Article 9. Folk Beliefs and Buddhism – Harmony or Blending?

The Buddha gently reached down and received the trembling hand of the courtesan Liên Hoa Sắc -  a woman once adored by kings and nobles, yet whose heart had withered under the weight of worldly desire.

"Now, Ananda, dwell with yourselves as an island, with yourselves as a refuge, with no other refuge; dwell with the Dharma as an island, with the Dharma as a refuge, with no other refuge" - Dīgha Nikāya, Sutta 16

"Proper giving is like watering the root of a tree. Improper giving is like watering withered leaves." — Anguttara Nikāya (Chapter on Offerings (AN 7.52), translated by Most Venerable Thich Minh Chau)

For generations, Buddhist families have upheld a beautiful tradition: whenever they face something “difficult” or uncertain and struggle to make a decision, their wisest choice is to go to the temple and seek guidance from the venerable monks.

"Practice not to become a Buddha, But because one cannot not live like a Buddha" - Zen saying

That was Venerable Chanh Dinh, with the same "script": posting an obituary on social media and "calling for help" from the community to send money for the funeral.

"No external object can protect the mind. Only a discerning mind can protect itself." - Zen saying

Thay đổi chế độ ăn uống và lối sống như dùng thực phẩm nguyên chất, tránh ăn khuya, tăng cường chất béo lành mạnh có thể cải thiện sức khỏe đường ruột.

"I prostrate to the Buddha, not so that He remembers me, but so that I don't forget to live like the Buddha" - Traditional Dharma Verse