Young novices who are ordained between the ages of 8 and 12 have a precious opportunity, because their minds have not yet been sown with many negative seeds from society, and the peaceful environment of the monastery helps to nourish wholesome seeds, while the current school environment is often filled with violence. Education by permeation is illustrated by the example of a child learning French: not through formal study, but by absorbing the language through the living environment. Similarly, practicing from a young age helps children develop deep peace and happiness, which is more profound than the temporary joys found at school. The history of Vietnamese Buddhism has witnessed many great monks who began their practice at a very young age, and I have also established schools such as Tuệ Quang, Bồ Đề, and Vạn Hạnh University to create a safe and high-quality Buddhist educational environment.
The novice training program is suggested to be built over four years with the following priorities:
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Practicing meditation (sitting, walking, standing, lying down) and “writing meditation” through poetry and letters
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Studying sutras, precepts, commentaries, and history as supporting materials for the practice
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Serving as attendants, practicing “meditation songs,” and striking the bell to cultivate mindfulness and community spirit
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Encouraging engaged Buddhism through training in psychology, sociology, the history of civilization, and the practice of “Buddhism entering life”
The upcoming 21-day retreat will focus on the Six Paramitas—the door of action of the Buddha—based on the text “Old Path White Clouds” to deeply understand the historical deeds of the Buddha. Practitioners are encouraged to review the Six Paramitas and the essence of “Diligent Practice Opens the Lotus of a Thousand Petals,” along with the Satipatthana Sutta, Amitayus Sutra, Amitabha Sutra, and others, in order to practice mindfulness, transform suffering, and build a strong Sangha.
