Dear lay devotees of Huong Dao, Lien Hoa, Dao Quang, Quang Chieu, Thuong Hanh Temples, the Dao Tam group, and all volunteers near and far who supported the Grand Ceremonies of the First Pali Tipiṭaka Chanting, the Second International Vesak Celebration, and the Groundbreaking of the Construction of the Dhammacetiya Stupa Project 2025 at Huong Dao Temple:
Fifteen days have now passed since the Grand Ceremonies. During that time, we have shared in all the ups and downs—through sunshine and rain, heat and cold. We’ve experienced moments of both joy and sorrow, with tears shed under the weight of many emotions.
The ten days of celebration unfolded in the joyful presence of monks, nuns, and lay devotees. Everyone expressed their deep gratitude to the Organizing Committee, who dedicated immense effort to creating such a meaningful and solemn Vesak observance.
Some were overjoyed to receive a Dhamma treasure in their hands—the words of the Blessed One—revisited and chanted aloud, helping them to understand Dhamma that had not yet been realized. Others experienced the purity of monastic harmony, met revered elders they had never encountered before, or read the Pāli language for the first time in their lives. There were so many blessings—too many to name.
Moreover, supporters—both those in attendance and those who could only send their thoughts from afar—generously contributed their time and financial resources to various aspects of the Grand Ceremonies. Their support made this sacred and monumental event possible—an event of great significance for the Dhammacetiya Project and for the entire monastic and lay communities. Without their contribution, the event could not have been so fully and meaningfully accomplished.
In this spirit, the Venerables conveyed their heartfelt praises, gratitude, and words of encouragement to all who love the Dhamma, revere the Sangha, and served with selfless devotion during the ceremonies.
As for this humble monk, words cannot express the depth of gratitude I feel toward each and every one of you. Nevertheless, please allow me to extend my most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all laymen, laywomen, volunteers, and Dhamma friends near and far.
Alongside this great joy, I must also acknowledge many shortcomings, due to my limited experience as an organizer. I am certain that confusion and disorder were caused, resulting in hardship for many. I sincerely apologize for any mistakes that occurred and humbly ask for your forgiveness.
Last Sunday, Huong Dao Temple held a follow-up meeting, though many were unable to attend. I would now like to summarize the main points: words of praise, constructive feedback regarding both my own limitations and those of the organizing collective—all offered in the spirit of refining and improving future events.
I also expressed my thanks and offered apologies to the Sangha and lay community, along with a small stupa replica as a token of gratitude—but many were still unable to receive it in person.
Financial Summary of the 2025 Vesak Festival:
Contributions toward the Grand Ceremonies: $350,923
Light Offering Contributions: $186,856.92
Total Contributions: $537,788.92
Total Expenses: $409,979.24
Remaining Balance: $127,809.68
Following the decision of the Head of the Organizing Committee and the approval of the Venerables: since not all candles were sponsored, $25,000 was allocated to support earthquake victims, combined with $55,763 raised by the Huong Tu group—a total of $80,763.
[Please see Facebook link here]
Remaining Fund After Expenses: $102,809.68
This entire amount has been transferred to the construction fund for the Dhammacetiya Stupa Project. (This total does not include expenses temporarily fronted by the Temple that have yet to be sponsored.)
DHAMMACETIYA SIMA of the Great Stupa:
Contributions were made by the families of major donors—17 main pillars and 99 supporting pillars, totaling 108 Sima pillars, with a combined value of $299,999.99. These funds will be used to establish the sacred Sima boundary and construct the Great Stupa. (All donors will be notified and invited to personally install their official Sima pillars upon completion.)
Additional Small Stupas Contributed During Vesak:
One from the lay devotee Tháp Hòa Bình and the family of Trần Minh Lợi
One from the family of Vân Lê
One from the family of Hòa Nguyễn and Thắng Phạm
One from Most Venerable Nanda
One from the Lao Sangha in the United States
Total: 5 small stupas
Message from the Most Venerables of various Buddhist countries to the Organizing Committee of Huong Dao Temple:
“You have done wonderfully—truly outstanding. It is amazing that you were able to accomplish something beyond imagination. Do not be discouraged by hardship; move forward with courage and continue to organize this remarkable event annually. We will join and support you by all means available.”
After consultation with the Sangha and lay community, there was full consensus and rejoicing in the decision to continue this tradition:
The Second Pali Tipiṭaka Chanting Ceremony and the Third International Vesak Celebration will be held in 2026.
We respectfully invite all Venerables, monks and nuns, laymen and laywomen, and the entire community to rejoice and share in the wholesome merits that have been accumulated throughout this sacred endeavor.
Finally, on behalf of all the Monastics and Buddhists in the Grand Ceremony Organizing Committee, we sincerely seek the forgiveness of the Venerable Saṅgha, and extend our heartfelt gratitude and apologies to all our lay supporters and Dhamma friends—both near and far—for any shortcomings in the organization of the Grand Ceremony. Although we tried to fulfill our responsibilities to the best of our ability, we acknowledge that some imperfections were likely unavoidable. We humbly bow to the Venerable Monastics and extend our sincere thanks and apologies to all who contributed and participated, respectfully requesting your compassionate understanding for any limitations.
Namo Buddhaya
Bhikkhu Tuệ Nhân
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