As the traditional New Year is fast approaching, Ven. Thích Thanh Quyết, Deputy of Vietnam’s National Assembly at the 14^th Legislature, Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Executive Council cum Head of Phuc Khanh Pagoda located in Hanoi had exchanges with the Information Center under Government Committee for Religious Affairs on the practice of visiting pagodas in the first days of Vietnam’s traditional New Year (Tet).

According to Ven. Thích Thanh Quyết, visiting worshipping places, such as Buddhist pagodas, well-known temples or communal houses, etc in the first days of the traditional New Year to pray for peace, prosperity for the family has become a popular and fine tradition in Vietnam.

At Buddhist pagodas, the praying session has taken place in accordance with Buddhist rituals and practitices, without ‘astrology remedy’ influenced by Taoism as in the past, and in particular, praying sessions at Phuc Khanh Pagoda always follows rituals of Vietnam Buddhism, the Buddhist dignitary said.

Ven. Thích Thanh Quyết informed that in the coming lunar New Year, Phuc Khanh Pagoda will provide praying services upon requests by visiting people, starting from the 6^th of the traditional New Year until the end of the 1^st lunar month. Upon request by a group however large, worshipping offerings and rituals will be sufficiently and solemnly provided by the pagoda. And the praying session will take place within the pagoda, so there will be no scene of people sitting on the road outside the pagoda as in past years.

In addition to worshipping practices, the pagoda will share with visitors the true meaning of prayers for peace in Buddhist perspectives. For reducing or avoiding things such as ‘bad luck’ or ‘unfortunates’, one should do good deeds, such as releases of living creatures, offerings to help people in need, for cultivating merit.   

Preaching of the Buddha’s teachings during praying services at the pagoda will also help cultivate wisdom, love and compassion, reduce greed, anger and ignorance, contributing to bring peace and happiness in the New Year.

The head monk of Phuc Khanh pagoda noted that, for the last year, the pagoda has strictly implemented guiding documents of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and concerning ministries in organizing Buddhist ceremonies such as the Buddha’s Birthday Festival 2019. Buddhist dignitaries, being both religious followers and country citizens, have to act in accordance with the state laws and guidance of the Buddhist church. In 2020, the pagoda shall do its best for ensuring public order, safety and environmental hygiene, beginning with praying services in the first days of the lunar New Year of the Rat.

Regarding the correction of deviant worshipping practices, Ven. Thích Thanh Quyết stated that the Government Committee for Religious Affairs in collaborating with concerning agencies has promptly issued documents for effectively dealing with deviant practices at worshipping places.

In particular, the official note sent by the government religious committee to the provincial-level government nationwide in February 2019 asked local authorities and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s chapters in provinces and cities across the country to strengthen the communication work and guide heads of Buddhist places to reduce superstitious activities and phenomina contrary to the fine customs and Buddhist traditions.  

On occasion of the upcoming praying services in the lunar New Year of the Rat 2020, Head Monk Thích Thanh Quyết expressed that one should choose a  respectful mind instead of a good day, as all days are good with a respectful mind. This understanding could help avoid disorder and ensue civilized manners in the pagoda during crowded days.

The Buddhist dignitary also kindly requested local authorities to assist the pagoda in ensuring security and order for successful praying services in the lunar New Year of the Rat.

 PTT