Forty days brought the Sangha from Kolkata to Bodhgaya, Varanasi, and Kosambi, and the last days of the year of the Tiger also led the Sangha closer to Sankissa, after a journey of more than 1400km. Sankissa is where Buddha descended from the Thirty-Three Heaven (Tāvatiṃsa) after preaching the Dhamma to his mother.

The foot-traveling Sangha passed through the scorching sun, bitter frost, drizzling rain, and dust draping all over the yellow robes. Despite the many hardships, turbulence, and obstacles throughout the journey, we overcame them one by one.

The air is chilly, mixed with a few rays of warm golden sunshine glittering like honey drops on Lunar New Year’s Eve. It is also on the same day that the Sangha chanted the Paṭimokkha, the Disciplinary Rules for monks. We offer alms to the Sangha on behalf of the monks, nuns, and lay devotees at Quang Chiếu Temple, Hương Đạo Temple, and those from California, Florida… along with devotees from Vietnam.

There are no apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, bánh chưng (traditional Vietnamese rice cake during Tết celebration), red firecrackers, and pink melon seeds like a traditional Tết. There are no teachers, grandparents, or parents around for me to kneel to pay respects or wish them longevity. At this moment, we are still wandering here and there. There are only endless fields of mustard blossoms basking in the glittering sunlight, fluttering in the middle of the monsoons. The peacocks danced, and the swallows were flying far away aimlessly. And the footsteps of the Sangha were still marching on through the windy mists, sometimes through evenings of frigid winter under the dark clouds, the roar of thunder, and the falling raindrops, making the foot-traveling Sangha even colder.

Spring comes in the field of yellow mustard flowers. We have nothing more than the mustard flowers picked up from the ground, a handful of roasted peanuts, and a few slices of pumpkin jam by the campfire to warm the Spring’s heart. While the Spring in the homeland is peaceful and cozy, our Spring here is dull and cold. However, we still rejoice in having this chosen path and endeavor.

Dear Mahāsangha,
On the arrival of Spring, I wish all the Venerable Monks and Nuns a season of peace and happiness and continue to be a refuge for everyone, and prompt accomplishment of the path to enlightenment.

Dear Teachers,
Though I’m away from home this Spring, I am still aware that you are carrying many responsibilities to create favorable conditions for me to fully pursue my chosen path. I pay respects to you and wish you a happy new year. I am earnestly grateful to you, my Teachers, for a lifetime of support.

Dear Mom and Dad,
The two deities of my life! In old age and degrading health, you have spent a lifetime of hard work taking care of the children. Even in your advanced age, I can’t stay by your side to take care of you. May my merits be a supportive condition to your welfare, so you will always be well, peaceful, and happy.

Dear lay devotees,
I sincerely appreciate the contributions from you, the devotees, who have wholeheartedly supported the Temple. No matter how heartfelt my words are, they cannot express my deepest gratitude to you. I wish all devotees of Hương Đạo Temple, devotees who have supported me on this trip, and all fellow friends a peaceful and prosperous new year. May you always have good health, longevity, happiness, beauty, and wisdom.

Namo Buddhāya

Source: Dhammacetiya
#chuahuongdao
#sbsstupas