renunciation, the practice of loving speech and deep listening, the formal commitment to becoming disciples of the Buddha through learning and practicing the Dharma, and the importance of cherishing the precious opportunity to be born as human beings and practice the True Dharma during this Autumn Retreat.
1. The Significance of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara’s Renunciation
This Dharma talk highlights the noble significance of renunciation through the example of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who embodies love, compassion, and the aspiration to relieve the suffering of all sentient beings. Renunciation means not only leaving behind worldly life but also transforming greed, anger, delusion, and attachment in order to cultivate wisdom and compassion and dedicate oneself to the welfare of all sentient beings.
2. Practicing Loving Speech and Deep Listening
Venerable Thích Trừng Sỹ guided the assembly in understanding and practicing two essential forms of communication in our Buddhist practice: loving speech and deep listening. Loving speech means speaking truthfully, gently, constructively, and helpfully. Deep listening means listening attentively, patiently, and compassionately, without rushing to judge or react. By speaking with kindness and listening with understanding, we can resolve misunderstandings, reconcile conflicts, nurture love, and foster mutual understanding within our families and throughout society.
3. Formally Becoming Disciples of the Buddha and Committing to Buddhist Practice
Under the dedicated and thoughtful guidance of Venerable Thích Trừng Sỹ, the Buddhists gained a deeper understanding of what it means to become disciples of the Buddha: learning the Buddha’s teachings, putting them into practice, and living in accordance with the Dharma. This is not merely a ceremony marking their aspiration to follow the Buddhist path; it is also a reminder of their responsibility to cultivate moral character, observe the precepts, develop wisdom, practice compassion, and contribute to a peaceful and harmonious life for themselves, their families, and society.
4. Cherishing the Precious Opportunity to Be Born as a Human Being and Practice the True Dharma
Through his Dharma talk, Cherishing the Precious Opportunity to Be Born as a Human Being and Practice the True Dharma, Venerable Thích Trừng Sỹ reminded the assembly to recognize the preciousness of human life and the rare opportunities to encounter the Buddha, hear the True Dharma, and establish a karmic connection with the Sangha.
How rare and precious it is to be born as a human being,
How rare and precious it is to encounter the Tathāgata,
How rare and precious it is to hear the True Dharma,
How rare and precious it is to establish a karmic connection with the Sangha.
Wherever we diligently practice the Buddha Dharma,
There, we are sure to find peace and well-being. (Dhammapada 193)
The central message of this Dharma talk is to cherish the precious conditions and opportunities we have, diligently study and practice the True Dharma, transform suffering, cultivate morality and wisdom, and live peacefully and joyfully in the present life.
Conclusion
The Dharma talks and guidance in Buddhist study and practice offered by Venerable Thích Trừng Sỹ at Vietnam Temple in Seattle, Washington, helped bridge the gap between Buddhist learning and its practical application in daily life. From the compassionate aspirations of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and the practice of loving speech and deep listening to the commitment to becoming disciples of the Buddha and cherishing the opportunity to practice the True Dharma, all these teachings guide the assembly toward a common goal: living mindfully, cultivating compassion and wisdom, transforming suffering, and fostering peace and well-being for oneself and others.
May the seeds of the True Dharma planted through these Dharma propagation activities continue to grow, flourish, and bear fruit in the lives of all disciples of the Buddha.
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