Which temple for us?

Recently, Lao Dong newspaper "praised" a very successful soul-catching startup at Ba Vang Pagoda, I decided to finish writing this article, an unfinished article from Tet that I did not post because I thought that religion is the private realm of each person, because according to the principle of living with respect for diversity and differences, I rarely mention this issue.

The spirits receive money via... bank transfer, the spirits receive money via... installments, if they don't have money to exorcise the spirits, they accept to work for free but still line up to pay the spirits; it's truly both infuriating and pitiful for these blind crowds.

It is nothing more than a form of modern-day spiritual slavery for those who pretend to be religious to profit in a dirty way. Since when did the temple under the hands of greedy people turn into a One Member Limited Liability Company exploiting Buddha images???

Buddhists themselves know that the Buddha taught that:

“Don't look back to the past

Don't think about the future

The past is no more

The future is yet to come

Contemplate life

In the present moment”

(Excerpt from the Sutra of the Man Who Knows How to Live Alone)

Indeed, for me personally, current life itself is the most primitive and complete existential religion with all the rules, seemingly very complicated but extremely simple. What you sow, you will reap. All orthodox religions, despite their differences in doctrine and worship, ultimately meet in the truth: let's practice living a good life and cherish the life we ​​have.

I also often go to the temple, not to pray for promotion or to earn a lot of money - because those things all come from my own efforts and cannot be prayed for; but only to pray for health and peace for my loved ones - issues that are beyond my own efforts. I also sometimes eat vegetarian food or fast for a few days a month, not for religious reasons, but just to remind myself to appreciate the food and clothing I have and to sympathize with those who are in more need. Understand and love, the more you understand, the deeper your love.

Let's stop wondering why we are not lucky, but ask ourselves if we are ready to become a blessing to others? If one day you are very hungry and someone gives you a cake, you think you are lucky, but have you ever thought that when you have a cake, you will be willing to give it to someone who needs it more than you?

The greatest temple for us, which is not Bai Dinh or Tam Chuc, but is easy to find, easy to see, easy to guide the way back, is the peace in each person's soul, the serenity and pride when facing ourselves in every moment of existence.

And the way to get there can only be reached by positive actions, positive thinking and a spirit of love and willingness to share. That way, every day of our existence in this life will be beautiful, worth living and meaningful many times...

Do you think so?

Huy Hoang