bách THE PRACTICAL METHOD OF PURE LAND BUDDHISM IN MODERN SOCIETY: A CASE STUDY OF HOANG PHAP MONASTERY IN VIETNAM Phan Tai Thuc (Ven. Thích Tâm Thức) A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies) Graduate School Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University C.E. 2017 1 The Practical Method of Pure Land Buddhism in Modern Society: A Case Study of Hoang Phap Monastery in Vietnam Phan Tai Thuc (Ven. Thích Tâm Thức) A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies) Graduate School Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University C.E. 2017 (Copyright of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University) 2 3 Thesis Title : The Practical Method of Pure Land Buddhism in Modern Society of the Hoang Phap Monastery in Vietnam Researcher : Ven. Phan Tai Thuc Degree : Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies) Thesis Supervisory Committee : Phra Rajapariyatkavi, Prof. Dr., Pāi IX, B.Ed. (Secondary Education), M.A. (Buddhist Studies) Ph.D. (Pāli & Buddhist Studies) : Asst. Prof. Dr. Sanu Mahatthanadull, B.A. (Advertising), M.A. (Buddhist Studies), Ph.D. (Buddhist Studies) Date of Graduation : March 08, 2018 Abstract This is a qualitative research with three main objectives, that are: 1. To study the origin and development of Pure Land Buddhism in Buddhist scriptures and in Vietnam, 2. To study the practical method of Pure Land Buddhism in modern society according to the Hoang Phap monastery in Vietnam and 3. To study the contributions of Pure Land Buddhism in modern society of the Hoang Phap monastery in Vietnam. The findings show how the Mahāyāna thought began in the early Buddhism and then when the Pure Land was found. That is a background of Pure Land to know to embrace of it in some countries, such as China and Japanese. General view of Pure Land in Vietnam that is when Buddhism was introduced into the country then how it had been grow up and adapted with local people life and cultures. The next object is a totally main objective in this research to study about the Hoang Phap monastery 4 in HCM city in Vietnam with its success of Pure Land practice method applying for modern society. This monastery, which the history of establishment, including the short history of the founded and present abbots. This study also mentions clearly the practical methods of Pure Land Buddhism in Hoang Phap monastery and how it works for organization the retreats, ceremonies and festival in perfectively. The daily practice of monks and lay peoples, also important period of the year is Vassa: three- month annual retreat for monks. Then, the contributions of Pure Land Buddhism in modern society of the Hoang Phap monastery in Vietnam, which is going to study the achievement and contribution of the monastery for the Buddhism and society in Vietnam, with specially, the contributions of Pure Land Buddhism and its influences. 5 Acknowledgement This thesis is submitted to Graduate School at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Buddhist Studies. I would like to express my profound appreciation to the Most Venerable Prof.Dr. Phra Brahmmapudit, Rector of the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University; to Venerable Assoc.Prof.Dr. Phramaha Hansa Dhammahaso, Director of International Buddhist Studies College, to Phramaha Somboon Vutthikaro, Dr., Dean of Graduate School and to all the lectures, teachers, Ajhan of the IBSC, who has been teaching, giving important advisements and supporting me during my study course. My sincere thanks go to Prof. Dr. Phra Rajapariyatkavi, Chairperson of the Thesis Supervisory Committee, for his significant advised compassion instructor, which patiently guiding, direct discussion and comments on written submissions. I would like to express my deep indebtedness and gratitude to Asst. Prof. Dr. Sanu Mahatthanadull, member of the Thesis Supervisory Committee, for his wholehearted to guide me carefully. He has full patiently to read my drafts and offered many insights, significant comments and gave advice for writing to correct mistakes in this thesis. I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to my deeply important Master, the Most Venerable Thích Chân Tính, the abbot of the Hoằng Pháp monastery, who was also my ordination Master, has been supporting and taking case for me from the date I became a monk. My heartfelt gratitude to the Most Venerable Thích Minh Thông, the Rector of Khánh Hoà Buddhist Institute, he has always supported and gave significant advices for me since I was met him. I am extremely grateful to the Saṅ gha of Hoằng Pháp monastery for their abnegation to support for me during my research. Lastly, I would like to have this opportunity for expressing my thankful to my