Ngô Thị Hoa / Dharma name: Thân Khai Tiến Pháp
My Affinity with the Buddhadharma
My name is Ngô Thị Hoa, Dharma name Thân Khai Tiến Pháp. I currently live in the city of Darmstadt in the state of Hesse, western Germany. This year, I was fortunate to have the karmic conditions to attend the “Altruistic Temporary HomeLeaving” (Xuất Gia VịTha) organized by the Compassion Service Society in Southern California.It was a long journey of nearly 6,000 miles. I am not someone who speaks eloquently or writes well, but I would like to use these words to record the unforgettable feelings, the wonderful memories, and the precious experiences from this very first “Altruistic Temporary HomeLeaving.”
About three years ago, I came to know Master Hằng Trường’s teachings through an introduction by Sister Thu Trang. From there, I began practicing and studying online with the Düsseldorf group and continued learning through Zoom sessions and Dharma talks shared on the Tubiphungsuapp.She became both my companion and my first fellow practitioner traveling with me from Germany to the United States to attend the “Altruistic Temporary HomeLeaving”.
The more I studied and practiced, the more I felt my life became lighter and more peaceful. Gradually, I understood that Buddhism is not separate from everyday life—it is the path that helps practitioners transform themselves and apply the teachings in daily living.I also realized that the path of cultivation becomes steadier and more beneficial when guided by clear instructions for practice. That is what makes Master’s teachings so special.
My Aspirations for attending the “Altruistic Temporary HomeLeaving.”
I attended the“Altruistic Temporary HomeLeaving” with two very clear aspirations:
My first aspiration was to dedicate the merits to my children. Beyond the ordinary wishes of any mother—that my children remain healthy, live peacefully, and have opportunities to contribute their talents to society, I also hold a deeper wish: that their hearts continue to open, their goodness continue to unfold, and their compassion continues to grow stronger.
Throughout the retreat, whether during short or long practice sessions, each bow, every recitation of the Buddha’s name, periods of meditation, mantra chanting, and visualization, I silently sent prayers to my children. I understand that the spirit of the “Altruistic Temporary Home Leaving” is profoundly beautiful because it embodies the Bodhisattva vow. I deeply cherish this fortunate opportunity given to me—a simple mother—to practice the Bodhisattva path, even though those for whom I practiced were my own children.
My second aspiration was to study and practice directly under the Master’s guidance.This had been my wish for a very long time. Although I lived far away in Germany, each time I joined Dharma sessions online or watched Master’s videos, I felt waves of compassion and wisdom radiating through the teachings. In my heart, I always hoped that one day I could meet Master in person, listen directly to his Dharma talks, and receive guidance in practice.
There is a Vietnamese saying: “Without a teacher, one cannot succeed.” That saying truly applied to me—a person who believed in Buddhism but did not really know what cultivation meant! Through the Master’s clear method of practice, both in theory and application, I was no longer standing outside the gate of the profound and wondrous Avatamsaka teachings—I truly stepped onto the path and began experiencing transformation in my own life.
Days of Practice – Inner Transformation
The days of practice were truly miraculous for me. Not a miracle coming from outside—but a deep transformation arising within. One day before the retreat officially began, Master personally shaved my head. I was deeply moved seeing the revered teacher standing throughout the session, shaving each disciple’s head while offering personalized words of guidance according to each person’s disposition. I believe anyone who received such words would remember them for life and regard them as a reflection of their deepest aspiration.
Before that moment, I had wondered what I would look like without my familiar hair. Yet as each strand fell, I felt as though layers of afflictions and emotional burdens were falling away as well. It felt miraculous to let go of something I had long cared about and spent time arranging to look beautiful. In its place arose a feeling of lightness, elevation, and a sense of purpose—as I was about to dedicate my heart to a short retreat rooted in love. From that moment on, I felt a clear shift in how I viewed myself.
During the first few days, I struggled with unfamiliar experiences: the time difference, communal living, and the discipline of monastic life… But day after day, I noticed positive changes. I became more accustomed to the rhythm of practice. My mind became calmer during meditation.
