On February 21 (the 5th day of the Binh Ngo Tet), many pagodas in Nghe An province organized Dharma lectures, giving calligraphy and free books to Buddhists, tourists, students and parents coming to spring festivals at the beginning of the year.
Recorded at Duc Hau Pagoda (Vinh Phu ward), from early morning, a large number of people flocked to worship Buddha, chant sutras, and worship in a peaceful space, brilliant with spring flowers. The calligraphy area attracted a large number of students and parents queuing to ask for calligraphy to pray for good luck and learning.
Venerable Thich Dinh Tue - Abbot of Duc Hau Pagoda said that the custom of asking for calligraphy and starting writing at the beginning of the year is a traditional beauty associated with the spirit of studiousness of Vietnamese people. Each stroke of calligraphy is not only a wish for good luck, but also the beginning of the journey of opening the mind, intelligence, and career; reminding each person to turn to goodness, nurture the aspiration to study and do good things in the new year.
According to records, the spring calligraphy opening ceremony at pagodas this year attracted a large number of people to attend. Many students expressed their excitement when directly receiving calligraphy from the teachers, considering this as a spiritual encouragement before a challenging year of studying and exams.
At Tan Ky Pagoda, Venerable Thich Dong Tue - Abbot of the pagoda said that this Binh Ngo spring, the pagoda for the first time organized a prayer ceremony for national peace and prosperity combined with the calligraphy opening ritual to pray for wisdom. The program was held solemnly, in a peaceful atmosphere at the beginning of the year.
The masses chant sutras and chant Buddha's name together, praying for the country to be peaceful, the people to be at peace, and the weather to be favorable. The calligraphy opening ceremony sends wishes to unleash wisdom, develop the mind to study, and do many good deeds in the new year," Great Monk Thich Dong Tue shared.
The restoration and maintenance of the spring calligraphy opening ceremony at many pagodas not only contributes to preserving the beauty of traditional culture, but also creates a meaningful spiritual living space, spreading the message of learning and pursuing goodness in the community at the beginning of the year.
