Thu Nga Nguyễn – Thân Khai Nhiên
My name is Thu Nga. In 2017, a friend invited me to attend the World Peace Gathering (WPG) Mandala event in Long Beach. This rare and fortunate encounter completely transformed my spiritual life. From the moment I stepped into the hall, I was astonished by the elegant and artistic arrangement of everything.
Entering the main sanctuary, my heart trembled at the sight of such a solemn setting—unlike anything I had seen at any temple before.
The volunteers of the Compassionate Service Society (CSS) welcomed me with warmth and kindness. Their polite greetings and friendly demeanor filled me with a gentle joy—a sense of openness in my heart that I had never experienced before. That very day, I felt a sudden desire to accompany these volunteers in their service work. In fact, I had long held a wish to contribute my efforts to the community, but I had hesitated because I had yet to find a suitable organization.
After two days at the WPG Mandala I began to explore the Compassionate Service Society in greater depth. To my great fortune, I realized that the association’s vision and structure aligned perfectly with what I had been searching for. Their spirit of volunteerism was not just about offering help—it carried an element of sacrifice, a selfless devotion to others, exactly in line with the ideals of service I had yearned for over the years.
From that moment on, I officially became a member of the CSS. This experience has helped me grow in many ways—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The Bodhisattva Path training program led by Thay guided me in opening my heart, bringing clarity to both my spiritual path and my everyday life. I came to understand my true purpose in life.
Since joining the Bodhisattva Protector program, its meaning and mission have become increasingly clear to me.Serving others is no longer just a choice—it has become an essential part of my spiritual practice.Now, having participated in the Bodhisattva Protector program for three consecutive years, I have witnessed the profound dedication of the monastics who take on the path of selfless renunciation. With deep respect, I wholeheartedly dedicate my humble efforts to support them in their spiritual journey. This has also given me the opportunity to apply the principles of the Bodhisattva Path to real-life practice.
As Thay has shared, a truly complete practice is one that balances transcendence and worldly engagement. I am profoundly grateful to Thay for nurturing my Bodhi mind. Every year, the WPG Mandala bring me heartwarming memories and deepen my gratitude toward the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas—for granting me the conditions to cultivate, and for guiding me to meet Thay who has opened my heart. The most precious gift I have received from Thay is help in discovering my life’s mission—which includes my heartfelt vow to become a Bodhisattva Protector every year.