Experience a summer retreat in Nghe An

After 2 years of postponement due to the complicated developments of the Covid-19 pandemic, this summer, many pagodas in the province such as Chi Linh Pagoda (Yen Thanh), Co Am Pagoda (Dien Chau), Vien Quang Pagoda, Ha Pagoda (Nam Dan), Pho Mon Pagoda, Tung Lam Diec Co (Vinh City)... have restarted the summer retreat with the participation of thousands of youth and teenagers. Photo: Huy Thu

Depending on specific conditions, pagodas organize from 1 to 4 retreats (1 - 10 days/course) with the number of participants from 150 - 650 people/course. All retreats are completely free. Participating in the retreat, the participants experience spiritual activities such as chanting, meditating, learning moral lessons in the spirit of Buddhism, participating in attractive extracurricular activities... Photo: Huy Thu

Venerable Thich Tue Minh - Abbot of Chi Linh Pagoda (Yen Thanh), Head of the Provincial Buddhist Guidance Committee, said: "This year, pagodas in the province will organize about 15 summer retreats. Chi Linh Pagoda alone will organize 2 retreats with nearly 1,200 students. To successfully organize the retreats, pagodas must carefully prepare all stages, from program development to implementation. In the photo: Students enthusiastically participate in the seesaw game at Chi Linh Pagoda. Photo: Huy Thu

Among the students participating in this year's summer retreat, many are participating for the first time, but there are also quite a few who have participated in 2-3 courses. Photo: Huy Thu

This year, Co Am Pagoda (Dien Chau) organized the most retreats compared to other pagodas in the province with 5 summer retreats. In the photo: "COAM temple Got talent" program at Co Am Pagoda. Photo: Le Khuong

In general, the content of the summer retreat programs is quite close, practical, suitable for each age group, organized by the pagodas in a creative and attractive way. Especially the extracurricular activities have current and essential content (Say no to games; Attitude towards Facebook; Secrets to good study; Protecting the environment; Preventing drowning, traffic accidents, First aid; Fire prevention and fighting; Ring the golden bell, Got Talent...). In the photo: Extracurricular program on preventing drowning, first aid at Vien Quang pagoda (Nam Dan). Photo: Huy Thu

Some pagodas have organized retreat programs with careful investment and preparation, such as inviting famous monks and nuns in the country to give sermons, inviting officials, experts, and celebrities, organizing quality seminars and talkshows, conveying messages related to youth. In the photo: Talkshow Inspirational People, interacting with Khanh Vy at the summer retreat "Towards the Future" at Co Am Pagoda (Dien Chau). Photo: Le Khuong

After the initial confusion, the students attending the retreats at the pagoda have "overcome themselves" and developed a spirit of independence in all activities, from eating to studying, playing, and sleeping. Photo: Huy Thu

During the summer retreat, the monks and leaders treated the trainees as family members, and all activities were carefully instructed and guided. The trainees were all happy and eager to experience the retreat with unforgettable memories. Photo: Huy Thu

The summer retreat held in the pagodas in the past (June and July) is considered a healthy playground for Nghe An youth to exchange, learn, cultivate morality, improve their knowledge... From there, they form a sense of self-awareness, discipline, living a good life, loving, knowing how to share and help others. Photo: Huy Thu

At the end of the retreats, pagodas often organize special programs such as flower lantern nights, candle lighting to express gratitude and emotions. Many excellent students are praised by pagodas. Summer retreats with many different names (Nurturing lotus buds; Nurturing moral buds; Looking towards the future; I return to Buddha; Preparing for life...) have brought thousands of students in the province meaningful experiences. Photo: Huy Thu