10/26/2025
Namo Shakyamuni Buddha
Dear Venerable Sangha and Dharma Friends,
Phat Bao Temple in Philadelphia is deeply joyful to announce the Fall 2025 Dharma Retreat, hosted by the Council for Dharma Propagation – Division of Buddhist Teaching of the Vietnamese Unified Buddhist Congregation of the United States, to be held at Phat Bao Temple, 6427 Large Street, Philadelphia, PA, on November 15 and 16, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday).
This retreat is a rare and precious opportunity for the Buddhist community to gather, study, and practice the true teachings of the Buddha in a spirit of harmony and devotion.
In the Aṅguttara Nikāya (Book of the Threes, Chapter on the Samaṇas), the Buddha taught:
“One should train in the higher virtue, train in the higher mind, and train in the higher wisdom.
Through these three trainings, greed is abandoned, hatred is abandoned, and delusion is abandoned.”
These words remind us that learning and practicing the Dharma is not merely beneficial it is essential. The cultivation of sīla (morality), samādhi (concentration), and paññā (wisdom) leads directly to the ending of suffering and the realization of liberation.
This year’s Fall Retreat will be especially meaningful, as it will be honored by the presence and teachings of distinguished Dharma Masters:
• Most Venerable Thich Nguyen Sieu – Deputy Secretary of the Council for Dharma Propagation and Head of the Division of Buddhist Teaching in the United States
• Most Venerable Thich Thai Hoa – Secretary-General of the Council for Dharma Propagation, Vietnamese Unified Buddhist Congregation
• Venerable Thich Chuc Dai – Member of the Division of Buddhist Teaching
• Venerable Thich Vien Ngo – Abbot of Dao Vien Monastery
• Venerable Thich Giac Gioi – Member of the Division of Buddhist Teaching and Abbot of Phat Bao Temple
Their compassionate presence and profound teachings are a rare blessing in this vast land of America, offering a unique chance to listen to the Dharma directly from venerable teachers of great virtue, wisdom, and experience.
Throughout these two full days of practice, participants will have the opportunity to engage in sacred sessions of chanting, Dharma talks, meditation, recitation, and group discussions, guided by our honored teachers. Phat Bao Temple will provide lodging and meals for practitioners traveling from afar, so that all may practice peacefully without worry.
For accommodation or general inquiries, please kindly contact the Organizing Committee by phone or text at (267) 524-9458, so that arrangements can be made with care and mindfulness.
May the Triple Gem bless everyone with good health, diligence, and joy in the Dharma. We look forward to welcoming all Dharma friends near and far to Phat Bao Temple to learn, practice, and cultivate wisdom and merit together.
Let us meet again at the Fall 2025 Dharma Retreat, to train in the higher virtue, higher mind, and higher wisdom abandoning greed, hatred, and delusion, drawing closer to Nirvana. With heartfelt wishes for your peace and steadfast Bodhi mind,
Namo Thuong Tinh Tan Bo Tat
Council for Dharma Propagation, Division of Buddhist Teaching, Vietnamese Unified Buddhist Congregation in the United States
Fall 2025 Retreat Organizing Committee
Venerable Thich Giac Gioi, Chief Organizer