family, Dharma friends and close friends, who had been believed and supported during my course, also my life. May the Tathāgatha bless all of you to have health, peace and great wisdom to be happy in your life. 6 Ven. Phan Tai Thuc December 25th, 2017 7 List of Abbreviations The following list of abbreviation and their expanded form refers to the name of the titles mentioned in reference below the entries. For details of titles, see Bibliography. BA Bachelor of Artsa BCE Before Common Era BE Buddhist Era CBETA Chinese Buddhist Electronic Text Association CE Common Era ed. Edited etc. et cetera/ and others HCMC Hồ Chí Minh city HPm Hoằng Pháp monastery Ibid. Ibiden/ in the same book MA Master of Arts MCU Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Op.cit opera citato/ as referred p. Page Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy tr. Translated Ven. Venerable ver. Version vol. Volume. 8 Table of Contents Page No Approval ................................................................................................... i Abstract …………………………………………………………….3 Acknowledgement ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. List of Abbreviations ................................................................................ 7 Table of Contents ...................................................................................... 8 Lists of Tables & Figures .................................................................... xxvi Chapter I: Introduction 1.1 Background and Significance of the Problems ................. 12 1.2 Objectives of the Research ................................................ 15 1.3 Statements of the Problems Desired to Know ................... 15 1.4 The Scope of Research ...................................................... 15 1.5 Definition of the Terms Used in the Research .................. 16 1.6 Review of the Related Literature and Research Words .... 17 1.7 Research Methodology ...................................................... 19 1.8 Advantages Expected to Obtain from the Research .......... 19 Chapter II: The Origin and Development of Pure Land Buddhism in Buddhist Scriptures and in Vietnam 2.1 The Historical background of Pure Land Buddhism in Buddhist Scriptures ............................................................ 10 2.1.1 The Beginning of Mahāyāna Buddhism Thought ...... 10 2.1.2 The Origin of Pure Land Buddhism ........................... 13 2.1.3 Pure Land Buddhism in some Countries .................... 18 9 2.2 The Origin and Development of Pure Land Buddhism in Vietnam .............................................................................. 26 2.2.1 Brief History of Vietnam Buddhism ........................... 26 2.2.2 Origin and Development of Pure Land Buddhism in Vietnam .................................................................... 31 2.2.3 The Practical Method of Pure Land from Beginning to Present Time ............................................................. 38 2.3 The Influence of Pure Land Buddhism in Vietnam........... 41 2.3.1 The Period from the beginning to 1428 CE ................ 41 2.3.2 The Period from 1428 to 1900 CE .............................. 43 2.3.3 From the Period 1900 CE to 2017 .............................. 44 Chapter III: The Practical Method of Pure Land Buddhism in Modern Society according to the Hoang Phap Monastery in Vietnam 3.1 History of Hoang Phap Monastery .................................... 48 3.1.1 Short History of the Founder ...................................... 51 3.1.2 Brief History of the Present Abbot ............................. 54 3.1.3 The Organization of Hoang Phap Monastery ............. 55 3.2 The Practical Methods of Pure Land Buddhism in Hoang Phap Monastery ................................................................. 61 3.2.1 Practical Method of Calm Sitting ............................... 61 3.2.2 Method Practical of Walking ...................................... 67 3.2.3 Method Practical of Working ..................................... 70 3.3 The Method of Buddhist Propagation to Society ................. 76 3.3.1 Dharma Talk ............................................................... 76 3.3.2 The Organization of Retreats ...................................... 79 10 3.3.3 The Organization of Ceremonies and Festivals .......... 85 3.3.4 The Production of Dharma Media .............................. 96 3.4 The Daily Practice in Hoang Phap Monastery ................... 101 3.4.1 The Daily Practice of Lay People ............................. 101 3.4.2 The Daily Practice of Monks .................................... 106 3.4.3 Three Rain Months Retreat (Vassavāsa) .................. 109 Chapter IV: The Contributions of Pure Land Buddhism in Modern Society