Lê-Lâm Thu Trang / Thân Vân Châu My name is Lê-Lâm Thu Trang, Dharma name Thân Vân Châu. I currently live in the city of Hamburg, Germany. This year, I had the good fortune to participate in the Altruistic Temporary Home Leaving program for the…

Tự Tân Huỳnh / Thân Khai Tâm The Moment of Letting Go When the last lock of hair fell, I did not burst into tears like some of the other sisters had experienced. Instead, my face flushed red. I knew it because I felt my…

Tự Tân Huỳnh / Thân Khai Tâm A Memorable Day in My Life Probably, many people agree that in this world, everything begins with affinity or karma. In this part of my reflection, it’s not ill-fated or adverse affinity; it means wholesome, supportive, and blessed…

Eric Tu / Than Khai Nguyen Tung (親開元松) My name is Eric Tu. I was born in Changhua (彰化), a city in central Taiwan. After completing my military service, I worked for a company in Kaohsiung, where I have since settled, lived, and raised a…

Carol Chen / Thân Di Từ Thấu (親怡慈透) I am Carol Chen, living in Taichung City. This year, I became a novice nun in the altruistic home leaving program for the very first time. It is not merely an ordinary event, but a profound turning…

Mai Beck / Thân Mai I have joined the Altruistic Home Leaving Sangha three times, the first in 2008 when a close friend fell gravely ill. At that time, I had just encountered the teachings of Thầy Hằng Trường and realized this was the Dharma…

By Mai Tran Nguyen (Dharma Name: Thân Mỹ Ngạn) Question: Could you please tell us a little about yourself? Mai Trân: My name is Nguyễn Mai Trân. I’m 75 years old and live in North Carolina. Since childhood, I have been closely connected with Buddhism and…

By Phan Thanh Tùng / Dharma Name: Thân Minh Tùng Beginning with a Seat Ordaining has never been easy for me—not because of inner obstacles, but due to physical challenges. I have a rather large body, which brings difficulties that those with a more balanced…

Quế Trang / Thân Khai Niệm A Spiritual Turning Point in April This past April, a turning point unfolded in my spiritual life. I made the vow to enter the path of altruistic monasticism. Looking back, when the aspiration to ordain first arose in the…