{"id":2942,"date":"2026-10-05T11:01:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T04:01:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/?p=2942"},"modified":"2026-10-06T00:11:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T17:11:36","slug":"the-journey-of-venerable-thich-trung-sy-ordination-buddhist-study-and-practice-education-and-dharma-propagation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phapnhan.org\/en\/the-journey-of-venerable-thich-trung-sy-ordination-buddhist-study-and-practice-education-and-dharma-propagation\/","title":{"rendered":"The Journey of Venerable Th\u00edch Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9: Ordination, Buddhist Study and Practice, Education, and Dharma Propagation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Venerable Th\u00edch Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

THE JOURNEY OF VENERABLE TH\u00cdCH TR\u1eeaNG S\u1ef8: ORDINATION, BUDDHIST STUDY AND PRACTICE, EDUCATION, AND DHARMA PROPAGATION<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n1. Family Background<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Venerable Th\u00edch Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9, whose lay name is \u0110\u1ed7 V\u0103n Qu\u00fd, is the son of Mr. \u0110\u1ed7 V\u0103n Ri\u1ec7u, Dharma name Tr\u1eebng Di\u1ec7u, and Mrs. Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u1ecb R\u00e1t, Dharma name T\u00e2m Xu\u00e2n, from V\u0129nh Ph\u01b0\u01a1ng Commune, Nha Trang City, Kh\u00e1nh H\u00f2a Province, Vietnam.<\/span>
\nHis parents and family had cultivated wholesome connections with the Triple Gem over many lifetimes. Through these wholesome conditions, in this present life, Venerable Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9 was fortunate to develop the aspiration to enter monastic life, study and practice the Buddha Dharma, engage in Buddhist education, propagate the Dharma, and serve the Triple Gem.<\/span>
\nAccording to his parents\u2019 account, Venerable Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9 was born at 6:00 a.m. on the fifth day of the first lunar month in the Year of the Monkey, 1968, in Nha Trang City, Kh\u00e1nh H\u00f2a Province, Vietnam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"He is one of ten siblings in his family. Notably, his youngest sister, \u0110\u1ed7 Th\u1ecb H\u1eefu L\u01b0\u1ee3ng, Dharma name H\u1ea1nh Quang, also developed the aspiration to enter monastic life in 2007 at Ph\u01b0\u1edbc Long Buddhist Nunnery in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City. She received full Bhikkhun\u012b ordination in 2013 and earned a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Buddhist Studies from the Vietnam Buddhist University in Ho Chi Minh City in 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"The family was the first educational environment that nurtured in Venerable Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9 the wholesome seeds of goodness, faith and reverence for the Triple Gem, and an aspiration toward monastic life. These wholesome conditions, together with his profound experiences of life, gradually became the foundation for his later journey of monastic life, Buddhist study and practice, education, and Dharma propagation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2. Causes and Conditions leading to monastic life<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In 1983, his younger brother, \u0110\u1ed7 V\u0103n T\u1ee9, passed away at the age of 15 at approximately 1:00 a.m. at Nha Trang Hospital in Kh\u00e1nh H\u00f2a. Faced with the loss of a brother who was still so young, Venerable Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9 began to develop a deeper awareness of the impermanent nature of life, the fragility of human existence, and the significance of seeking a path to overcome, subdue, and transform suffering.<\/span>
\nThat event became an important karmic condition that inspired Venerable Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9 to develop the aspiration to enter monastic life. In 1985, after a period of reflection and with the consent and support of his parents and family, he entered monastic life and began his Buddhist study and practice at Linh Ngh\u0129a Temple in Di\u00ean Kh\u00e1nh, Kh\u00e1nh H\u00f2a, under the devoted guidance of his teacher, Most Venerable Th\u00edch Nh\u01b0 T\u1ecbnh, Founder and Abbot of Linh Ngh\u0129a Temple.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nFrom that point onward, Venerable Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9\u2019s life took a new direction: living a life of purity and discipline, studying and practicing the Buddha Dharma, and gradually preparing himself for a path of serving the Triple Gem and benefiting all sentient beings.<\/span>
\nLooking back on this journey, the passing of his younger brother in 1983 was not only a profound loss for the family but also became an important karmic condition that led Venerable Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9 to contemplate more deeply the nature of impermanence. This, in turn, inspired him to explore the path of monastic life, with the aspiration to attain awakening and liberation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3. The Journey of Ordination, Buddhist Study, and Practice<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After entering monastic life at Linh Ngh\u0129a Temple, Venerable Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9 gradually pursued Buddhist study and practice and received the monastic precepts according to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.<\/span>
