THE ANCIENT PATH IN THE MODERN WORLD: A DHUTANGA DIARY 2026
“Nature is our home, the Dhamma is our breath, and total renunciation is the gateway to liberation.”
Standing in the sacred breeze of Wat Asokaram (Thailand), looking at the 13 white pagodas of Phra Thutangka Chedi, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. These pagodas are not just stone and mortar; they are the living symbols of the 13 ascetic practices—the heart of the Buddha’s Dhutanga—preserved through the centuries by the Great Forest Masters.
The Golden Lineage of Truth
In an age of endless material temptation, the image of Venerable Thich Minh Tue walking in silent simplicity is a bell of mindfulness for all of humanity. He continues the noble roar of the “Forest Lions”: from the Great Ajahn Mun, to the profound wisdom of Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Lee. Their lives teach us one ultimate truth: Total renunciation leads to total liberation. To let go of everything is to gain the entire cosmos in a peaceful heart.
A Heart of Boundless Compassion
My journey was graced by a beautiful encounter with Venerable Pra Jatuphon Champangam (74 years old). Despite his global missions—including his upcoming Dhamma journey to the USA—his heart remains a sanctuary for Dhutanga practitioners.
He is more than a supporter; he is a guardian. When Thầy Minh Tuệ and the practitioners faced immense challenges navigating the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and India, it was Venerable Pra Jatuphon who provided unconditional protection. He cared for them with the selfless love of a father, famously saying: “I treat them as my own sons.” His noble heart shields the ancient path from the storms of the modern world, proving that the brotherhood of the Sangha knows no borders.
Stillness Under the Blue Sky
I am also deeply honored by the warm welcome of the Most Venerable Abbot, Phra Phawanavajrasuddhacharn (Samruan Punnayso). At 84 years of age and 60 Vassa, though he possesses a slender and humble ascetic frame (see the 4th photo), he radiates a profound inner strength and the serene wisdom of a lifetime dedicated to the Dhamma.
We shared a sacred night of meditation atop the Thutangka Chedi—a silence so profound that it transcended all languages.
A Vow of Renunciation
Dhutanga is the “Shield of Truth” for the modern era. It is the path that awakens humanity to return to nature, to the self, and to the present moment.
With a heart of humility and seeking, I offer my life to the Triple Gem. I vow to live deeply, to let go of the ego until the very end, so that the blue sky remains clear and the Buddha’s path is fulfilled through my every breath.
May all beings awaken. May the Dhamma flourish in every step.
Ven. Paññaguṇa (Tuệ Đức – Rừng Gọi) Surrendering to the Path, Trusting in the Dhamma.
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Photo Captions | Chú thích ảnh:
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Photos 1, 2 & 3: Sacred moments of Venerable Pra Jatuphon and Venerable Thich Minh Tue—a testament to the boundless compassion and the brotherhood of the Buddha sons. (Những khoảnh khắc thiêng liêng giữa Ngài Pra Jatuphon và Thầy Minh Tuệ — minh chứng cho lòng từ bi vô biên và tình huynh đệ của người con Bụt.)
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Photo 4: Ven. Paññaguṇa (Tuệ Đức – Rừng Gọi) with deep gratitude, receiving a Dhamma book personally written and gifted by the Most Venerable Abbot of Wat Asokaram. (Sư Tuệ Đức thành kính đón nhận cuốn sách Pháp bảo do chính tay Ngài Hòa thượng Trụ trì Chùa Asokaram biên soạn và trao tặng.)
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Photo 5: Ven. Paññaguṇa in atop the Phra Thutangka Chedi—the majestic complex of 13 stupas symbolizing the 13 ascetic practices and housing sacred relics. (Sư Tuệ Đức trên đỉnh Phra Thutangka Chedi — cụm 13 bảo tháp tôn thờ Xá lợi, biểu tượng cho 13 hạnh đầu đà cao quý.)
