An Cư or Winter Retreat this year marked a very important event in my life. During this time we settle down and be at peace with ourselves and the environment; to congregate with the Sangha community of fellow monks and nuns of varying degrees of rank as well as male (ưu-bà-tắc) and female (ưu-bà- di) lay devotees. This year, the retreat is being held at Chua Phap Hoa. This is a special place for me, because two years ago, I had the privilege of attending and helping prepare for the Buddhist funeral of Hoa Thuong Thích Như Huệ.

This year we have two Sa Di and one Chu Dieu. I would not blame anyone for being surprised and perhaps skeptical to see three young men who were not even born in Vietnam, but have decided to follow the path of Vietnamese Buddhism! Surely we cannot stay on this path in this day and age? There are simply too many worldly distractions enticing us compared to the past. And yet, there was something inexplicable inside each of us that pushed us towards the doors of our respective temples and to relinquish the luxuries that other people our age enjoy. Was this not the same mysterious impetus that the Venerables before us had? Only time will tell, but I certainly have no regrets about my decision.