Runner-up Khanh Phuong: 'My parents cried when I shaved my head to become a monk'

Runner-up Khanh Phuong attracted attention when she announced that she would shave her head and become a nun on August 12, at the age of 27. She said this was not a sudden decision because she had spent a long time studying Buddhism. On this occasion, she confided about her life and experiences as a nun.

Runner-up Khanh Phuong became a nun for a month.

- Why did you decide to become a nun at the age of 27?

- The decision to shave my head and become a monk has been on my mind for a long time. I was supposed to do this last year, but because I was busy participating in the Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 contest, I had to put it on hold. I am currently participating in a one-month ordination course at Phap Son Zen Monastery in Nam Cat Tien, Dong Nai, guided by my teacher - Venerable Thich Nu Hang Lien. He is someone I admire, always try to study and make efforts to follow. He is an inspiration and one of the reasons why I want to walk on his path once.

The life of a monk is not easy because practicing is going against the flow of life. Becoming a monk has many difficulties but you will find happiness and peace. I learned many things during the process of practicing and serving at the monastery. I want to put myself completely into the practice environment, living the life of a monk - where I have nothing, am no one, training myself to free myself from the suffering and troubles of life. I want to contribute, give a lot, help people have a more harmonious and happier life.

- How did your family react when you became a nun?

- My parents have not yet supported my decision. When I decided to shave my head, they cried a lot. At this time, I can only apologize to my family and consider this as a motivation for me to strive to practice diligently, transform myself and everyone around me. Currently, I only leave home to sow the seeds of karma and practice for a month. Whether or not I will leave home for life, I will make a decision in the near future.

Khanh Phuong had his head shaved by a nun. (Photo taken from clip)

- How is your day at the monastery?

- I wake up at 4am, then meditate, have breakfast, do chores and study the Dharma. At 11am, after begging for alms, I eat lunch and take a one-hour nap, then continue meditating. In the afternoon, I participate in a repentance ceremony and meditate. In the evening, I ask and answer questions about the Buddha's teachings and meditate (stop all activities) at 9:30pm.

I prepared myself mentally for two years of practicing and serving at the monastery. At first, I did not dare to shave my head because I felt I did not have enough courage. But during the practice, I realized that my hair was nothing compared to the things I held on to in life, so I nurtured the idea of ​​becoming a monk. In the monastery, the practice and work schedule lasted from morning to night because there were often courses for practitioners to come and practice. In addition, I spent more time training myself, so at first I felt a bit tired. After many times of going beyond the limit, I gradually got used to it and felt happy and joyful to serve many practitioners.

- What experiences did you have when you became a monk?

- Coming to Buddhism, most people have suffered enough, and so have I. I am grateful for the "waves" that have come in my life that have helped me grow into who I am today. There were times when I was weak and depressed, but thanks to Buddhism, I learned to accept everything that happened, not react, let go completely, accept the law of impermanence in a gentler, more loving way.

I had the opportunity to look straight at myself, to see the storms in my heart, the knots that I had always relied on external things to cover up. Thanks to the guided practice method, I gradually faced difficulties that seemed insurmountable. Maybe on the outside I was someone, but when I entered the monastery, I started to be no one. In terms of rank, I might be the youngest person in the Sangha. Thanks to that, I practiced a lot of self-awareness. Life naturally became simpler and lighter. Up to now, I have no regrets about anything.

- What are your plans after completing the retreat?

- For now, I will devote all my time and mind to serious practice. Because after studying psychology, I realized that meditation has the ability to help people heal themselves, increase their inner strength and improve their health. I have changed myself thanks to this, so I want to practice continuously (without interruption) to improve myself.

When the time is right, I will help and contribute a lot to the community with the experience and knowledge I have accumulated during this time of study.

Khanh Phuong won the 2nd runner-up title of Miss Sea Vietnam 2016; entered the top 25 at Miss Supranational 2017.