The mantras that once felt unfamiliar gradually became natural. The teachings on the Avatamsaka Sutra and Master’s methods slowly sank deeper into my understanding. What inspired me most was the daily practice of the Dharma objects. I realized that behind each sacred object held in our hands were symbolic and metaphorical meanings. As I connected with those symbols, something unexpected happened—I felt my inner world changing through that connection.
A Compassionate Teacher
I was truly moved by Master’s compassion and dedication. Throughout the retreat, Master cared for and guided us with patience and love, like a father gently leading his young children. From Dharma talks to practice sessions, every instruction was given with great care.
What I admired most was that Master did not simply transmit general knowledge. He taught practice methods clearly, practically, and precisely. I especially loved the sessions where Master answered questions from members of the Sangha. No matter how complex or difficult the question was, the Master listened patiently and answered thoroughly. His explanations were organized, logical, and often illustrated with practical examples that helped everyone understand.
His teaching style reflected modern educational principles. From lesson structure to visual illustrations and diagrams, everything was carefully and thoughtfully prepared. This lively method awakened in me a joy of learning that I had rarely experienced before. From someone who did not enjoy studying, I gradually became more eager to learn, think more deeply, and move beyond narrow and one-sided ways of seeing.
Perhaps because it was my first opportunity to sit in the main hall, quite close to the front, and directly face the Master, my emotions became even more profound. Each time I listened to the Dharma, I felt surrounded by warm, peaceful energy. In those moments, my heart overflowed with joy and gratitude.
A Comprehensive Path of Practice
Master’s teachings address every aspect of life—from physical health to emotional and mental development. He emphasizes reading and learning about culture to broaden understanding, train the mind, and deepen insight into life. Through his teachings, I saw the image of a father wanting his children to mature, become steady, and develop the ability to walk their own paths in both worldly and spiritual life.
Master not only tea ches doctrine, but shares insights gained through his own cultivation. Each Dharma talk reflects preparation, dedication, and depth of contemplation. He especially emphasizes maintaining daily practice. According to him, consistent and sustained practice builds habits that establish a stable foundation for long-term transformation.
Perhaps the teaching that left the deepest impression on me was Master’s explanation of calligraphy practice. This became one of my favorite activities during the retreat. Before hearing his explanation, I thought calligraphy was simply about writing beautifully. But after listening to his teaching, my understanding changed completely.
I no longer saw calligraphy merely as an external art form but as a method of cultivating one-pointed concentration. Every brushstroke, every movement of the hand requires the writer to be fully attentive to each stroke, without allowing the mind to be distracted by wandering thoughts or arising delusions. Through this, I came to understand that the deeper purpose of practicing calligraphy does not lie in creating a beautiful work of art, but in training the mind to develop focused concentration.
That teaching helped me realize that in Master’s practice system, even ordinary activities contain profound lessons in cultivation. Behind each practice lies educational value and inner transformation. I deeply admire the way Master helps students begin from ordinary experiences and gradually enter profound principles of practice and transformation. I feel fortunate to have received such teachings from my wonderful Master, a “great spiritual friend.”
Closing Reflections
Although the retreat was not long, it left a deep impression on me. The system of teachings that Master presented was clear, structured, and coherent. I was guided step by step—from understanding to practice, from theory to direct experience. Each lesson connected naturally to the next and helped practitioners understand where they were on the path, what to cultivate, and what direction to move toward. Through this guidance, a spiritual path that once seemed difficult to grasp became clear, practical, and applicable to daily life.
Returning to Darmstadt after this “Altruistic Temporary Home Leaving”, I felt deeply transformative. Ordinary life resumed, yet within that ordinary life, something extraordinary had quietly begun in my consciousness. The practices and teachings I received gave me a clearer direction on my spiritual journey.
I feel truly happy and grateful for the blessing that allowed me to attend this retreat. I offer boundless gratitude to Master for dedicating so much time and effort to guide and teach us the Avatamsaka Thousand Hands practice and the Bodhisattva path. I also sincerely thank all the organizers who arranged and prepared everything so that we could practice in peace and with supportive conditions.