\nIn 1987, he received novice ordination (S\u0101ma\u1e47era). In 1990, he received higher ordination at Linh Ngh\u0129a Temple. In 1993, he continued his ordination journey by receiving full Bhikkhu ordination at the First Tr\u00ed Th\u1ee7 Great Ordination Ceremony, held at Long S\u01a1n Temple in Nha Trang, Kh\u00e1nh H\u00f2a.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Alongside his Buddhist study, practice, and observance of the monastic precepts, he continued his Buddhist training at various Buddhist monasteries under the guidance of many Most Venerable Elders and Dharma teachers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Period: 1990\u20131994<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

From 1990 to 1994, he studied and practiced at Linh S\u01a1n C\u1ea7u D\u1ee9a Temple in V\u0129nh Ng\u1ecdc Commune, Kh\u00e1nh H\u00f2a Province, under the devoted guidance of Most Venerable Elder Th\u00edch Nh\u01b0 \u00dd. During this period, he enrolled in the first cohort of the Intermediate Buddhist Studies Program in Nha Trang and graduated with the second-highest academic ranking in his class.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Period: 1994\u20131997<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

From 1994 to 1997, he studied and practiced at Thi\u00ean Ph\u00fa Temple in V\u0129nh Th\u1ea1nh Commune under the guidance of Most Venerable Elder Th\u00edch Ch\u01a1n Ki\u1ebfn.<\/span>
\nDuring this period, in addition to continuing his study and practice of the Buddha Dharma, he also studied English and Chinese in classes in Nha Trang City, preparing himself with the language skills that would later support his academic studies and Dharma propagation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Period: 1997\u20132001<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

From 1997 to 2001, through the special recommendation of Most Venerable Th\u00edch Thi\u1ec7n B\u00ecnh and Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tr\u00ed T\u00e2m of the Kh\u00e1nh H\u00f2a Provincial Buddhist Executive Committee, Venerable Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9 continued his Buddhist studies and practice at Qu\u1ea3ng \u0110\u1ee9c Zen Monastery in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, under the guidance of Most Venerable Th\u00edch Hi\u1ec3n Ph\u00e1p, Most Venerable Th\u00edch Thi\u1ec7n Ph\u00e1p, and Most Venerable Th\u00edch Hu\u1ec7 Tr\u00ed.<\/span>
\nDuring this period, he studied at the Vietnam Buddhist University in Ho Chi Minh City, at the Van Hanh Temple campus in Phu Nhuan District, and graduated with a Bachelor of Buddhist Studies, ranking third in the fourth cohort.<\/span>
\nAt that time, Most Venerable Professor Th\u00edch Minh Ch\u00e2u, Ph.D., served as Rector of the Vietnam Buddhist University.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"His years of Buddhist study and practice at various monasteries and Buddhist institutes gradually helped him establish a solid foundation in the Threefold Training of morality (S\u012bla), concentration (Sam\u0101dhi), and wisdom (Pa\u00f1\u00f1\u0101), while also broadening his knowledge of Buddhist studies, foreign languages, educational methodology, and Dharma propagation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Subsequently, from 2006 to 2009, he continued his doctoral studies in Buddhist Studies at the University of Delhi, India.<\/span>
\nOn March 1, 2009, he completed his doctoral program and was awarded a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies with distinction. His dissertation was entitled:<\/span>
\n\u201cBuddhist Education through an Analysis of the Five Nik\u0101yas<\/span><\/strong>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"The research focuses on analyzing Buddhist education as presented in the five Nik\u0101yas, thereby highlighting the value of the Buddha Dharma in educating people in the areas of understanding, ethics, meditation, wisdom, and a peaceful and wholesome way of life.<\/span>
\nIn 2009, after completing his Buddhist studies in Delhi, India, he returned to Vietnam. First, he went to Linh Nghia Temple, where he had first entered monastic life, to express his deep gratitude to his teacher, his parents, and the lay supporters and donors who had supported him throughout his Buddhist studies and training both in Vietnam and abroad. He then continued teaching and propagating the Buddha Dharma in his homeland.<\/span>
\nAlso in 2009, he received an invitation to teach the Buddha Dharma at the Vietnam Buddhist University, signed by Most Venerable Th\u00edch Tr\u00ed Qu\u1ea3ng, who was serving as the University\u2019s Rector at the time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"He prepared to teach the Buddha Dharma at the Institute. However, due to numerous Buddhist responsibilities and Dharma propagation opportunities in various places, the circumstances and conditions were not yet sufficient for him to begin teaching at the Institute. He respectfully asks the Venerable Masters for their kind understanding and compassion.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Dharma Propagation in Vietnam and the United States<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After completing his studies and research in Buddhist Studies in India, he returned to Vietnam and continued his work in teaching, Buddhist education, and Dharma propagation for a short period.<\/span>
\nOn March 23, 2010, he came to the United States to propagate the Buddha Dharma and has resided in the United States ever since.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Throughout his journey of Dharma propagation, he has always kept in mind the teaching of Most Venerable Th\u00edch Thi\u1ec7n Hoa, who served as Head of the Central Dharma Propagation Committee before 1975:<\/span>
\n\u201cWherever sentient beings are in need, go there; wherever the Buddha Dharma is needed, go there; regardless of hardship, never shy away from difficulties<\/strong><\/span>.\u201d<\/span>
