Becoming a Bikkhu
While working for the An Nam Buddhist Studies Association, he had opportunities to study and understand the Mahayana doctrines in depth from Dr. Lê Đình Thám, and other dignitaries from Thừa thiên-Huế monasteries. He started to live in Tường Vân Temple, and actually practiced the monastic life there, just like other novices. Soon he decided to denounce the mundane life.
In 1946 he became the disciple of Most Venerable Trừng Thông Thích Tịnh Khiết, the First Patriarch of the United Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at Tường Vân Temple, Hạ I Village, Thủy Xuân Borough, Huế. His Dharma name was Tâm Trí. He spent many years serving and learning from his Master, doing monastic chores, and worked for the Association. Whatever he did, he was always punctual and dedicated. He was at the time a Dharma teacher, but also a novice practicing monastic life at the Temple. In due time he was allowed to take the major vows in 1949 (the Lunar Year of the Ox) at the Hộ Quốc Ceremony, Báo Quốc Temple, at which his own Master presided. He now was Bikkhu Thích Minh Châu, also called Viên Dung. After taking his major vows, he continued to work for the Association in Central An Nam, taught Buddhist Dharma at many other temples and associations, served as a guide to the youth in the Family of Buddhists, and contributed articles to Buddhist journals such as Viên Âm, Từ Quang, Liên Hoa…. In 1951 when the Association established its first Bồ Đề High School in Huế, he was assigned its Principal. In 1951 he became an official delegate at the Buddhist Conference held at Từ ĐàmTemple to unite the Buddhist Associations in three regions of Vietnam.(To be continued)
Source:
http://www.nguoiaolam.net/2012/09/hoa-thuong-thich-minh-chau-tieu-su-cong.html#.UEomRpHZKCk
