On April 17 (the 1st day of the 3rd year of Binh Ngo), on the occasion of the Great Venerable Thich Tri Thu's birthday, the First Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (GHPGVN), the Supreme Patriarch of GHPGVN - Great Venerable Thich Tri Quang came to offer incense and commemorate the tower at Quang Huong Gia Lam (Hanh Thong ward, Ho Chi Minh City).
Welcoming Dharma Master was Venerable Thich Nguyen Giac, Abbot of Quang Huong Gia Lam and monks residing in the region.
At the main hall, in front of the incense altar honoring the portrait and long position of Great Elder Venerable Thich Tri Thu, the Dharma Master offered incense to the spirits in a solemn atmosphere. After that, in the meditation garden where the stupa honors the body of Great Elder Venerable Thich Tri Thu, the Dharma Master disturbed the stupa and offered incense to commemorate the deep merits of the great monk.
Great Venerable Thich Tri Thu is a dignitary with particularly important contributions, laying the foundation for the formation and development of GHPGVN. His life and actions are associated with the ups and downs and historical turning points of Vietnamese Buddhism in modern times.
On this occasion, the Supreme Patriarch also visited Du Huong That - the place where Great Venerable Thich Tri Quang once practiced and translated scriptures for a long time after leaving An Quang Pagoda, before he returned to rest for his last years at Tu Dam Pagoda (Hue).
In his sharing sessions with monks, the Dharma Master often recalled unforgettable memories of Great Venerable Thich Tri Thu - the Master with whom he had many close encounters through various stages and responsibilities.
The Dharma Master recalled that after GHPGVN was established, he was entrusted with the important responsibility of Head of the Central Dharma Propagation Committee. Faced with the difficulties of the times at that time, Great Venerable Thich Tri Thu, in his position as Chairman of the Executive Council, always lectured him that: Anything that is beneficial to the Dharma should be diligently implemented, following the Pho Hien's wishes.
The wish to dedicate himself to serving of Great Venerable Thich Tri Thu has deeply influenced the Dharma Master's Dharma practice process. He always takes the example of the Master's practice as a guiding principle: No matter what position or wherever you are, you must maintain daily Dharma practice, not leave the Zen lifestyle and always reside in the Dharma of the Buddha.
