A unique encounter of the Cuban Embassy with the Abbot of Ba Vang Pagoda

“We feel that this experience is so unique: I have had the opportunity to make in-person contact with such an important figure and personality to Vietnam, its people and Buddhism. We truly appreciate and feel honoured about the time He spent for us.” Orlando Hernández Guillén, the Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam, talked about Thay Thich Truc Thai Minh on his very first trip to Ba Vang Pagoda

What did Mr Orlando Hernández Guillén say about Thay Thich Truc Thai Minh?

On February 14, 2022, on the occasion of the new year, the 30-people delegation of the Cuban Embassy, led by Mr Orlando Hernández Guillén ー the Cuban Ambassador in Vietnam visited Ba Vang Pagoda. “This is the first time I have met Thay Thai Minh, but I feel so familiar, like a friend of mine. I found that he has done a lot of meaningful things for the Vietnamese people, so I am really happy to visit him and the Sangha of Ba Vang Pagoda today… The Pagoda's scenery is very beautiful. I am also very happy to first-hand witness the scenery and everyone here, and feel the traditional culture of Vietnamese people.” — Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba in Vietnam talked about Thay Thich Truc Thai Minh.

Thay Thich Truc Thai Minh expressed his joy and respect for the visit of the delegation. Thay and the delegation offered incense to the Three Jewels at the Main Hall of the Pagoda to pray for health, peace and the development of Vietnam and Cuba.

The delegation of the Cuban Embassy attended the New-Year almsgiving ceremony at Ba Vang Pagoda

Through the centuries, alms round has always been a precious tradition and well preserved in many Buddhist countries. In Vietnam, this beautiful practice is inherited by the Sangha of Ba Vang Pagoda. Alms round is a righteous Dharma practice, which benefits not only alms-receivers but also all other sentient beings.

As part of the visit to Ba Vang Pagoda, the delegation of the Cuban Embassy, led by Ambassador Orlando Hernández Guillén, attended the almsgiving ceremony in which they make offerings to Thay Thich Truc Thai Minh and his Sangha.

Rejoiced by the experience, Mr Guillén shared: “Today I feel really lucky to come visit the Pagoda right on the day of the almsgiving ceremony. I have a chance to feel and share this fortunate moment, as well as receive blessings by making offerings to monks and immerse myself in the atmosphere with everyone around me. I am immensely happy to see so many Vietnamese people all devoting themselves to Buddhism.”

The visit ended in a cordial and cheerful atmosphere. Thay on behalf of monks, nuns and lay Buddhists of Ba Vang Pagoda expressed his appreciation to the visit of the Ambassador and hoped to welcome him and the delegation back to visit the Pagoda

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