\nThat teaching became an important guiding principle in his life of Dharma propagation: to go wherever there are people who wish to learn about Buddhism, understand and practice the Buddha Dharma, and explore the path to a peaceful and joyful life and the transformation of suffering.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"In 2012, he was invited by Dr. Kim, a Korean professor teaching at a university in Seattle, together with the Dharma Teachers Association, to give presentations on two topics: Meditation Practice and Family Education.<\/span>
\nFrom 2015 to 2019, he continued his studies in Psychology at Austin Community College in Austin, Texas. His studies in psychology broadened his approach to understanding and working with people, particularly in integrating Buddhist education, meditation practice, and psychological and social well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"In 2018, he passed the U.S. citizenship examination and officially became a U.S. citizen.<\/span>
\nIn 2019, priests at a church in San Marcos, Texas, invited him to give a presentation and share teachings on the Noble Eightfold Path. This was also an expression of interfaith dialogue, through which he shared Buddhist values of ethics, peace, and well-being with the broader society.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Throughout his Buddhist studies and Dharma propagation overseas, he has had the opportunity to share the Buddha Dharma in various countries.<\/span>
\nIn Australia, he propagated the Buddha Dharma in 2007 and 2017.<\/span>
\nIn Japan, he propagated the Buddha Dharma in 2019 and 2026.<\/span>
\nIn France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, he undertook Dharma propagation trips in 2025 and 2026.<\/span>
\nIn the United States, he has engaged in Buddhist studies, teaching, Buddhist education, and Dharma propagation in many states, including Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, California, Washington, Virginia, Texas, and elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"In 2025, 2026, and 2027, he has participated in and accompanied the Intercontinental Dharma Propagation Delegation in the United States, led by Most Venerable Th\u00edch Nh\u01b0 \u0110i\u1ec3n. Through these Dharma propagation journeys, he has continued to contribute to Dharma propagation and Buddhist education, while spreading the spirit of loving-kindness, peace, service, well-being, and happiness for the benefit of the many, right here and now, in this very life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

6. Founding and Dharma Propagation at Ph\u00e1p Nh\u00e3n Temple<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Since 2015, thanks to the generous offering of a house and approximately 2.55 acres of land by the Buddhist family of Di\u1ec7u T\u1ecbnh, he has had the opportunity to establish and serve as the Founder and Abbot of Ph\u00e1p Nh\u00e3n Temple in Del Valle, in the Austin area of Texas, where he continues his Buddhist practice, studies, and Dharma propagation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPh\u00e1p Nh\u00e3n Temple is a nonprofit organization recognized under federal law as a 501(c)(3) organization. It was established to provide an environment for Buddhist practice and study, Dharma propagation, Buddhist education, meditation practice, the teaching of the Buddha Dharma, and service to society.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"In 2026, before his passing, Most Venerable Elder Th\u00edch Ph\u00e1p Quang generously offered his residence to Ph\u00e1p Nh\u00e3n Temple to serve as a place for monastic and lay practitioners to engage in secluded Dharma practice. This was a precious karmic affinity for Ph\u00e1p Nh\u00e3n Temple. We respectfully express our deepest gratitude to him for this noble offering. May his enlightened mind ascend to the Buddha realm.<\/span>
\nAt Ph\u00e1p Nh\u00e3n Temple, he teaches meditation and the Buddha Dharma to Buddhist devotees as well as those who are not yet Buddhists. The Dharma programs offered here help people gain a clear understanding of the Buddha\u2019s teachings, practice mindfulness, develop loving-kindness and wisdom, and apply the Buddha Dharma to family life, education, and society.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"One of the notable milestones in the Dharma propagation journey at Ph\u00e1p Nh\u00e3n Temple has been the emergence of individuals who have aspired to enter monastic life and carry forward a life of Buddhist study and practice.<\/span>
\nAmong them is Ph\u00e1p H\u1ef7 L\u1ea1c, an American who received novice ordination and became his teacher\u2019s third monastic disciple in May 2024. In May 2026, during the solemn Vesak Celebration held at Ph\u00e1p Nh\u00e3n Temple, Ph\u00e1p H\u1ef7 L\u1ea1c received full ordination in the presence of and with the support of Venerable Masters, Dharma teachers, and members of the Buddhist community from various places across the United States.<\/span>
\nThis event marked an important milestone in the development of Ph\u00e1p Nh\u00e3n Temple, particularly in strengthening its monastic community, training monastics, and continuing to transmit the Buddha Dharma in the multicultural environment of the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"From Ph\u00e1p Nh\u00e3n Temple, he has continued to teach and organize Dharma practice programs, meditation sessions, chanting services, Buddhist study programs, and other Buddhist activities, with the aspiration of bringing the Buddha Dharma closer to people\u2019s everyday lives in the modern world.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. A Forty-One-Year Journey of Buddhist Practice and Dharma Propagation<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Looking back on the journey from his aspiration to enter monastic life in 1985 through 2026, he has devoted forty-one years to Buddhist practice, study, research, education, and Dharma propagation.<\/span>
