A retreat for young people with the theme “There is a way” was organized from the 21st of August to the 28th of August in Lower Hamlet has just been concluded. The retreat had attracted more than 120 young people to participate for a whole week, mostly French speaking. Coming to this retreat, they don’t just come with a practioner’s point of view but they were also part of the organization committee to make the retreat profitable and nourishing for the young generations. They had come together to create the schedule of practice, leading co-op games, working hand in hand. The company of the monastics and our young friends had transformed the monastery into a place of refuge and warmth.   

On the first day of the retreat, Sr. Linh Nghiem – abbess of Loving Kindness Temple and Br. Phap Huu – acting abbot of Dharma Clouds Temple, begin our retreat with a wonderful orientation. With deep clarity and a calm style, Sr. Linh Nghiem guided our young friends on some of the basic practices such as breathing exercises and how to apply meditation in our daily lives. Next to that, Thay Phap Huu transformed the atmosphere in the dharma hall to a joyful place to be by sharing with humor and with charm. Thay Phap Huu shared some of his practical experiences and also some of the regulations in order for us to live in harmony with each other inside a monastery. Thay Phap Huu is one of our youngest dharma teachers, only 21 years old, but is entrusted the role of an acting abbot by the Sangha. When Thay Phap Huu mentioned about “dressing properly” he was confused. He said, “For our retreats, please young friends, do not wear…” he paused, think for a while and said that he was sorry, that he had lived in a monastery for too long and therefore, he didn’t know the name of that clothes, but please friends, not wear clothing that is too loose on the neck or pants and skirts that is too short to keep. The sincerity in his sharing made everyone laugh with joy and because of that, our friends were very careful in the way they dressed for the retreat.