A Year in Our Life – 2024 Dong Hung English Language Sangha

New Years/ Bodhi Day Celebration 2025

Hahayana Retreats – Bringing Fun to Spiritual Practice:

In 2024, we embraced the spirit of mindfulness and community through a variety of retreats and gatherings designed to deepen our practice while fostering joy and connection.
• Lazy Day Retreats (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall):
Our four seasonal “Lazy Day Retreats” continued to be a highlight of the year. These special days invited us to set aside worries and fully immerse ourselves in mindful relaxation, meditation, and companionship. Each retreat reflected the beauty of the season, allowing us to reconnect with nature and ourselves.
• Mountain Cabin Retreat (June):
For the first time, we ventured into the Appalachian wilderness for a weekend of primitive cabin retreating. Activities included invigorating hikes along forest trails, shared meals prepared with loving care, group meditations, Buddhist games, thoughtful readings, and times of quiet. This rustic experience left participants feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected to both nature and the Dharma.

Mountain retreat hiking. 

• Beachside Meditation Retreat (August):
A new addition to our retreat offerings, the Beachside Meditation Retreat provided an opportunity to blend spiritual practice with the calming rhythms of the ocean. Participants gathered for sunrise and sunset meditations, mindful walks along the shore, and group discussions under the open sky. The retreat emphasized the themes of impermanence and renewal, inspired by the ever-changing waves.

Leaf Raking Day 2024

• Leaf Raking at the Temple (December):
In the spirit of giving, we supported the Monks by organizing a Temple grounds cleanup day. The joy of service was matched only by the joy of reward,  a Monk-approved pizza to end the day!

Learning Time and Services:

Educational Programs and Spiritual Offerings:
• Monthly Buddha Study Classes:
Held on the third Saturday of each month, these interactive sessions explored a variety of Buddhist teachings and practices. Rotating facilitators from our Sangha provided fresh perspectives, and participants enjoyed coffee, cookies, and thought-provoking discussions.
• Bi- Weekly Services kept our spiritual practice grounded throughout the year:
  • Sunday Morning Service (7:45–8:45 AM): Featuring chanting, silent meditation, and Dharma talks by Venerable Thay Thanh or Sangha members.
  • Wednesday Evening Service (7:00–8:30 PM): Combining chanting, meditation, and in-depth Dharma discussions to nourish the mind and spirit.
• Special Dharma Workshops:
In addition to our regular schedule, we hosted quarterly Dharma workshops that explored advanced Buddhist teachings, including the Eightfold Path, the Four Noble Truths, and meditation techniques for deep concentration. These workshops attracted participants from both our local community and nearby Sanghas.

Outreach Efforts – Spreading the Dharma:

• Food Drive for Southeastern Virginia Food Bank:
Our ongoing food drive entered its fifth year, continuing to provide vital support to local families in need. The generosity of our Sangha members ensured a steady flow of donations throughout the year.
• Buddhist Educational Talks:
We responded to invitations from schools, universities, and religious organizations to share the foundational principles of Buddhism. This year’s outreach included engagements at:
  Norfolk State University
  Norfolk Christian School

Sea View Unitarian Universalist Church
• Community Meditation Sessions:
To make meditation accessible to a wider audience, we partnered with local libraries and community centers to offer free introductory meditation sessions. These events introduced mindfulness practices to new audiences and encouraged more people to explore the benefits of meditation in daily life.

Thay Thanh at Norfolk Christian School

Other Happenings:
• Yin Yoga Classes:
A new addition this year, Yin Yoga classes were held every other Monday. These gentle, meditative sessions focused on deep stretching and mindfulness, offering participants a chance to balance body and mind.
• Tai Chi Classes (Yan 37 Postures):
Now in its third year, our Wednesday Tai Chi classes continued to attract both new and returning students. Focused on balance, fluidity, and inner harmony, these sessions complemented our meditative practices beautifully.

Seasonal Celebrations – Joyful Gatherings Throughout the Year:

January – New Year’s Day / Bodhi Day (Jan 1st):
We welcomed the New Year with a vegetarian potluck, combining the English Language and Vietnamese Sanghas for a joint celebration. The day included candlelight walking meditation, heartfelt sharing of food, and a ceremony honoring the Buddha’s Enlightenment.

Bodhi Day 2025 

May – Vesak:
Our Vesak celebration honored the Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinirvana. Over a weekend filled with chanting, festivity, and delicious homemade Vietnamese vegetarian dishes, we deepened our sense of gratitude for the Buddha’s life and teachings.

September – Ullambana:
In a heartfelt ceremony, Ullambana brought us together to honor our parents and ancestors. This meaningful event blended gratitude, remembrance, and celebration, reminding us of the interconnectedness of past and present.

October – Great Compassion Festival:
Dedicated to Quan Yin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, this festival focused on renewing our vows to cultivate compassion in our daily lives. Festive yet meditative, the event included chanting, offerings, and moments of reflection on the power of unconditional love and kindness.

Quan Yin Festival

November – Thanksgiving Feast:
Our annual Thanksgiving Feast began as a way to bring together those without family, but it has grown into a cherished tradition open to all. This year marked our 8th feast, where whole families joined us for food, fun, and gratitude.

Thanksgiving Potluck

December – Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa Celebration:
Continuing our tradition of inclusivity, we celebrated the holidays with those who might otherwise be alone. The gathering featured festive decorations, shared meals, and warm conversations, highlighting the universal spirit of giving and togetherness.

Winter Holidays Gathering, December 25, 2024

Looking Ahead:

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect with gratitude on a year filled with growth, connection, and learning. Our Sangha continues to be a source of support and inspiration, and we look forward to carrying this energy into the coming year. Whether through retreats, classes, celebrations, or acts of service, we remain committed to walking the path of mindfulness, compassion, and joy—together.

Thank you to everyone who made this year so meaningful. May we continue to grow in wisdom and kindness in 2025!