\nThose forty-one years have been a meaningful and enriching journey through many places, diverse learning environments, cultures, and karmic affinities: from his hometown of Nha Trang, Kh\u00e1nh H\u00f2a, to Ho Chi Minh City; from Vietnam to India; from India to the United States; and from the United States to many countries and Buddhist communities around the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Throughout this journey, he has devoted his life to three interrelated dimensions: study and learning to develop understanding, practice to bring about transformation, and Buddhist education and Dharma propagation to serve humanity.<\/span>
\nThe ultimate purpose is not merely to accumulate knowledge of Buddhism, but also to apply what he has learned and practiced to everyday life; to help people recognize suffering, understand its causes, cultivate compassion, and develop wisdom, so that they may live with peace and joy, act responsibly, and bring benefit to themselves and others.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"This path is expressed through the practice of <\/span>Ethics, Concentration, and Wisdom<\/strong><\/span> (<\/span>S\u012bla, Sam\u0101dhi, and Pa\u00f1\u00f1\u0101), through the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path<\/strong><\/span>, and through the aspiration to serve all sentient beings with compassion and wisdom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Looking back over forty-one years, this journey is more than simply a measure of time; it is also a journey of cultivating, nurturing, and strengthening Bodhicitta<\/strong><\/span>; learning from the Buddha, following in the footsteps of the Patriarchs, living by the True Dharma, and sharing the values of peace, well-being, and happiness with everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Journey of Forty-One Years<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
Forty-one years have passed along,<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
Through many lands, both far and long.<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
Learning the Dharma, sharing the Way,<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
Teaching with wisdom and love each day<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\n
Through many trials, highs and lows,<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
The Bodhicitta gently grows.<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
It blooms with flowers, bears its fruit,<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
And beautifies the years gone through<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\n
Vowing to help those in need,<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
With peaceful hearts and noble deeds.<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
With wisdom bright and compassion wide,<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
May joy and light be our guide<\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\n
Following the Buddha, our Teacher true,<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
Walking the path that leads us through.<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
Practicing the Noble Eightfold Way,<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
For the welfare of all beings each day<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\n
Following the footsteps of the wise,<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
Seeing the True Way with open eyes.<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
Practicing Ethics, Concentration, and Wisdom,<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
Guiding all beings with compassion<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\n
The Buddha Jewel, wondrous and bright,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
The Sangha follows in its light.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
The True Dharma, medicine supreme,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
Helps ease suffering like a healing stream<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/div>\n
May the seeds of Bodhicitta grow,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
May wisdom and compassion ever flow.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
May every step, both near and far,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
Shine with the Dharma\u2019s guiding star<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/div>\n
Forty-one years, a journey blessed,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
A path of learning, service, and quest.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
With gratitude deep and a heart serene,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
May the Dharma shine through all that has been<\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/div>\n
On the path ahead, there will certainly be many challenges and difficulties. However, my aspiration remains to continue learning and practicing the Dharma, educating and sharing the Buddha Dharma, taking compassion and wisdom as the foundation, the True Dharma as the noble path, and the peace, happiness, and well-being of all as the direction of service.<\/span><\/div>\n
May I continue to share what I have learned, practiced, and experienced throughout my life of Buddhist practice, sowing wholesome seeds and helping the Buddha Dharma to be rightly understood, rightly practiced, and meaningfully applied in daily life.<\/span><\/div>\n
Namo the Original Teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha<\/strong>.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n

H\u00e0nh tr\u00ecnh xu\u1ea5t gia, tu h\u1ecdc, gi\u00e1o d\u1ee5c v\u00e0 ho\u1eb1ng Ph\u00e1p c\u1ee7a Th\u1ea7y Tr\u1eebng S\u1ef9<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n