(VOVworld) – Venerable Thich Giac Nghia is one of the first six Buddhist monks in Khanh Hoa who volunteered to relocate to the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands to manage temples there. He said the decision was made because of the six monks’ love for parts of the national territorial sovereignty. VOV reporter Vinh Phong has a story about this Buddhist monk.
On the 37th anniversary of Liberation Day April 30th a delegation from the mainland set foot on Truong Sa Township. That day also marked Venerable Thich Giac Nghia’s two-week stay in Truong Sa Lon or Big Spratly temple.
His new temple is not as comfortable and spacious as his previous premises with nearly 50 disciples. But for the Buddhist monk, life on the islands is serene and tranquil. On early morning or during sunset, he recited the Buddhist scriptures and prayed for peace and prosperity.
Venerable Thich Giac Nghia said if life is considered as journeys, his resettlement at Truong Sa Lon temple is the most significant journey as it reflects his patriotism: “After 3 trips to hold requiems for heroic martyrs on Spratly archipelago, I feel more responsible for my homeland and for protecting national sovereignty that our predecessors sacrificed for. Today we are living in peace and we should continue the predecessors’ legacy. That’s why we decided to set sail for Truong Sa and resettle here. I remember most a trip to marine defence platform DK and a requiem for those who laid down their lives in Gac Ma, Co Lin seas. We witnessed the great sacrifices by our soldiers. I was very moved”.
Venerable Thich Giac Nghia told us that though life in Truong Sa is still difficult, he is happy with the close friendship between the locals and army. When the night falls and lights are turned on, local kids come to visit monks in the temples: “Challenges in Truong Sa? We don’t find any difficulty because we are leading a religious life. We came here to hold rituals and pray. We are grateful to the Party and State who gave us an opportunity to stay in temples on Spratly archipelago. We came here pray for soldiers and people who laid down their lives to protect national waters. I want to contribute my small part to safeguarding our sacred territorial sovereignty”.
There are not many households in Truong Sa Lon islands. On the 15th day of the lunar month, almost all local residents visit the temples to pray for peace and happiness. They helped the Buddhist monks to prepare for this year Buddha’s birthday celebrations in early May. Bui Thi Nhung, a local, said the temples here are not merely a spiritual support for her:“The temples on the islands are the pride and happiness of the local people and soldiers. They demonstrate our belief in the Buddha and in defending our national territorial integrity. We visit temples to keep a mood of peace and contentment”.
In the afternoon, Truong Sa islands are bathed in sunlight. Venerable Thich Giac Nghia said goodbye to us at a pier. He wrote painstakingly on a memory stone wishes of luck for every visitor.
Leaving Truong Sa, I remember well Venerable Thich Giac Nghia’s saying: “Every Vietnamese like us regardless of religions and positions, we will work for a common goal of everlasting peace and prosperity for our nation”.