We are born to parents

We gain attainment through friends.

(Vietnamese proverb)

This is a true proverb in life, but for Buddhist monastics, it is still not enough. The important factor in the guidance for a renunciant is the merit from spiritual teachers.

On a long, dark journey

Crossing many misty roads and corners

Walking in confusion without direction

Teacher standing there with a light at the alley

Clarity shows me the way back.

(Unknown author)

You and other teachers sacrifice your time and health (forgetting eating, reducing sleep, staying late…) for the love of young student generations who need the right guidance on the Dharma path, because sometimes we feel that:

Standing in the middle of two paths

So which path to choose, or let it flow away.

(“Miss the Field [Nhớ đồng],” the great poet Tố Hữu)

You have given us sincere advice as a compass to show us the way. That grace is indescribable in words. We just promise ourselves to try to study, cultivate, and take you as a good example, and we will continue your unfinished works in the Sangha.

On the occasion of the collecting writings Forty Years in the Dharma: A Life of Study and Service—Venerable Bhikkhuni Giới Hương, we would like to offer you a few words of gratitude and wish you good health, peace, and happiness, depending on destiny to accomplish all your dreams in life.