Hoa Nghiêm Pagoda was fortunate to have Ven. Bhikkhuni Giới Hương visit several times to preach to Buddhist followers on many topics, such as “A Fallen Leaf,” “The Art of Life and Death,” “Four Foundations of Mindfulness,” “Samsara,” and so forth. Among the topics, “A Fallen Leaf” was very impressive; Ven. Bhikkhuni Giới Hương talked about how a dry yellow leaf always floats on the water, just as our perseverance will overcome difficulties and challenges. At the beginning of 2017, Venerable Giới Hương lectured on this topic when Dr. Nguyên Tu, who was the head of Hoa Nghiêm Association, was still alive. He smiled with much interest while listening to the lecture—now he has returned to Buddha’s land.
Of particular note is that Ven. Bhikkhuni Giới Hương also had some English talks with young people at Hoa Nghiêm Pagoda. The generation born and raised in the US has very weak Vietnamese language skills and strong English skills, but since she can speak English, she communicated well with them. Her lectures are successful and meaningful; her books and English translations are also very useful in America. Thanks to her English ability, she has assisted many local people to understand Buddhism. She has been credited with helping inmates in prisons to understand Buddhism, acknowledge their misdeeds, repent, and live peacefully in the Dharma. In general, overseas people need people who have a deep knowledge of Buddhism and the language ability to share Buddhism for the benefit of sentient beings in the United States, as she does.
On the occasion of the celebration of Forty Years in the Dharma: A Life of Study and Service, the monks and lay Buddhists of Hoa Nghiêm Pagoda sincerely wish for Ven. Bhikkhuni Giới Hương and the nuns of Hương Sen Temple good health and success in accomplishing Buddha's works soon. May the Bodhi trees shed light for all beings to be liberated ultimately.
Namo Amitabha Buddha.
Christmas in Virginia, December 25, 2019
Abbot of Hoa Nghiêm Pagoda
With metta,
The Most Venerable Thích Kiến Khai
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Venerable Kiến Khai introduces Bhikkhuni Giới Hương
at Hoa Nghiem Pagoda on April 4, 2019
Venerable Kiến Khai sitting on a chair (right)
listening to the Dharma talk by Bhikkhuni Giới Hương
Hoa Nghiem Pagoda, April 4, 2019
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