I have long admired the civilized culture of America. When studying at the Intermediate Buddhist School, I met and talked with a nun, a disciple of Master Giới Hương. After listening to my dream of going to the United States, she immediately and enthusiastically said, "Let me ask my Master Giới Hương to sponsor you." Time passed, and I studied at the Buddhist University in Ho Chi Minh City for two years. A Dharma sister of my Vietnamese master invited me to her temple in the United States, and I stayed there for a couple of years. Going a long way in the US, finally. . . I came back to Master Giới Hương to ask her to sponsor my immigration papers to stay and work at Hương Sen Temple.
Since then, I have had enough affinity with Master Giới Hương and have become a member of Hương Sen Temple. The more I live and work with her, the more I realize the depths of her insight and that her heart is open generously to everyone who needs her.
For a long time, I have heard about the Most Venerable Hai Trieu Am, who ordained Master Giới Hương. The Late Master Hai Trieu Am was very famous for her great virtue, and when I met Master Giới Hương, I could see the dignified image of Master Hai Trieu Âm. I am lucky to be among those fortunate to live under the loving care of Hương Sen Pagoda. Master Giới Hương is always polite and listens and understands the situation of each disciple in the group to help us as best she can.
The first time I visited the pagoda, I saw that the temple was simple and rustic, as if it represented the modest person of the abbess, Master Giới Hương. But hidden within, her heart and compassion are immense.
Although Master Giới Hương often goes here and there to spread Buddhism, each of the Dharma sisters in the temple diligently chants, learns scriptures, waters the plants, and takes care of the temple, always following Master Giới Hương’s example to reflect upon and purify our mind. In the depths of my mind, I am particularly thankful to the Buddhas for bringing me to Hương Sen Pagoda. After wandering around so far in the USA, I finally met and took refuge under Master Giới Hương, which is enough to see the deep, predestined relationship between us. Master's grace is so great, I cannot describe it in words.
May the Buddha bless our Master Giới Hương and all the nuns so that we are always peaceful, develop merit-wisdom, and experience Bodhi growth and success.
REMEMBRANCE
Standing from afar, approaching Hương Sen Pagoda
We are always thinking of you
Thousands of admiring words we want to utter
May the Master’s Buddhist career soon be fulfilled.
TO OUR LOVING MASTER
Master goes here and there out of compassion
Bhkkhuni performs the virtues of Buddha’s daughter
Giới—Precepts are kept strictly
Hương—Fragrance flies opposing the wind.
Respectfully to Master Giới Hương on occasion of
the 40th anniversary of your monastic cultivation and preaching.
California, November 4, 2019
Genuinely,
Disciple Bhikkhuni TN Diệu An
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Bhikkhuni Diệu An (far left) with Master Giới Hương and Nuns
Chanting on the Vesak Day in May 21 2019 at Hương Sen Temple
Please read all articles and view all photos:4.12.Master-Disciple_Relationship-_SC_Dieu_An.pdf
