Hanoi's Khmer Pagoda Hosts Traditional Rains Retreat Ceremony

The traditional 'Rains Retreat Ceremony' (Lễ dâng y tắm mưa) of Theravada Buddhism was held at the Khmer pagoda within the Vietnam National Village for Culture and Tourism in Hanoi on July 26. This ceremony served as an opportunity to introduce the unique culture and beliefs of the Khmer people. The pagoda, spanning approximately 0.8 hectares, is built as a replica of the K'Leang pagoda in the Mekong Delta, recreating the traditional architecture and cultural identity of the Southern Khmer community. The Rains Retreat Ceremony dates back to the time of the Buddha and marks the beginning of the three-month Rains Retreat period (An cư kiết hạ), during which monks refrain from traveling outside to focus on their studies and maintain their precepts. The An cư kiết hạ typically starts from the 16th day of the 4th lunar month to the 16th day of the 7th lunar month, or from the 16th day of the 5th lunar month to the 16th day of the 8th lunar month, depending on the region. In the Theravada Buddhist tradition, monks receive and use robes (y) for the duration of the retreat. For the Khmer people following Theravada Buddhism, this ritual signifies the commencement of the Rains Retreat, reminding practitioners to maintain purity of mind and body and strive for a life according to the Buddha's teachings. Inside the main hall, monks and devotees recited scriptures and paid homage to the Three Jewels. Devotees made vows to take refuge in the Triple Gem and observe the Five Precepts, followed by a short meditation session to purify their minds before the main rituals. Ms. Tran Thi Nga, 60, from Tung Thien commune (Hanoi), participating for the first time at this location, expressed surprise that Hanoi also has a pagoda organizing this ritual. Previously, she often traveled to Soc Trang for similar ceremonies. "My soul feels peaceful, and I understand more about the values of Theravada Khmer Buddhism," she said. On this occasion, devotees offered items to the monks to support their monastic life. In addition to the four essentials (robes, food, bedding, and medicine), a crucial offering is large candles, lit throughout the three-month retreat, symbolizing the light of the Dharma and marking the official start of the monks' retreat period. At the Khmer pagoda in the Vietnam National Village for Culture and Tourism (Hanoi), the number of devotees following Theravada Buddhism is not as large as in the southern provinces. However, the ceremony was conducted in a solemn and pure atmosphere, with monks and a large number of devotees reciting scriptures and paying homage to the Three Jewels, expressing their reverence as they entered the Rains Retreat period. Theravada Buddhism is a traditional religion deeply intertwined with the spiritual life and culture of the Khmer people. These ceremonies express respect for the Buddha and contribute to preserving ethnic identity and strengthening community bonds. The pagoda serves as a place of worship while also preserving traditional cultural, artistic, and architectural values. Monks play a vital role in the spiritual lives of devotees. Most Venerable Thach Sa Thuol, abbot of Vesakha Pagoda (Tay Ninh province), shared teachings of Theravada Khmer Buddhism with devotees, emphasizing moral values, filial piety, and a righteous way of life, encouraging the cultivation of compassion. Following the scripture recitation and homage to the Three Jewels, Venerable Thich Kim Tue, abbot of the Khmer pagoda, along with other monks, conducted a Dharma talk, recited prayers for peace, shared merits, and dedicated the merits to the devotees. In commemoration of the 79th anniversary of Vietnamese Heroes and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2026), the monks also performed a memorial ceremony, remembering and dedicating merits to the souls of heroes and martyrs who sacrificed for the nation's independence and freedom. The Rains Retreat Ceremony provides an opportunity for devotees to express their gratitude to the Triple Gem and preserve the traditions of Theravada Buddhism. By The Bang